Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs

"Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs" is a recording taped live at the Cafe Carlyle in NYC. It's a collection of pop and musical theatre songs that Cumming identifies with. Musical numbers are bookended with cheeky anecdotes from his life and career.

Cumming discusses his role on "The Good Wife" and other television programmes. He advertises his autobiography "Not My Father's Son." Highlights include a wacky interlude with Liza Minnelli, the Tonys, and a musical condom commercial with Ricki Lake. Cumming is joined on the recording by Eleanor Norton on cello, Chris Jago on drums and Michael Croiter on guitar and percussion. Lance Horne is the arranger and provides backup vocals and is on keyboard.

These tracks are not sappy so much as serious with a side of curious. Cumming chooses some unexpected numbers that might tickle the fancy of pop-enthusiasts, but not necessarily a theatre-goer. They were chosen because he identifies with their message. He warns his audience, "have a hanky at the ready." This warning receives a chuckle from his live audience but may not apply to the at-home listener.

Cumming's winning personality and charisma are clear. The majority of the album tracks are removed enough from the live performance that the at-home listener to entertain without tears. "Somewhere Only We Know," a cover of the 2004 Keane radio hit and "So It Goes," a Billy Joel standard, come close. His passionate emphasis implies a vulnerability that he skillfully dodges without reverting to melodrama.

It's important not to confuse the message of the lyrics with the intentions of the original artist. For example, Cumming sings "Complicated," an Avril Lavigne whine that debuted her carefully curated, media-horny bad girl schtick in 2002. In her version, she's a jaded teen tired of posers. When Cumming sings it, the lyrics are still simple, the chords standard pop fare -- but there hints of potential depth. Cumming is old enough to appreciate what it means to be true to oneself, to have felt enough frustration that this message matters. Conversely, Lavigne was 18.

For something slightly different, "Someone Like the Edge of Firework" and "No One is Alive While I'm Around" offer a nice diversity. These are two mashup numbers of pop hits, and favorite Sondheim melodies. They are clever and fun but not very deep.

The album ends with "Ladies Who Lunch," Cumming's signature last song. It is a serious take on what could be an otherwise funny read while channeling incessant mania. Life is a racket, and we're all suckered in. He could be singing about anyone.

In addition to the album, Cumming will be performing "Sings Sappy Songs" in Toronto, CA (February 6), Bethesda, MD (February 14), Napes, FL (February 28), Detroit, MI (March 19), Minneapolis, MN (March 26), Princeton, NJ (May 13), Port Washington, NY (May 14), Dallas, TX (June 24), Austin, TX (June 25) and San Antonio, TX (June 26). Information and so much more can be found at AlanCumming.com.

"Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs"
Alan Cumming
Yellow Sound Label
http://www.alancummingsingssappysongs.com