Kate Ferber. Photo: Hannah Greenstein
The one-woman, nine-character performance at Joe's Pub succeeded in honoring music legend Laura Nyro.
When singer Kate Ferber comes onstage- long brown hair, piano at the waiting, single rose in water- there’s the temptation to believe she’s planning to channel Laura Nyro. On the contrary, she chooses to be herself and merely interpret. This is a move that works. Usually those artists who decide to include a Nyro song to their setlist also add seasoned, often times cynical, sensibilities to the translation. However, when one remembers that Nyro wrote most of her in-depth compositions before the age of thirty (“And When I Die” came to be while Laura was a mere fifteen years old!), it makes perfect sense for the young and fresh sounding Ferber to take on the challenge. She succeeds in breathing new life in already colorful music. Her respect for Nyro’s gift with lyrics is reflected in the passionate and loving arrangements.
The one woman show bears witness to the music’s impact on so many across cultural borders. The characters that seemed most endearing were the least expected: the father recalling his brush of unrequited love; the young man trying to score with the yoga teacher; the African-American grandmother telling the tale of her first music concert; a dog breeder who insists that Laura is alive and well and living in Texas.
Ferber has a clear, energized voice that generally fits Nyro’s style effectively. There were moments when she didn’t quite make it, but when she found the space within her lower register, the vocal strength came through well. Song-wise, the standouts were happily a few personal favorites, particularly “Eli’s Coming”, “New York Tenderberry”, “Stoned Soul Picnic”, and “Wedding Bell Blues”.
Ferber’s natural talent and obvious love for Laura Nyro prevented One Child Born from being a cold tribute cabaret. Instead, it was a sweet, sentimental ride through an outstanding songbook. The future appears to be quite bright for the up and coming performer.
Manhattan Local Music Examiner Jim Bessman wrote a great article when One Child Born was performed at the Laurie Beechman Theater July 2009. Check out “ Laura Nyro lives”.
Comments