By John Hoglund, Backstage | February 21, 2001
RECALLING A CONTINENTAL-STYLE CABARET long associated with elegant bo”tes of another era, international chanteuse Yanna Avis packed them into the intimate FireBird Cafe last week, in a show directed by Barry Kleinbort. Here she sang of the romance and simple charm of another era. While not the definitive cabaret act or the most accessible performer, Yanna Avis is, in many ways, to cabaret what Cuisinart is to blenders. She is unique, exciting, and razor sharp. Her delivery is always sensitive, hushed, and warm. She also has fun with her audience and, in spite of her sophisticated persona and gazelle-like elegance, doesn’t take herself too seriously.
Avis was particularly effective singing a fiery Argentinean tango called “Fumado Espero,” a smoking romp about waiting for a lover, and a quiet reading of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” However, this thrush was at her best singing songs from her native Paris, such as Piaf’s haunting “La Vie en Rose” and “Paris Canaille” with brio. Another French song, “Parlez-Moi d’Amour,” about a gigolo, gave the chanteuse another fine moment in this memorable hour. Closing with a perfect reading of the sexy “Illusions” proved to be the perfect cap for this beautiful lady who needs to do more local cabaret.
YANNA AVIS 