Randy Newman: Political Science

Randy Newman: Political Science

Steve first introduced me to the music of Randy Newman with the song “Dayton Ohio, 1903” in the NYFOS ‘Roadtrip’ program and I have been a huge fan ever since.  This song, written in the early 70s, is one of my favorites.  It pulls no punches. At a 2011...
William Bolcom:  Lorca Songs

William Bolcom: Lorca Songs

William Bolcom is my musical godfather. I’ve known him since the late 1970s—Alvin Epstein introduced us after one of their Tully Hall concerts. When I met Bill’s wife Joan Morris I said, “Oh you were so wonderful this evening—but I am sure you must be tired of hearing...
John Musto: Penelope’s Song

John Musto: Penelope’s Song

I couldn’t do a week of American song blogs without featuring my friend John Musto. I first heard him at a memorial concert for Paul Jacobs, who had been my piano teacher for a little while. John was playing a duo-piano piece (Schubert, I think) that night. Both...

Picnic Cantata / Dinner at Eight

Notes on the Program by Steven Blier for Picnic Cantata / Dinner at Eight February 21, 2017 at Merkin Concert Hall. Buy tickets here > SIX PACKETS OF OATMEAL In the past several seasons, NYFOS has been lucky enough to present three songs cycles by Gabriel Kahane:...