Review: Alexis Gershwin Keeps Gershwin Music Alive in GERSHWIN SINGS GERSHWIN

On Tuesday, March 22 Alexis Gershwin brought her cabaret show to the Catalina Jazz Club for one night only to a sold out audience. The show entitled Gershwin Sings Gershwin was a delightful evening of many of the priceless standards that have made George and Ira Gershwin two of the best composers of all time. Alexis is the niece of the brothers, so, as a member of the family, she knows a thing or two about their music and how to sing it. Petite and gracious, Alexis Gershwin captivates with her charm and wonderful phrasing. She really calls attention to the lyrics and makes you understand the meaning of a Gershwin tune. For a female singer past middle age, it is not always easy to hit the high notes with alacrity; we accept that and look for other attributes that make the performance worthy of attention. In Alexis' case, it's her delivery that consists of full, almost sensual whispers that are simultaneously attractive and effective in pulling you into the songs. When she sings "I've Got a Crush on You" almost every male member of the audience can feel her seduction, or in "A Foggy Day (in London town)" her expressive intonations truly set the ambiance and mood for the piece.

Coming in at about 65 minutes Gershwin Sings Gershwin was a treat not only for the presence of Alexis, but for three great backup singers: Sarah Brandon, soprano; Will North, tenor, and Kara Shaw, alto. They provided fantastic harmony in many of the numbers and had a medley to themselves which included: North on "I've Got Beginner's Luck"; Brandon on "Shall We Dance" (not the tune from The King and I - that was Rodgers and Hammerstein - but a more unfamiliar one), and Shaw performing "Who Cares?" This was a lovely set that allowed the talents of all three singers to shine.

Behind them and Alexis were terrific musicians: Steve Rawlins at the piano, Randy Landis on bass, Bob Leatherbarrow on drums, and Rusty Higgins on saxophone. They provided a sensationally rhythmic combo throughout, with Higgins standing out on solo sax in a few numbers, like "How Long Has This Been Going On" and "Long Ago and Far Away". Wonderful Steve Applegate served as musical director.

Alexis' highlights included "The Man I Love", "Embraceable You", "Naughty Baby" with Brandon and Shaw, all wearing colorful boas, "Our Love Is Here to Stay", the last song George and Ira wrote together, and the gorgeous "Someone to Watch Over Me". It was great to hear lesser known tunes like "Soon" and "For You, For Me, Forevermore" among the all-time hits. The finale put all four singers together center stage on "I Got Rhythm".

This was a truly memorable evening of Gershwin songs, and I felt I had to personally thank Alexis Gershwin for keeping this one.of.a.kind beautiful music alive. Thanks to her artistry and perseverance, young people will get to know the songs of George and Ira Gershwin. My only regret was that she did not tell any stories or little funny anecdotes about her family in between songs. But, as she performs rather frequently, she has most likely been there and done that, and this time wished to concentrate on just the music. For that, we must be grateful!

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