“Walking Among My Yesterdays”

by Ron Squeri, February 2008 guest blogger

“Walking Among My Yesterdays”
featuring Vocalist Elaine Hughes
with music direction by Michael Terence
Wednesday night I had the opportunity to see a very entertaining show at Le Canard. The show was presented as part of pianist Michael Terence’s Wednesday Showcase program. Elaine presented a mix of standards, and lesser know songs. She was equally comfortable crossing from songs with deep expression to those with great verve and humor. Michael provided very interesting and sophisticated accompaniment to Elaine’s singing. In addition, she performed two duets with special guest singers, Alice Paige, singing Bosom Buddies, and Louise DeSimone, singing a specialty version of Elegance.

This is Elaine’s 12th season performing in the showcases and in this show, she reprised favorite songs from each of her previous showcases. Having heard Elaine through the years, it is nice to see such a wonderful arc of progress in her work. She is at ease with herself, and appeared to really enjoy herself, which only made the audience enjoy her performance even more. My favorite was Elaine and Michael’s interpretation of Love Changes Everything, which genuinely moved me, which takes a lot, because I am not the biggest fan of Lord Lloyd Webber.

Michael Terrance has been hosting the Wednesday Showcases for the past 13 years, giving singers, at all levels, an opportunity to hone their skills by performing a one hour show in a very warm and nurturing setting, with great accompaniment. As there is no cover, and no minimum, (the food is excellent) this is one of the best kept secrets in town. Lousie DeSimone will be showcased on March 12, 9pm .

Again, kudos to Elaine, Michael, Alice, and Louise.

Walking Among My Yesterdays – set list

Walking Among My Yesterdays – Kander and Ebb – from The Happy Time
One of the Girls – Kander and Ebb – Woman of the Year
Broadway Baby – Stephen Sondheim – Follies
Love Changes Everything – Andrew Lloyd Webber- Aspects of Love
Don’t Put Your Daughter on the Stage – Noel Coward
If I Ruled the World – Music by Cyril Ornadel, lyrics by Leslie Bricusee – Pickwick
Bosom Buddies – Jerry Herman – Mame
Haven’t Got a Worry in the World – Richard Rodgers – and Oscar Hammerstein – from the play Happy Birthday by Anita Loos
What You Don’t Know About Women – Cy Coleman and David Zippel – City of Angels
The Happy Time/I Don’t Remember You – Kander and Ebb – The Happy Time
Elegance – Jerry Herman – Hello! Dolly
Why Can’t I Forget – composed by Jeffrey D. Harris, lyrics by Judy Baron
You Can Always Count on Me – Cy Coleman and David Zippel – City of Angels
Those Good, Old, Bad Old Days – Leslie Bricusse and Anthonry Newley
My Shining Hour – Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer – for the movie The Sky’s the Limit