My View: The Best Performance of My Funny Valentine You Will Ever Hear

Billy Stritch, continuing his “My Winter Valentine” at The Birdland Theater had his long time friend Sally Mayes as his special guest last night.  It’s too bad only about 100 or so lovers could be in the room to hear their version of the signature Valentines Day song My Funny Valentine. It’s a lovely melody but often I dread a cabaret performance that has the Rodgers & Hart tune in it.   In the wrong hands it drags.   In fact Jason Graae the brilliant actor/musician/comic has an hysterical parody that includes the rhyme “this song is much too long”.   If you ever get a chance to hear Billy Stritch and Sally Mayes sing the tune it will forever be your favorite music moment for Valentines Day.  The harmonies and melodic exploration of the two made this our best Valentines Day ever.  Julie Budd and Dr. John Wagner, our companions for the night had the best celebration of their 21 year love affair while we all marveled at the voice and pianistic creations of Billy Stritch.  He’s there Fri. Feb 15th with Aisha deHaas and Sat. Feb 16th with Lillias White.