Identical triplets in formidable harmony

By Alix Cohen

Identical triplets from Nairobi, Kenya, Mary, Magda and Marta Moipei, were appointed UNICEF ambassadors at age twelve championing girl child empowerment, education, and alternative rites of passage. According to Marta, their dad taught the girls “the concept of singing in one voice.”

The ladies made their NYC debut during the 2021 Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center, where they were presented with the Julie Wilson Award for their “impact on the entertainment industry.” They create their own complex arrangements and highly polished direction.

Tonight’s show loosely celebrates the group’s new home, New York City, with a wide range of theater, pop, and songbook material. The three vocalists have similar range and control, not a given in so-called comparable ensembles. Though movement is (skillfully) choreographed, expressions vary.

This and warmth palpably emanating from the stage keep lyrics from feeling chopped up. It also makes meaning less personal. Perhaps each artist might take a real solo with a more understated song- less sound, more definition.

With a nod to Julie Wilson, namesake of their early award, “But Beautiful” (Jimmy Van Heusen/Johnny Burke) is one of a few gentle numbers. Porcelain delicacy is welcome. Later, John Lennon’s “Imagine” marinates in hope.

“Sisters” (Irving Berlin) is a perfect, buoyant description. This is no manufactured camaraderie. “The Wind Beneath My Wings” (Jeff Silbar/Larry Henley), dedicated to family real and extended, finds them swaying. They sparkle from within. It’s just lovely.

“Our special Kenyan welcome song” introduces “Jambo Bwana” (Teddy Kalanda Harrison/Peter Bischoff-Fallenstein). The ladies dance in place, hips and shoulders fluid. Do I hear “hakuna matata” (take it easy/no worries) towards the end? (a phrase familiarized by The Lion King) Bongo and bass juice it up. Memories are happy.

Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart’s “Sing for Your Supper” refers to Moipei’s surprise and gratitude at actually making a living singing in the USA. “You can pay the rent, buy clothes, and eat!”

As one, they scuttle to one then the other side of the stage flirting with audience. Mary, Magda and Marta understand that cabaret is an intimate art.

Like “Sisters”, “In the Mood” (Wingy Manone/Andy Razaf, Joe Garland) is almost expected. There’s no question the trio would do eminent justice to a forties show. The era musically fits like second skin. “hep, hep, hep…step, step, step…pep, pep, pep…the three shimmy and turn. Piano jitterbugs.

“Hit the Road Jack” (Percy Mayfield) displays the group’s own round-edged scat. “No moah-oh-oh-ore…dopa, pa, doo pa pa…” (More of this please.) Noses crinkle, palms push away. Bobble heads are rhythmic.

Thanks go out to Marilyn Maye for eyelash lessons, Scott and Barbara Siegel for inclusion, The Mabel Mercer Foundation, uber-supportive Brian Kaltner who drove hours from New Jersey and back for their Hampton’s gig and, of course, 54 Below.

An encore of “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” (Ray Henderson/Lew Brown) arrives irrepressible. Moipei is talented, refined, likeable, and fun.

Photos by Alix Cohen

MOIPEI 333 NYC
Mary, Magda and Marta Moipei
Music Director/Piano- Phil Reno
Michael Kuennen-Bass; Perry Cavari-Drums
Moipei: https://www.ingenuitypro.com/moipei
54 Below https://54below.org/