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I had the pleasure, no strike that. I had the honor to share an experience titled The Swell Show at Club Barre at Vermont, in Los Feliz. Simply put, The Swell Show is delicious, magical perfection starring Cortes Alexander (of The Tonics, and Liza's at the Palace). Upon arriving at the venue, which is well known for its warm and wonderful staff, fine menu choices and generous drinks, it became clear that the word was out: Cortes Alexander was finally performing on his own. This show was far too long in the making, and judging by the who’s who in the packed audience, I was not alone in that assessment. For the record, every person in the room (including the staff) stood and cheered at the end of the evening, for a length of time that was both remarkable and well deserved.
From the opening strains of the overture, a bright jazz waltz, all the way through to and including the final piece (a reimagined Kaye Thompson classic, the cleverness of which defies description), the show featured a set list covering an enormous range, both musically and emotionally. Every note was infused with the kind of joy and abandon you only get when someone truly inhabits every note whether sung, spoken or suggested.
The set list included some well known fare like "Pure Imagination" (Bricusse and Newley), "How High the Moon" (Hamilton and Lewis) and "You Are My Sunshine" (Davis and Mitchell), each performed in fresh and exciting arrangements that perfectly illustrate why they are such enduring classics. There were also
lesser- known songs, and in one very moving case, an original piece, as well. Additionally, we were treated to the rarely performed Spanish language "Al Otro Lado del Rio" (Oscar winning song from Motorcycle Diaries). In fact, The Swell Show is filled with Oscar-winning and Grammy-recognized songs sung by one of the most versatile and charismatic performers you are likely to find. Some of the unexpected musical turns helped to make the evening exciting. Cortes seems to have a soft spot for some oft- ignored time signatures, which, like good comedy, seem to work best in threes. For those of you well versed in the intricacies of meter, we were treated to jazz waltz, 6/8, and one piece I’m sure had a section in 12.
Cortes is joined on stage by “The Swell Girls.” By name, they are Melissa Bailey and Jennifer Rappo, and they provide just the right balance of vocal harmony, playful encouragement and eye candy. Each of these ladies is a powerful performer in her own right, and together with Cortes, they give the impression of being three good friends who just happen to be singing, swinging and zinging with each other. At one point, mid-show, when Cortes left the stage for a “costume change,” Bailey and Rappo treated us to a powerhouse duet that further highlighted what this show has in spades: talent. Of course, it would be hard for any musical performance to go awry under the meticulous musical direction of Ross Kalling, who has delivered spot-on musical balance and order, within a set that simply flows with organic ease. It’s the kind of ease that (ironically) only comes from hard work and intense, meticulous rehearsal.
Peppered throughout the show, are the inevitable tales of Cortes’ long-standing friendship with the legendary Liza Minnelli. And while her name is mentioned, and the tales are told, you always feel that there is an admiration, love and respect for someone who has clearly been a mentor, friend and confidant. There is no gratuitous name-dropping. Names are mentioned, but rather than being dropped, they are held up with great joy and wonderment. The visuals Cortes conjures up in describing a ride in Liza’s limo, or meeting Kaye Thompson for the first time, are hysterically funny and filled with the excitement of someone who is living life to the fullest. I’ve come to imagine some of the exuberance felt that night was Cortes as some rare and precious champagne, with his innate musicality and joie de vivre as the bubbles finally freed from their bottle at just the right moment.
The Swell Show’s Recipe? 1 part grown-up child prodigy (include child-like wonder and charm), 2 parts Kaye Thompson, a dash of Liza, equal parts peerless musicality and joy. Then add the most satisfying group of musicians, along with 2 spicy, amusing and standout back up singers, and you have a recipe that is a sure winner.
The Swell Show resumes its Los Angeles run January 10 and 17, at The Coterie in the Hollywood Renaissance. For tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/216332
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