Listen to me sing!Cabaret Audio Clips, Part I
Cabaret Audio Clips, Part II
The Great American Songbook that is associated with cabaret performance is neither an actual songbook, nor entirely American. While difficult to describe well in just a few words, I would call it an American collection of the most influential and popular songs of the century just past.
The canon, however, grows by the day. I have performed covers of songs popularized by groups that include Natalie Merchant and the 10,000 Maniacs, Plain White T's, and Snow Patrol. Pop artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, and Norah Jones have all covered American Songbook classics.
While the material of the Great American Songbook derives principally from Broadway, much of it reflects the influence of the jazz world. That being said, these Broadway tunes took on a life of their own beyond the confines of Times Square and Greenwich Village. Cabaret has been performed in every state and all over the world.
We cabaret afficionados never tire of hearing the same songs, because every performer and arrangement is unique. I hope you will enjoy listening to some of my audio clips. If you already know the songs, ask yourself what you think of my choices. Listen for the styles. Pay attention to the arrangements. Reflect for a moment, and you'll understand why my cabaret friends and I would choose an open mic, with all of its risks, over the safety of a karaoke bar, any day. Enjoy!