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Written by Mario Carrington
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Tuesday, 10 February 2009 |
 Ann Hampton Callaway © Andrea Canter Insouciant. Nonchalant. Cool. Collected. Copasetic. Next to the definition of all of these words in the dictionary you will find a picture of Ann Hampton Callaway. There are certain performers for whom you circle their upcoming appearance on the calendar, place it in Outlook, and it’s a confirmed appointment. Ann Hampton Callaway is Outlook worthy and you should lock in and check out one of her Tuesday evening shows. She is an antidote to the blues and whatever else ails you.
Callaway put on a sensational jazz cabaret performance at the 7pm show at the Dakota in downtown Minneapolis last night. Callaway was expertly accompanied by Gordy Knudtson on drums, Ted Rosenthal on piano and Jay Leonhart on bass. Callaway’s voice has a solid 3 octave range (at times almost 4) with perfect pitch, a full body, exquisite phrasing and a great delivery with a projection that envelopes you.
 Ann Hampton Callaway © Andrea Canter
Callaway has stage presence, tremendous energy, a wicked sense of humor and engages quite effectively with the audience. She’s having a grand time on stage and we’re all invited to join in the fun. Her style is evocative in that while she’s singing and you’re listening, you can visualize the song’s story unfolding in your mind’s eye. Callaway sets the mood and then is able to soulfully transport you to that place and time.
The show featured songs from “The Great American Songbook” in addition to compositions from Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nix. Song highlights included “Lullaby Of Birdland,” “The Best Is Yet To Come,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Comes Love,” “Lazy Afternoon,” “Spain,” and the nation’s new First Song, “At Last.”
Audience engagement was fulfilled with Callaway improvising a love song for the Twin Cities on her encore number based entirely on words, proper names or phrases called out by the audience. Suggestions from the crowd varied widely but Callaway was able to compose a song with her bandmates ultimately joining in the improvised number. To purchase tickets for tonight's show visit www.dakotacooks.com or call 612 332-1010. |
Thursday, 18 March 2010
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