BWW Reviews: Mary Testa and Michael Starobin's HAVE FAITH is Eccentric, Intellectual, and Wondrously Stimulating

Early last month, I published my rave review of Mary Testa and Michael Starobin's album HAVE FAITH, released by Ghostlight Records. Last night, I attended their thrilling opening performance of Have Faith, their series of CD release concerts at The Laurie Beechman Theater. Entering the quaint venue, I was fairly positive that a live performance of the album would be just as electrifying, if not more so, than the recorded tracks, and I'm ecstatic to report that Testa, Starobin, and cellist Alisa Horn absolutely exceeded my expectations and blew me away with their superb performances.

If you haven't had the chance to hear HAVE FAITH yet, I ask that you understand that the album is an experience. And, I mean that in the best of possible ways. It's a mind-bending, genre-defying musical event. The tracks blend together and flow seamlessly into one another. Live, this doesn't occur with the frequency that it does on the disc, and that's okay. By adding in the breaks, Musical Director, Arranger, and accompanist Starobin allows Testa opportunities to interact with the audience. She explains the inspiration for their selecting certain songs, talks about the history that she and Starobin share, and more. Naturally, Testa shares a portion of her soul and being with us every time she opens her mouth to sing, but in the moments where she speaks to us, she lets us in and allows us to know Mary Testa the person. We see how her own creativity works, how her genius expertly pairs with that of Starobin's brilliance, and we leave the concert feeling that much more akin to three spectacular human beings.

Vocally, Testa is a true powerhouse. Simply put, Testa knows the staggering power of her opulent instrument, and she is unafraid to use it. Like the album, she opens the concert with "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries" (Ray Henderson/Lew Brown). From the first number, through "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen) and the encore "Heaven" (Michael John LaChiusa), she blows audiences away with her unique timbre and devastatingly impressive vocal control. She contorts her instrument, flipping between chest voice, head voice, and her superb belt that radiates with vigor from her diaphragm. My favorite thing about Testa as a vocalist is that absolutely no one sings like her. There is a mysterious grandiosity to her timbre, made all the more compelling by its rich depths and soaring heights. In a way, her vocal performances come to life with a tangible "I don't give a f**k what you think" bravado. Yet, there is no denying that she is a master vocalist. Any amateur attempting to do what she does would blow out her voice and be unable to speak let alone sing after a handful of songs sung in Testa's signature style. There is just no denying that Testa is a truly gifted performer.

Starobin's programming for the album makes its way into the concert and is fleshed out by his skillful tinkling on the keys of the piano. A true standout moment is when he grabs a tuba and parades with hip swiveling flourishes to accompany Testa on her cover of Aerosmith's "Pink" (Steven Tyler/Richie Supa/Glen Ballard). Additionally, Horn plays the cello with emotional clarity and vivacity, adding another rich layer of sound and texture to the performances. Sharing the stage with two accomplished and lauded musicians, she fits right in and showcases her captivating prowess.

Testa and Starobin's Have Faith concert makes for a remarkable evening of truly incredible music. The performance is eccentric, intellectual, and wondrously stimulating. Have Faith will be performed at The Laurie Beechman Theater at The West Bank Café , 407 West 42nd Street, New York City, New York 10036 on January 5, 11, and 12 at 7:00 p.m. As the concerts are in support of the album being released, signed copies of the record are available for purchase at the performances. For tickets to and more information about these performances please visit http://www.westbankcafe.com/beechman_theatre.html or call (212) 695-6909.

You can also catch Testa and Starobin for their Live at Barnes & Noble Performance and CD Signing on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Upper East Side Barnes & Noble located at 150 East 86th Street, New York City, New York, 10028.

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