Phillip Officer left New York with a one way ticket to Las Vegas in 2008 determined to reinvent himself. He’s circling back to music. “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” (Irving Berlin) the vocalist earnestly declares. Signature style of parlando sliding into vocal personalizes effect. By the looks of the venue, packed with fellow performers as well as fans, he’s well remembered.
“I needed to transform, It was a conscious choice,” the performer tells us. Stephen Sondheim’s “Anyone Can Whistle” – he shrugs…that’s what they say…epitomizes starting fresh. He’s hopeful, optimistic. We believe every word and sympathize. “Landslide” (Fleetwood Mac) arrives unhurried, gently seared, as if thoughts were coming in real time. “Blackbird” (Paul McCartney) follows with arresting bowed and picked cello. “…into the light of the dark black night” he sings, hand swooping, voice rising like smoke.
Officer is inhabited by lyric and sentiment which bodily control him till exiting. Every phrase evokes adjustment, some small, others with bent knee, dip or bounce. He’s immensely expressive. Control and phrasing offer remarkable finesse. Duets with MD/pianist Mark Hartman- especially “I’m Nothing Without You” (Cy Coleman/David Zippel), very much sung TO each other as Officer leans towards his collaborator on the piano top, sound and feel just right. (Nice harmony.)
The show’s trajectory is elusive. We understand he’s been on a journey, but repeatedly stating it doesn’t take us with him. Additionally, songs are set in pairs or threes without musical bridge/crossover leaving frequent momentary pauses which impede flow. I conjecture that relationship songs refer to music/his audience which in some lyrics is a stretch.
Cher’s “Believe” and Johnny Mercer/Sadie Vimmerstedt’s “I Wanna Be Around” with super guitar riffs, indicate betrayal and revenge. A poignant “Old Friend” (Gretchen Cryer/Nancy Ford) abetted by beautiful cello, “Everything Must Change” (Bernard Ighner), and “All in Love is Fair” (Stevie Wonder) featuring cello and musing guitar, are splendidly sequenced. Officer’s restraint convinces. About whom is he singing?
“I Love Being Here with You” (Peggy Lee) backed by nifty jazz guitar solo and fiddle-like cello arrives freshly, appealingly arranged. The performer will be back in New York to appear in Mabel Mercer Foundation’s annual Cabaret Convention (October 26-28). “Once in a Blue Moon” (Jerome Kern/Anne Caldwell) is a tribute to the organization’s namesake. Tiptoeing piano and dusky vocal make this delicious.
Tonight’s encore is Henry Krieger/Bill Russell’s “I Will Never Leave You.” Savoring each promise, the song is suffused with aspiration. Officer’s left hand opens, extends, fingers splay, touch a knee, circle the air, curl. An orchestration.
Welcome back to a unique talent.
Photos by Jeff Harnar
Philip Officer at Birdland
Director – Bill Russell
MD/Piano – Mark Hartman
Guitar – Kevin Kuhn, Cello-Eric Friedlander
