Frank Sinatra. Lena Horne. Tony Bennett. Mel Tormé. Bobby Short. Of the prominent twentieth century vocalists in the saloon singer and torch song traditions, Marilyn Maye is the last legend standing. The ninety-seven-year-old’s homecoming concert at the Folly Theater on Sunday, December 21, provided a life-affirming experience for an audience of about 750. (I paid $39 for a balcony seat.)
Accompanied by pianist Tedd Firth, guitarist Rod Fleeman, bassist Gerald Spaits and drummer Ray DeMarchi, Maye focused on material she performed during her 76 appearances on the late-night television program The Tonight Show.
A screen above the stage during portions of the two-set show displayed video and photographic excerpts featuring Maye, Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. Yet the wildly charismatic star didn’t rely on visual aids. Maye’s jokes remain funny and her voice is still strong.
Renditions of vintage material including “Cabaret,” “The Way We Were” and “Hello Dolly” were culled from Maye’s commercial peak fifty years ago. Yet Maye is anything but a has-been. Having outlived her peers and most of her core audience, Maye is an exemplar of artistic excellence and a heroic role model.