If there can be such a thing as a perfect cabaret, vocalist Renee Katz created it in her debut at 54 Below with an album release celebration of Renee Katz Sings Irving Berlin: Lost In His Arms. The multiple MAC and BroadwayWorld Award-nominated cabaret artist, who has often been compared to the late Barbara Cook, has never been in better voice, and her choice to keep narrative to a minimum put the spotlight on that beautiful instrument and the deeply evocative interpretations of the stories the lyrics had to tell, all delivered with immense heart.
The program combined Berlin’s well-known standards with a special focus on his earlier work as well as rare gems—and that was a particular pleasure to experience in concert. The set was a look into the songwriting evolution of this master, who lived to be 101 and whose first published song was “Marie from Sunny Italy” in 1907, and his last, “An Old-Fashioned Wedding” in 1966. And more than this, the program was deeply personal: Katz illuminated Berlin’s Jewish heritage and his evolution from Russian immigrant to proud American, drawing comparisons to her beloved late father, Isadore Katz, a Holocaust survivor who, like Irving Berlin, felt deep gratitude to America and the American Dream.
The musicians of Lost In His Arms were stellar: the pianism of Christopher Marlowe, who famously collaborated with Nancy LaMott, offered vibrant, gorgeous arrangements; bassist Ritt Henn also played ukulele and contributed vocals; and Rex Benincasa mastered the drum kit. The concert was directed by multi-award winning cabaret artist Jeff Harnar, who made a special guest appearance.
