By Sandi Durell . . . .
She’s got that thing
That sexy thing
Long blonde hair and . . .
A saxophone?
A lady with a sax, that’s a real fact!
And, by the way, not only can she toot
This jazz baby can warble
With personality to boot
Oh, Don’t Tell Mama . . . but she sure is cute!
. . . .
When Susie says “I’ve come a long way to play for you” opening with “I Dream of Jeannie” medley, it has much more meaning than one would guess. She’s a rather recent addition to the cabaret scene showing off her love of her newly chosen instrument, the sax, as well as singing. Having seen her prior shows, I can honestly say the Jeannie has leapt out of that bottle.
Surrounded by top musicians with David Pearl conducting and playing piano, he’s joined by Tom Hubbard on bass, Daniel Glass on drums and Pete Smith on guitar. The band surely sets the atmosphere for Susie to shine.
The well-constructed show, arranged and directed by none other than Marvelous Marilyn Maye, is a perfect conceit that allows for Clausen’s innate charm and love for what she does to ebb and flow.
Her appealing playfulness and genuine love for performance is front and center on tunes like “It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and really shines when bling takes on new meaning in the “Diamond Medley” (“Diamonds Are Forever”/”Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”/”Big Spender”/”Material Girl) – a twinkle in her eye as she sings and toots that sax. It’s evident she’s no longer a “Backwoods Barbie” but now a permanent New York City one. Her Jazz Baby Medley including “Ballin’ the Jack” and “Charleston” – enhance her natural charm.
Saxy Susie shows herself as a poignant storyteller as well as a strong presence creating touching moments vocally and on sax offering up “God Bless the Child,” one of several highlights of the evening.
Closing with “Forever Young”/Friends Medley is the perfect ending for this fun-loving gal with a heart full of love.
There is one more show on March16th at www.donttellmama.com and I heartily recommend you see it.
Photos: Kevin Alvey
