Karen Mason And All That Jazz! (Zevely Records and King Kozmo Music, a division of the Jazzheads Music Group).
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Karen Mason And All That Jazz! is a chamber piece experience that pays much-needed homage to the genius of the legendary songwriting duo John Kander and Fred Ebb and their philosophy of life, which is to be lived and not just observed. With a golden voice, Mason breathes fresh life into both beloved and hidden Kander and Ebb gems. And it’s not just any accompaniment – Christopher Denny’s piano accompaniment replaces the usual orchestrations and creates an intimate atmosphere (the arrangements are by Denny and Barry Kleinbort).
Kicking off with the electrifying ‘All That Jazz’ (Chicago), the album instantly sets a dazzling tone that flows seamlessly into a medley of ‘Wilkommen’ (Cabaret) and ‘The Life of the Party’ (The Happy Time), each delivered with Mason’s unmistakable flair. Other highlights are Kander and Ebb’s ‘My Coloring Book’ (recorded as a single by Barbra Streisand), tugging at the heartstrings thanks to Mason’s sensitivity, and ‘Go Back Home’ (The Scottsboro Boys), the delivery of which makes for an emotional tour de force.
Mason infuses her signature style into playful, yet quieter, renditions of Liza Minnelli’s special material such as ‘I’m One of the Smart Ones’ (from the unproduced musical Golden Gate), ‘Maybe This Time’ (later incorporated into the movie version of Cabaret), the classic ‘Ring Them Bells’ (Liza with a Z) and ‘Colored Lights’ (The Rink), capturing each number’s every nuance, blending vulnerability and strength into perfect harmony.
Celebrating iconic cities, Mason delivers a spirited medley of ‘New York, New York’ (New York, New York) and ‘All I Need is One Good Break’ (Flora the Red Menace). The darker medley of ‘Married’ (Cabaret) and ‘Sorry I Asked’ adds depth while ‘But the World Goes ’Round’ (New York, New York) brings back a dose of optimism with a triumphant flourish.
The haunting ‘Love and Love Alone’ (The Visit), which I had the special treat of seeing her perform at Birdland Jazz Club right in front of the great Chita Rivera in 2023, and her very personal version of the title song from Cabaret, with new autobiographical lyrics in the interlude, showcase Mason’s extraordinary ability to convey deep feeling, as shown again in the album’s touching wrap up number, ‘A Quiet Thing’ (Flora the Red Menace), leaving listeners in awe.
Mason’s unwavering admiration for Kander and Ebb’s legacy shines through every note, making Karen Mason And All That Jazz! an absolute must-have for musical theatre enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates sheer vocal brilliance. We can only hope for a London visit!
Patrick Honoré
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