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A Special Tribute to that fabulous performer, Mabel Mercer, by Joyce Breach, a great current performer. (from the left: Linda Amiel Burns, NYSMS President; Donald Smith, Executive Director of The Mabel Mercer Foundation; pianist Tex Arnold; and Joyce Breach.) (Photo courtesy of Stan Gottfried)
Joyce Breach with Tex Arnold, piano by Jerry Laird The first time I heard Joyce Breach sing was at the Cabaret Convention a few years ago. The song was "I Know Why", (from Sun Valley Serenade, 1942, Warren & Gordon) and I was hooked. I thought she was simply wonderful then, and if it's possible, she's better now...more than just simply wonderful. In her tribute to Mabel Mercer she points out a few things that not only apply to Mable's performances, but to hers as well: first, neither gets in the way of the song. The song speaks for itself. Also, neither sings "just old songs." They choose "GOOD" songs. Joyce also remembers one of the first rules of Cabaret: you can do a tribute to someone without trying to imitate that person's singing style. You do it "your way". Another thing Joyce and Mabel have in common is crystal clear enunciation. The lyrics tell the story...and every word is heard. Program 1. On the First Warm Day in May (Bart Howard, 1956) 2. Fly Me to the Moon (BH, first published as "In Other Words,", 1954) 3. Isn't He Adorable? (Cy Coleman/Joseph McCarthy, 1960) 4. Good Morning, Heartache (Ervin Drake/Dan Fisher/Irene Higginbotham, 1946) 5. Carry Me Back to Old Manhattan (George Cory/Douglas Cross/Peter Windsor, 1955) 6. If You Leave Paris (BH/Ian Grant, 1956) 7. It was Worth It (BH, 1956) 8. Look at Him (Bob Merrill, from "New Girl in Town",, 1957) 9. From This Moment On (Cole Porter, film: Kiss Me Kate, 1953...deleted from musical "Out of This World" 1950) 10. Young and Foolish (Alert Hague/Arnold B. Horwitz, from "Plain and Fancy," 1954) 11. Walk Up (BH, 1956) 12. Sweet Talk (CC/Floyd Huddleston, 1964) 13. These Foolish Things (Jack, Strachey & Harry Link, Eric Manschwitz, 1935)
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