KT Sullivan

In her recent music-making, KT Sullivan has paired herself with a number of fine fellow singers, such as Mark Nadler, Allan Harris and Michael Feinstein. Now KT has stepped out solo to present one of her loveliest shows ever: All The Things You Are, a tribute to the music of Jerome Kern, presented at The Algonquin’s Oak Room. This is a softer, simpler and centered KT, a maturing artist using her voice in a handsome lower register. Offering herself as “a vestal virgin embracing the flame of these old songs,” KT sang a generous program of Kern melodies adorned with the lyrics of such as Oscar Hammerstein II, Dorothy Fields, Otto Harbach, P.G. Wodehouse and Johnny Mercer. KT, respectful of the music yet with her irrepressible sense of fun peeking through, gave her audience all song, all music, thankfully minus the talky historic minutiae that often sinks such tributes. Musical director/pianist Tedd Firth, bassist Steve Doyle and reed player Andy Farber gave the songs a contemporary touch with gentle jazz coloring. Applause too, for the Oak Room’s resident sound and light director, Tim Flannery, and for director Eric Michael Gillett, who has been helping many a performer discover their best selves.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
September 23, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org