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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (May 1, 1990)
Vocal pyrotechnics f r j T T n ] THE WORDS MOTIVATE.THE MUSIC CAPTIVATES “A MAJOR NEW VOICE” - Musician Magazine Her voice is a charm, all rich and warm in the lower registers, sharp and clear in the upper, and her diction is near perfect. SHAWN COLVIN B SATURDAY JUNE 9-8:30 PrvdmcCtf»? followed the Chorus’ initial offering with two effectively presented numbers: “Mood Indigo” and Fats Waller’s “Handful of Keys.” hree «time Grammy award winner Diane The Chorus as a whole was not as effective in Schuur appeared with the Portland Gay Men's Chorus on Saturday, April 14 at the capturing Waller’s spirit in “This Joint is Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. By the end Jumpin''. As a result the joint didn’t jump, bounce or even hop up and down. It did sway of the concert Schuur convincingly had dem a little bit. The effort (?) to get the Chorus onstrated why the Grammy’s ought to retire members on stage to move about,'presumably that award permanently in her name and find to get the feel of the music, seemed forced some other award for everyone else. and somewhat stilted. Let’s face it: Dr. Tantalus and faithful After intermission, Schuur returned and sidekick, critic Nurse Counsuelo, have rolled everybody’s socks (or pantyhose, as praised Schuur’s talent in this column on two she noted) back down their legs. Kicking it previous occasions and it’s not going to be off with a hot version of “I Can’t Believe that any different this time around. You’re in Love with Me”. Schuur accelerated Her voice is a charm, all rich and warm in the pace with a razor sharp cover of Gersh the lower registers, sharp and clear in the win’s “Easy to Love.” With its odd melodic upper, and her diction is near perfect. When it jumps the latter can be a minefield for the isn’t, it’s clearly intentional. To this display unlucky singer, but these difficulties were of musicianship add a large vocal range, an handled with the same “Look Ma—no hands” quality that imbued the rest of her perform ance. But Deedles is more than a jazz automa ton or a repository of mere (albeit incredible) technique. Her stage presence is that of a long time friend, a close confidante, or the next door neighbor with a three octave range. She gives every indication of having somehow just arrived on stage as if by accident, and seems genuinely surprised that there is an audience that appears to adore her. ability to scat comparable to jazz legends, Her soulfulness emerged on numbers such vocal asides worthy of Ray Charles at his as Sammy Kahn’s ‘Teach Me Tonight” and seductive best, and exquisite phrasing. Dr. Tantalus was prepared to put these the unscheduled “Black Coffee,” a tribute to magnificent talents in perspective for the the late Sarah Vaughn. The catch in Schuur’s evening’s performance, but once she opened voice as she announced the song was no mere her mouth and began to sing all those stage contrivance, but as the soft drink objective intentions short circuited as makers tell us, the real thing. She followed it “Deedles” unleashed her considerable array with another unscheduled number, "Life of vocal pyrotechnics. Goes On,” which she said she wrote with her Schuur appeared at the conclusion of the father at the age of 16. It was a touching and first half of the concert as cardboard cut-outs insightful piece about a woman who has had of her image descended from above the stage. to overcome obstacles—Schuur is blind—but Only now Schuur will have to get new cut out has sought to keep up the fight. likenesses to reflect her new svelte look (she Her set concluded with Billy Joel’s “New admitted to having lost 107 lbs.) and blonde York State of Mind” and a raunchy version of hair. "Hard Drivin’ Mama H,” in which she Starting with “I’m Beginning to See the delighted the apparently sex-starved crowd Light” Schuur and the Chorus also turned in with her equation of cars and sex. It’s one of stunning versions of “Summertime” and Ray the Doctor’s favorites. Charles’ “Talkin’ ‘Bout You." Tastefully The Chorus rejoined her for three songs at backed throughout most of the evening by the the evening’s conclusion: “Bob White,” Ron Steen Trio and occasionally by saxo “Someday We’ll all be Free” and “Deedles phonist Patrick Lamb, her voice cut through Blues.” Jumping ahead on the program these numbers like a hot knife through butter. Schuur apologized for “not being able to see The evening began with the Chorus the page through these damn glasses.” It’s performing their versions of old favorites: okay Deedles; 14 eyes couldn’t help someone “Lullaby on Broadway,” “In the Mood,” and take your place. an a cappella rendition of “My Funny Of the two encores, “Somewhere Over the Valentine.” Worth particular mention was Rainbow”, in all its cliched majesty, was conductor David York’s ability to obtain somehow transformed back to that beautiful good phrasing on “Valentine,” a song with song that Judy Garland used to sing. Nurse lyrics easily mushed and one the Chorus Consuelo just about shed some tears for those could have taken for granted given previous little bluebirds, too. (good) performances of this piece. Those wishing to explore Schuur’s career Also in evidence during the concert was on records and discs are urged to consider her sophisticated lighting and some first class recording with Count Basie Orchestra—the stage presentation. For the evening’s second recording that best captures her “live” half, a club-like atmosphere was created on sound—as well as her last release, ‘Talkin’ stage around Schuur, complete with neon ‘Bout You.” They both have been talked up signs and waiters serving tables. here before, and it is a pleasure to be able to Cascade, the “group-within-a-group” do so again. Y BY COWBOY JUNKIES T + S p e a a l Guest j Q W n e s y a n ¿ a n i l t I JUNE 12-TW O SHOWS 7&10PM . % - 5111 NE Fremont Portland. OR 97213 288-1130 Pre-Planning is the Key to your final arrangements. Cremation is the dignified, uncomplicated alternative to a “traditional” funeral. By pre-planning with The Heritage Society, you’ll be assured that your wishes are specifically carried out. 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