We saw Jane Monheit several times during those first years when she was the hottest new thing in the jazz world. Originally marketed as a singing sexpot, Monheit did her level best to imitate Rita Hayworth, complete with ferociously mannered tosses of her long dark tresses back over her shoulder. There was no question that this young woman had talent, but there was not a more manufactured, posed performer in town.

After not seeing her for quite a while, we decided to catch Monheit's new show at the Café Carlyle. We were glad we went, because there were noticeable improvements in her performing style. But, in the end, she's still just a pretty voice without a clue how to fully communi[...]