Marilyn Maye at Feinstein's at the Regency

Today, Feinstein's at the Regency announced its fall schedule (which, by the way, is an embarrassment of riches).  I was thrilled to see Marilyn Maye back on the bill in November! 

Last Friday night, I was treated to Marilyn's late show at Feinstein's, along with Kevin Daly and Byrne Harrison.   It's the way to live right - great music and great friends - and Feinstein's always delivers.  Marilyn Maye always delivers too. 

Marilyn has a policy of performing upbeat songs and loves to include medleys of songs that sort of go together about being young, or rainbows, or love.  She will make you feel great with standards like "Young at Heart," "You Make Me Feel So Young," some Fats Waller tunes including "Honeysuckle Rose," and a set Johnny Mercer songs in memoriam to the late great cabaret singer and her friend Margaret Whiting.  She included a medley of Lerner and Lowe songs from My Fair Lady which were absolutely to die for, especially "Wouldn't It Be Loverly."  Finally, and thankfully, she included her wonderful rendition of "I'm Still Here" from Sondheim Follies which he had first witnessed at her Carnegie Hall debut at the NY Pops Sondheim celebration earlier this year.  

She encored with a thrilling medly of Jerry Herman songs, that included high kicks on "It's Today."   You haven't lived until you see such a broad in glitter pants, an octogenarian at that, do high kicks emphasized with cymbal bangs from her drummer of around 50 years, Jim Eklof.  

Joining Eklof in Marilyn's trio were Tedd Firth on piano and Tom Hubbard on bass.   Firth adds to the fun with sarcastic comments from his bench and some mean jazz piano playing.

It's impossible not to feel upbeat when you're listening or with Marilyn - I don't think I stopped smiling for hours and my hands hurt from all of the applause.   I've been a fan of Marilyn's for just over a year and I always want to say to her, "Where have you been all my life?"




Kevin D., Marilyn, Sarah B. in the Green Room