Steve Ross: The Song Is You
Steve Ross
The Song Is You
Birdland, New York, November 21, 2016
Reviewed by Ron Forman for Cabaret Scenes
Steve Ross
Photo: Stacy Sullivan
Steve Ross is the last of a breed. As soon as he steps on the stage you are instantly transported to an era of style and urbane sophistication. Looking elegant in a velvet jacket previously worn by Noël Coward, Ross entered the Birdland stage singing the show’s title song, “The Song Is You.” In what was truly a tour de force, Ross performed 34 songs dealing with “Me” and “You.” He jokingly remarked, “I’m being paid by the word,” which, if true, would have made him a wealthy man, as I have never heard so many words sung so smoothly and flawlessly as Ross did in this 80-minute show. He interrupted his singing twice for a list of funny song titles and then an even funnier reading of personal ads from the classified sections of London newspapers. His work on piano, as always, was a joy to listen to.
With a song list that was put together so thoughtfully and meticulously, I can only comment on some of his more memorable performances: A beautifully soft and poignant “It Never Was You”; the medley of “Two for the Road” and “99 Miles from L.A.” with Ross’ great work on piano driving the second number. As his favorite composer is Cole Porter, a five-song medley of Porter songs beginning with “You’re All the World to Me” and ending with “You’re the Top” was de-lightful and de-lovely. Later in the show, after summarizing the plot of Porter’s Out of This World, Ross’ performance of “They Couldn’t Compare to You” was hilarious. His closing number, “Let Yourself Go,” had a slow and deliberate vocal backed by his frantic Gershwinesque piano playing. The encore medley began with a very touching “On My Way to You” and ended with a particularly beautiful “All the Things You Are.”
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews, Regional
