Every once in a while an emerging artist surprises everyone not simply by performing exceptionally well but by setting new standards in certain repertoire.
That two such musicians should be sharing the stage of the Royal George Cabaret, on North Halsted Street, makes “Night Owls” required viewing for anyone who enjoys seeing gifted young artists on the ascent.
Though this musical revue played to enthusiastic audiences about a year ago, the revival shows how much its two young stars have matured in a remarkably short amount of time. Together, Kevin Cole and Morgan Evans have crafted an evening that treats the classic American pop song with precisely the care and erudition it deserves but doesn’t always receive.
At the moment, Cole is probably the better known of the two, thanks to his musical direction of “Forever Plaid” (also at the Royal George Cabaret) and his George Gershwin tributes around Chicago and nationwide. But Cole hasn’t yet received the attention that’s bound to come the way of anyone who can play a piano as brilliantly as he does.
Those fortunate enough to have caught “Night Owls” during its brief run last year will remember Cole’s solo Gershwin medley.
Those who haven’t yet heard it probably will be as smitten as the audience that gave Cole a raucous ovation after Sunday evening’s performance.
The piano music of Gershwin is played so poorly so often that one hardly expects to hear a decent traversal of his tunes, let alone a definitive one. But Cole’s Gershwin has all the rhythmic bounce, digital virtuosity and freewheeling rhythmic spirit that one associates with the composer’s own recordings.
Gershwin’s contemporaries often said that he “made the piano laugh.” Until you’ve heard Cole’s extraordinary technique and crisp voicings in works such as “‘S Wonderful,” “But Not for Me” and “Strike Up the Band,” you can’t fully understand the meaning of that phrase. When Cole plays Gershwin, the piano very nearly cackles.
Cole tended to overshadow Evans during last year’s debut staging of “Night Owls,” but Evans clearly has come into his own as a performer.
More self-assured and expressive than before, Evans offers exquisitely sung versions of Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies” and “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” as well as a “Star Dust” that stays truer to Hoagy Carmichael’s sinuous melody and Mitchell Parish’s sublime lyrics than most young singers can manage.
Further, Evans plays harmonica with unusual technical finesse and tonal control, while his breezy ukulele work makes one wonder why the instrument has faded from view.
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“Night Owls,” repeats at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 N. Halsted St. Phone 312-988-9000.
