Jazz Reviews : Beryl Davis Romps Through Tin Pan Alley

Opening her show at Monteleone’s West in Tarzana with a lightly swinging rendition of “I Love Being Here With You,” singer Beryl Davis roared a promissory “let’s get on with the songs we know.”

Indeed, her opening set of 16 titles Tuesday evening included familiar works by songwriters whose legacies are those perfectly crafted melodies with perfectly crafty lyrics. Gershwin, Porter, Carmichael, et al., were served in heaping, delicious portions.

Davis displayed several strengths. She lovingly purred the ballad “I’ve Got a Crush on You” and belted out confidently “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” In between, she swung with the greatest of ease on such tunes as “Cheek to Cheek,” “ ‘S Wonderful” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.”

Among her strengths was pianist Page Cavanaugh, a wisp of a man whose quick-witted commentary was as effective as his stylish piano playing. Joining in on vocals for a handsome duet of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and providing vocal counterpoint on Davis’ marvelous reading of “My Funny Valentine,” Cavanaugh revealed a sensitive musicality and deft technique.

On a mid-set, three-tune outing sans Davis, Cavanaugh, peering quizzically over the half-glasses balanced on the end of his nose, offered a fine version of “Teach Me Tonight” before singing Bobby Troup’s delightfully clever “Story of the Three Bears,” a hit for Cavanaugh in 1946.

On that 1946 date with the pianist was guitarist Al Viola, whose Tuesday night presence lent a gentle jazz spirit to the proceedings. Lending a rock-steady bottom to the set was the greatly underrated bassist Frank de la Rosa.