Customer Reviews

Intimate Nights: The Golden Age of New York Cabaret

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If life is truly a cabaret, than James Gavin has written a spectacular history of that night life. This updated edition of Gavin's 1992 book of the same title concerns the history of cabaret in America--and it's a real dazzler.
Beginning in the speakeasies of the '30s and progressing through the glamorous '40s and '50s to the repressive '50s, the book takes us to the wide-open sexuality of the '60s and '70s, the devastation from HIV of the '80s and early '90s to where we stand today. It's a show-biz history of an admittedly small niche in American entertainment, but an extraordinarily rich and creative one. From Bobby Short and Mabel Mercer through Phyllis Diller and Barbra Streisand and Peter Allen to the Callaway sisters, Barbara Cook and Ute Lemper, there is something here for all tastes and all moods.
The art of cabaret--and be sure it is an art--is the experience of sitting in a quiet club, some glamorous, some sewers, and listening to a singer perform . . . seemingly just for you. Old standards are reinterpreted, new material marveled at, forgotten songs recalled. The audience in encouraged to feel, think--and maybe have a drink or two. Scrupulously researched, Gavin has managed to not only create a chronological history (including the stars, and the genius accompanists, crafty presenters, scummy landlords and adoring fans) but lovingly describes performers and performances. But be forewarned: The discography at the end of the book is incredibly comprehensive, and by the time you've finished reading about these legendary talents, you're going to want pull out the charge card and hit amazon.com
So stop sitting alone in your room, buy this book, and discovers just how much more music you can hear play, if, old friend, you come to the cabaret.

Gavin has done a lot more than just research the time period he covers with such liveliness in this comprehensive book about New York nightclub entertainment. He really seems to have immersed himself in the world that he describes, and his enthusiasm shines through on every page. This is a wonderful introduction to an essential part of entertainment history.

Intimate Nights: The Golden Age of New York Cabaret
The header refers to the author as well as the book. I use the word 'rich' in all its meanings except the monetary one. A wonderful book full of wonderful detail by a wonderful writer. Luckily I had already amassed a number of the CDs listed in the discography, so there were few demands on my credit card. I can't say the same for 'Deep in a Dream', Mr Gavin's opus on Chet Baker, another hard-to-put-down book. I'm still paying for lots of Chet CDs. Now I'm eagerly awaiting James Gavin's imminent biography of Lena Horne, 'Stormy Weather'

I LOVE THIS BOOK. IN IT ARE SO MANY OF THE NAMES I'VE
HEARD ABOUT REGARDING CABARET.IT GIVES YOU A GOOD HISTORY OF CABARET, AND THERE ARE SOME GREAT PICTURES.

this book gives good insight on the story of cabaret.easy reading-with interesting facts & photos. Gives detail on the history & the key players of cabaret in NYC.