Betty Buckley: Story Songs

Steve Murray | October 24, 2016

Betty Buckley

Story Songs

Feinstein’s at the Nikko, San Francisco, CA, October 21, 2016

Reviewed by Steve Murray for Cabaret Scenes

Betty Buckley

Betty Buckley has the accolades and storied career in film, stage, television and recording that few can match—a Tony Award-winning, Emmy-nominated actress, Olivier nominee and a 2012 inductee into the Theater Hall of Fame. Nearing 70, Buckley is still going strong, recently appearing in an L.A. engagement of Grey Gardens and a cameo role in M. Night Shyamalan’s new movie Split, in addition to her critically acclaimed concert appearances.

In Story Songs, Buckley does what she does best—supporting contemporary musical theater songwriters, deliver exquisite interpretations of smartly chosen songs, all the while transporting her audience to a transcendent, ethereal space. Three numbers by Tony winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Bridges of Madison County, The Last Five Years) were set standouts: her sublime take on “All Things in Time,” the stifled prophetess of “Cassandra,” and the inquisitive suitor from “Another Life.” Brown’s rhythmically challenging style fits well with Buckley’s dynamic storytelling. She and Christian Jacob shine on Emmylou Harris’ “Open Prayer in D” and a surprising cover of alt-rock Radiohead’s “High and Dry” (Colin Charles/Johnny Greenwood/Edward Jhn O’Brie/Jonathan Richard Guy/Philip James Selway/Thomas Edward Yorke).

Pianist/arranger/composer Jacob provides the perfect atmosphere for Buckley’s voice to soar and is given the opportunity to solo of the theme he composed for Clint Eastwood’s new film Sully. A longtime member of the Tierney Sutton Band, Jacob is one of the finest accompanists around and the two create the complementary magic that comprises this show.

Songwriter Joe Iconis (Smash) wrote the comic “Old Flame” specifically for Buckley—a fantasy about the murder of an old flame gone wrong. It’s a delightful balance to Buckley’s emotionally concentrated mini-dramatic vignettes. A lovely and poignant “September Song” (Kurt Weill/Maxwell Anderson) segued into Peter Gabriel’s pleas for hope and encouragement through dire times in “Don’t Give Up.”

I love everything about a Buckley performance: the way she builds steadily in power and assurance as the set progresses; the way she pulls back on her hand-held mic when she raises her tone; the intelligent range of her musical choices; and, most of all, the depths of emotions she can effortlessly create. An old New Age friend once told me, “When the guru is in town, don’t miss it.” I use that sage advice regarding Betty Buckley.

Tags: All Things in Time, American Songbook, Another Life, Betty Buckley, Broadway, Broadway Musicals, Cabaret, Cabaret Reviews, Cabaret Scenes, Cassandra, CD, Christian Jacob, Clint Eastwood, Clubs, Colin Charles, Composers, Don’t Give Up, Edward John O’Brien, Emmy Lou Harris, Feinstein's at the Nikko, Great American Songbook, Greenwood, Grey Gardens, High and Dry, Jason Robert Brown, Jazz, Jazz Singers, Jazz Vocalists, Joe Iconis, Johnny Greenwood, Jonathan Richard Guy, Kurt Weill, lyricists, M. Night Shyamalan, Maxwell Anderson, Musicals, Musicians, Nightclubs, Old Flame, Olivier, Open Prayer in D, Parade, Peter Gabriel, Philip James Selway, Popular Song, Radiohead, Revues, San Francisco, September Song, Show Tunes, Singers, smash, Songbook, Split, Standards, Steve Murray, Sully, Supper Clubs, The Bridges of Madison County, The Last Five Years, Theater Hall of Fame, Thomas Edward Yorke, Tierney Sutton Band, Tony Award, Venues, Vocalists