Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano: "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" at The Metropolitan Room
Photo by David Goldman
Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano: “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes” At The Metropoitan Room Reviewed by David Roberts and Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
The return of Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano to the Metropolitan Room with their new show “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes,” affords New York audiences a chance to embrace the remarkable collaboration of two seasoned performers who have stood the test of time and have become an important thread in the vibrant tapestry of the cabaret scene. They are an integral part of delivering The American Songbook, earnestly committed to honest interpretation and unique phrasing that enhances the music while personalizing the lyric. As solo artists they have distinctive qualities that attribute to their success. Together they merge, sharing their style and musical prowess to create entertaining duets that sustain the original compositions. Mr. Comstock has an unparalleled pure tonal quality and perfect annunciation which respects the lyric and allows you to wallow in the melody and appreciate the accompaniment. Ms. Fasano has a theatrical flair when approaching the material that takes the audience on an emotional journey with taunting expressions and a sexy, sultry timber similar to the great caberet divas of the past.
The evening escalates to a new level by the incredible dexterity and musical translation of Sean Smith on bass. This third voice adds intrigue, interest and texture to an already delightful evening and perpetuates the essence of jazz performance. This show induces a comfort and professionalism that should be inherent of intimate venues but is so often absent. The erudite conversation is not indulgent nor intrusive, but informative, sometimes comical and always intelligent and personal. As always there are imperfections that could be addressed. At times Mr. Comstock could be less technical and more emotional and Ms. Fasano sometimes needs to connect more subtly to the music and downplay the theatric. That put aside, this duo manages to become your friend in a mere ninety minutes, luring you into their musical escapades and inviting you to discover familiar lyrics with a different heart. Go to the Metropolitan Room for a short escape. Forget your troubles, possibly ignite a sentimental memory and immerse yourself in the sweet sound and rapture of some great pop/jazz cabaret standards.
Eric Comstock’s solo performances of “You’re A Lucky Guy” (Saul Chaplin/Sammy Cahn) and “Shiver Me Timbers” (Tom Waits) attest to his ability to skillfully maneuver through any musical genre. Mr. Comstock’s clear and controlled voice in “The Great Come-And-Get-It Day” (Burton Lane/Yip Harburg) proves his claim that “the afterlife is something like this.” In her “dark night of the soul” pairing, Barbara Fasano gives fresh meaning to the lyrics of “I’m The Girl” (James Shelton) and “I Could Have Told You” (James Van Heusen/Carl Sigman). And her powerful rendition of Jimmy Webb’s “Time Flies” is a clear confirmation of the importance of “constantly learning the lessons of the moment.” The couple’s duet performances of “Let’s Get Lost” (Jimmy McHugh/Frank Loesser), “Here’s to Us” (Cy Coleman/Carolyn Leigh), and “Don’t Ever Leave Me” (Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II) demonstrate the beauty and virtue of synchronicity and collaboration. Don’t ever leave us, Eric and Barbara.
These standards in “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes” are shared in the context of our human need for “a shaman, a primal camp fire, a tribe/nation” that we can call our own and find safety and comfort in. Comstock and Fasano are the audience’s shaman and their songs provide the primal camp fire whose warmth and comfort bind our tribe/nation together and send us safely back into the world.
ERIC COMSTOCK AND BARBARA FASANO: THE NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND EYES
Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano appear at The Metropolitan Room on the following schedule: Thursday October 18 at 9:30 p.m., Friday October 19 at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday October 20 at 9:30 p.m. Doors open 45 minutes prior to performances. The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street in Manhattan. There is a $25.00 per person Music Charge and a Two Drink Minimum with a $5.00 discount for MAC/Industry Members. For further information visit http://metropolitanroom.com/
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Thursday, October 18, 2012
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