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Holiday Performances by Robert Shaw
When I knew I was going to offer a week of holiday music, it was a no brainer that one day would be devoted to Robert Shaw. While at Carnegie Hall, I ran the Professional Training Workshops that included Shaw’s Choral workshops. From 1992 to 1998, for one week each January, I had the honor and privilege of being right there with him, watching and listening as he prepared one of the great choral masterpieces.
Benita Valente’s holiday album “Gloria, Gloria”
I’m offering a full recording today, Gloria, Gloria. It was recorded June 1987 in the Gorard College Chapel, Philadelphia and features soprano Benita Valente, The Philadelphia Singers and Concerto Soloists Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia with Michael Korn conducting. I bought this when it was released later that same year, as a cassette…yes, a cassette.
Leontyne Price’s Christmas album
It is Price at her prime and her best and in the hands of Karajan with the Vienna Philharmonic it is a magical collaboration rarely heard. The recording captures that gorgeous shimmering lush sound that she was famous for and here, performing these beautiful carols and hymns, it is simply one of the loveliest Christmas recordings (or recordings period) ever produced.
Eydie Gormé sings “What Did I Have That I Don’t Have?”
The focus and intensity and emotion she brings to this performance is breathtaking. And the way she sells it in simple “stand & deliver” style blows me away. I get goosebumps every time I watch it. Sadly I never heard her live and I had multiple opportunities. Thankfully we have these classic performances on the internet accessible at just a few clicks.
Florence Henderson sings “I Have To Tell You”
My spotlight today focuses on one of these tv celebrities, Florence Henderson, aka Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch), who died several weeks ago at the age of 82. Born in February 1934, she came to NYC in 1951 and made her Broadway debut in 1952 in Wish You Were Here (music by Harold J. Rome, book by Arthur Kober & Joshua Logan, lyrics by Rome). Later that same year, she would leave the show to begin a national tour of Oklahoma, specifically chosen by Rodgers and Hammerstein to play Laurie. In 1954, she returned to Broadway in the long-running musical, Fanny (888 performances) in which she originated the title role.
Douglas Moore: The Willow Song
My first introduction to opera was through The Ed Sullivan Show in the late 50’s and through the 60’s. On Sunday nights I could hear Roberta Peters or Robert Merrill or Renata Tebaldi and many more. I didn’t really “get it” but I did enjoy it. It wasn’t until college, at UNC-CH, where as a music (voice) major I began my real introduction to opera and to all other areas of the classical vocal repertoire.
Patsy Cline sings “You Belong to Me” and more
Another wonderful voice performing some terrific songs in another genre—Patsy Cline [1932–1963], one of the great singers of the 20th century. Born in Winchester, Virginia, on September 8, 1932, she got her big break in 1957 thanks to the Arthur Godfrey Talent program. Six years later(March 29163) at the age of 30 and just months after her last recording session, she died tragically in a plane crash while returning home from a concert in Kansas City, KS.
Eileen Farrell sings “Ten Cents a Dance”
Eileen Farrell. I seriously hope you are not saying, “Who’s that?” She was an America soprano whose career spanned five decades, 1940’s–1980’s, and her repertoire was much like the NYFOS motto, she could sing just about anything, and do it beautifully. Her voice was truly remarkable, a force of nature. To get a sampling of her range, watch the 1955 film Interrupted Melody, which starred Eleanor Parker as the Australian soprano Marjorie Lawrence. Farrell supplied the singing voice.
Bill Withers: Lovely Day
Oooh that opening bass line!
I am finishing this week of Song o’ Days with a number that is one of my all-time favorite mood-elevators, Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day.” This classic cut from a giant of 70’s soul music is a gift that keeps on giving. Jerry Knight’s opening funky bass line kicks off an affecting and uplifting song that acknowledges that not all lovely days start off that way.
Tom Waits: The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me)
“The Piano Has Been Drinking” is special to me because of its unique perspective on my life’s work, service. Waits focuses on a particular moment that hospitality professionals know well: closing time. There is a moment at every bar, as the night comes to an end, when the air goes out of the room. Your best guests have left before the cleaning crews start working the dark edges, slowly moving into the dim light. Everything changes at that moment, as a night of endless possibilities suddenly becomes a morning of bitter reflection. Last call lures so many to stay beyond their limits and to test the patience of those that serve them.
Jessie Mae Robinson: The Other Woman
I have always loved this song and love how it fits so beautifully in Nina Simone’s voice. “The Other Woman,” written by Jessie Mae Robinson, has a special contemporary resonance as we all work to come to terms with the results of our recent presidential election. Hillary might be seen as the “other woman” but, to me, this song resonates in our current climate because it is a poignant narrative of otherness and how we deal with our bitterness towards outsiders of any type.
Cole Porter: Did you Evah! —performed by Debbie Harry and Iggy Pop
I moved to NYC in 1979 from a small New England college town where I had heard of rebellion, but had hardly ever seen rebellion in any meaningful form. When I hit the city streets that summer, Debbie Harry of Blondie and Iggy Pop were two of the foremost avatars of rebellion writ large. They were way out there but they were also admired as artists. Everywhere I went in my NYC of the 80’s, there they were pushing the envelope of the creative boundaries of high and low art.
Bing Crosby and David Bowie: Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
My first Song o’ Day is inspired by next Monday’s 6th annual Sing for Your Supper holiday show – A Goyishe Christmas to You – Yuletide Songs by Jewish Composers. SFYS is a divine mix of high- and lowbrow, formal and casual, elegant and earthy, classical and contemporary. I honor SFYS – Goy! with the choice of Bing Cosby and David Bowie’s duet of “Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy.” This duet is a perfect holiday blend of styles and generations. What better way to celebrate the holidays and NYFOS than this inclusive pairing of cardigans and mod hairstyles?
George and Ira Gershwin: Slap That Bass
As I deal with the current dystopia I encounter every morning on NPR, I keep thinking about the song “Slap That Bass” by the Gershwin brothers. “Dictators would be better off if they zoom-zoomed now and then,” they write. I couldn’t agree more. “Zoom zoom, zoom zoom, the world is in a mess”—but for a few minutes George and Ira make the world safe again.
Cole Porter: Anything Goes, performed by Lypsinka
It just rained in New York for about 48 hours and I stayed inside for the duration. I got lots done, and my students seemed happy to have their lessons here (where they get tea, more time, a better piano, and juicier stories). But today is sunny and beautiful and I finally have to leave my aerie. To celebrate, a clip from one of my favorite modern artists, Lypsinka.