Meg Flather: Carly & Me
Meg Flather
Carly & Me
Don’t Tell Mama, NYC, July 31, 2016
Reviewed by Alix Cohen for Cabaret Scenes
Meg Flather’s voice has grown even more open, warm, and illusively effortless. Her vocal sails over us like a bird in flight for “Let the River Run.” Range and approach fit the Carly Simon material. The performer is engaging, appealing, and often amusing with related personal stories.
Flather felt an affinity for Simon long before she herself took to the stage. Unfortunately, the & Me approach is not, but for the single eclectic selection “Voulez-Vous Danser” (from 1993’s Romulus Hunt: A Family Opera), a reflection of her relationship to the presented material. Instead, and this is implied not specified, the show seems to indicate that Simon influenced the vocalist’s own songwriting. There are five original compositions included, none of which hold up against the work of the tribute subject. Entertaining anecdotes, which must be innumerable, are, except for one gem, eschewed for the statistics of Simon’s success.
When she talks about herself, or interjects a comment about lyrics, Flather volubly shares. Otherwise, and this feels completely out of character, she doesn’t look at the audience.
But for “My New Boyfriend,” amusingly executed as disco/pop, and “Mockingbird,” which evokes infectious dancing, she also seems physically withheld.
Arrangements feel spare.
After Portraits, Flather’s last terrific effort, I admit to being disappointed.
M.D./pianist Paul Greenwood and John Mettam on guitar/drums add amiable vocal back-up.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews, Regional
