English writer
P.G. Wodehouse
is best remembered for his witty and satirical writings and essays and his two fictional mouthpieces, the affable
Bertie Wooster
and his dauntless valet,
Jeeves
. But he also exerted a major influence on the evolution of the
American musical theater
, as it was transformed from act-by-act
music hall
and
vaudeville
presentations to one built around a full-fledged plot, integrating music and story. Another pioneer in this process was
Jerome Kern
, who wrote tunes to more than 200
Wodehouse
lyrics. Most of these songs have long since been packed away in the trunks of time. Now comes
Sylvia McNair
Hal Cazalet
to dust off these slumbering ditties for a
cabaret
-like session. In addition to unfamiliar material, the two have included tunes that have survived, including
"Bill,"
"Anything Goes,"
"You're the Top,"
although neither ASCAP nor other references list
as a lyricist for the latter two
Cole Porter
songs.
was a humorist at heart, and his wit is found in lyrics for
"Tell Me All Your Troubles, Cutie"
"You Can't Make Love by Wireless."
But he also could write earnest, serious
ballads
, such as
"If I Ever Lost You."
Classical
pop
singers
McNair
Cazalet
do justice to this material, although most will go back into the trunks until someone later decides to pay a recorded tribute to
. The singers are joined by pianist
Steven Blier
, whose light, gay accompaniments are right on target; other tracks feature guitar, banjo, ukulele, and/or cello, and
Lara Cazalet
sings
"Bill."
Although most of the material is dated, hearing it now and then, especially by consummate artists
, will bring a smile to the face and twinkle to the eye. Recommended. ~ Dave Nathan