November 12, 2004

Cabaret Guide

selective listing by critics of The Times: New or noteworthy cabaret shows in Manhattan this weekend. * denotes a highly recommended show. Full reviews of recent cabaret shows: nytimes.com/music.

KLEA BLACKHURST, Opia, 130 East 57th Street, (212) 688-3939. "For me, all musical comedy roads lead to Ethel Merman," declares Klea Blackhurst late in her show, "Autumn in New York: Vernon Duke's Broadway." This singer from Salt Lake City makes good on that comparison the moment she opens her mouth and unleashes a bright, brassy rallying cry that is the vocal equivalent of strong home-brewed coffee without sugar or cream. She delivers an upbeat musical biography of the composer of "April in Paris," "Autumn in New York" and "I Can't Get Started," buttressed by the light swing arrangements of the Pocket Change Trio (Michael Rice on piano, Ray Kilday on bass and David Strauss on guitar and banjo). Tonight and Sunday night at 7 and tomorrow night at 9. Cover: $30; $15 minimum.   STEPHEN HOLDEN

BARBARA CARROLL, Oak Room, Algonquin Hotel, 59 West 44th Street, (212) 419-9331. The Lady of a Thousand Songs is back in the Oak Room for Sunday brunch and evening performances. This elegant, red-headed pianist and singer is a poised entertainer whose impeccable pianism belongs to the school of jazz that maintains a sense of classical decorum at the keyboard. Even when swinging out, she remains an impressionist with special affinities for Thelonious Monk and bossa nova. Vocally, she belongs to the conversational tradition of Mabel Mercer with a style that's blasé but never cold. Sunday at 2 and 8 p.m. Cover: $55 at 2, including brunch at noon; $80 at 8, with dinner served at 6:30.   HOLDEN

BOBBY SHORT, Cafe Carlyle, Carlyle Hotel, 35 East 76th Street, (212) 570-7189. After announcing his semi-retirement last year from performing at the Cafe Carlyle, this legendary singer and pianist changed his mind and is back in action for another season. Mr. Short never fails to conjure ebullient party spirits and has impeccable taste in songs. Expect to hear at least one of his three signature songs, "Guess Who's in Town?," "Just One of Those Things" and "Romance in the Dark," along with something by one of the two Dukes (Ellington and Vernon). Tonight and tomorrow night at 8:45 and 10:45. Cover: $95.   HOLDEN

* PAULA WEST AND THE ERIC REED TRIO, Oak Room, Algonquin Hotel, 59 West 44th Street, (212) 419-9331. This San Francisco jazz singer has always relished transgressing stylistic conventions. Her new show includes a folk-jazz-rap version of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues," which she turns into a slurred mouthful of pure jazz rhythm. Her mischievous streak also asserts itself in slyly updated versions of Cole Porter's "At Long Last Love" and "Anything Goes," that mention phenomena like nonfat creamer, the Hilton sisters and reality television. Her thoughtful renditions of "Stormy Weather" and "Black and Blue" find her emerging as a heavyweight balladeer. Tonight and tomorrow night at 9 and 11:30. Cover: $50; $50 prix fixe dinner at the early shows, $20 minimum at the late shows.   HOLDEN