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Everything The Traffic Will Allow
Review
By David Hurst
Show Business
One of the smartest, happiest and most
entertaining shows of 2001 has been terrifically preserved
on CD–namely, Klea Blackhurst’s sensational Everything
The Traffic Will Allow, a tribute to one of the greatest
stage performers of the 20th century, Ethel Merman. First
seen at Danny’s and then in an open-ended run at Jack
Rose, Everything was recorded in front of a live
studio audience last August with Blackhurst's superb Pocket
Change Trio including Michael Rice (piano), Ray Kilday (bass)
and Steve Bartosik (percussion). Lucky for us, the enthusiasm,
talent and magic Blackhurst brought to us in-person is captured
beautifully on this independently produced disc. Wisely, she
doesn’t attempt an impression of the great ‘Merm,’
instead giving us a loving and measured homage which celebrates
and highlights Merman’s fascinating life and career.
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