Ute Lemper is that rare thing nowadays: a singer at ease with Weimar cabaret songs and contemporary classical ones. Come to think of it, that makes her pretty unique and - the Weill/Brecht connection notwithstanding - she seems willing to push her own limits and use her simultaneously husky, sexy and operatic voice to serve such unexpected composers as Michael Nyman (or even, in later recordings Astor Piazzolla and Jacques Brel).
On this CD the songs from "Cabaret" are delicious and there are the odd Nyman gems, but the strongest points (I would dare to say) are her takings on the Weimar-time cabaret songs and the Piaf/Dietrich songs also available on "Illusions".
Dare to take this one in. You might just discover or re-acquaint yourself with one of the world's superb performers of songs. By then you will be very be glad you did.
Btw: is Ute particularly popular in Portugal?
PS - Chicago being in the news don't miss her All That Jazz. There we're talking!