Andrea Marcovicci, Blue Champagne, The History of the Torch Song

The title of Andrea Marcovicci’s latest tour, “The History of the Torch Song” suggests an evening lamenting lost and unrequited love; handkerchief in one hand, glass of bourbon in the other.  So sad: So NOT!  Music and laughter made for an evening well spent with Andrea Marcovicci.  From the moment she stepped on stage, Andrea graciously made all feel like we were simply visiting in her living room.  With contagious enthusiasm, Andrea recounted antidotes, sketched stories, and shared insights into composers, singers, and lives that gave us The Torch Song.  Every song was a singular performance.  “The Man I Love,” “Mr. Right,” “Just Like a Man,” “My Husband’s First Wife,”  “The Lies of Handsome Men.”  Standard favorites and unfamiliar gems; she intoned every word as if she’d lived it, but from the vantage point of maturity where we are allowed to smile at the passions and indiscretions of our youth.  We smiled and laughed right along with her.  A rousing sing along: “Mean To Me” (haven’t we all known people like that?) emboldened us into “Shakin” the Blues Away.”  All in all, it was a fun and engaging, sometimes wacky, but thoroughly enjoyable history lesson.  The musical arrangements by her musical director, pianist, and best friend Shelly Markham were befittingly handsome as was the contribution from local bassist Daniel Fabricant. 

Suzanne Birrell