Newsletter

VOLUME 40, NUMBER 5 Formerly New York Sheet Music Society www.APSSinc.org FEBRUARY 2019 Peter and Will Anderson: Devoted to the Masters of the American Songbook By Jerry Osterberg he New York and San Francisco’s Jazz at the way, notably Joe distinguishes their playing. Times has called the Ballroom. Temperley, the learning On January 12, the 31 Peter and Will After absorbing the process always incorporated year - old Anderson twins AndTerson “Virtuosos on music of Louis Armstrong listening to recordings of the performed a stunning clarinet and saxophone,” and and Sidney Bechet by way of great jazz legends. Having program of elegant standards the Washington Post referred their father’s record been introduced to this at APSS, beginning with to their music as collection, they soon approach at an early age, a Cole Porter’s “Begin the “…imaginatively unfolding embarked upon a musical practice reinforced through Beguine,” arguably the in ways that consistently journey beginning more than “assignments” made by their longest popular song ever bring a fresh perspective to twenty years ago – classical professional musician wise written. Joined by jazz classic jazz.” And Joe Lang, piano lessons, self-taught men, it became permanently guitarist Felix Lemerle, an

in reviewing their Bennie s accomplished musician and g n

Meets Artie production in i son of the well-respected l l i

December for Jersey Jazz , B European bassist Dominique

e s

wrote “The Andersons gave o Lemerle, the charming R

enough of their clarinet y young men played one iconic b

o

artistry to show them to be t song after another, o h

perfect interpreters of the P interspersed with occasional styles of both Shaw and bits of humor which the Goodman. When they opted audience found endearing. to play the other instruments Following a gorgeous in their musical quiver, they rendition of “Cheek to demonstrated that the high Cheek,” one of many Irving quality of their playing Berlin tunes introduced by applies no matter the Fred Astaire, members were instrument.” admonished to refrain from Through the efforts of singing along, although they APSS Board member Judy were encouraged to be Stewart, who helped them “rowdy.” find a rarely free Saturday Peter Anderson, Felix Lemerle, Will Anderson Over the course of the afternoon, Peter and Will can afternoon, the concert ranged now add Local 802 as the guitar, entry into the school engrained as a way of life for from Porter and Berlin to latest in a growing list of band by the 4 th grade, and the Anderson brothers. Later Gershwin, Rodgers, performance venues, spread membership in a semi- they would incorporate Carmichael, Ellington, over forty states, Asia, South professional New Orleans learning the lyrics of the McHugh, and Mancini. The America, and the UK. Dixieland group called the American Songbook songs were “Love is Here to Among them are New York’s Capitol Focus Band, standards which have Stay,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln comprised of high school and become the centerpiece of “My Favorite Things,” Center, Feinstein’s 54 Below, college students, which their repertoire. Peter and “Skylark,” “The Mooch,” “I and Symphony Space, toured both the US and the Will both believe that by Can’t Give You Anything together with the Kennedy UK. Although there would thinking of the words as they But Love,” and “Moon Center, New Orleans Jazz be Julliard and several role perform the music, they River,” the latter performed Festival, Princeton Festival, models and mentors along create a sensibility which as a jazzy waltz just begging Continued on page 3 PAGE 2 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY FEBRUARY, 2019 President’s Message... American Popular Linda Amiel Burns, President Song Society

Hello, Everyone: President: Linda Amiel Burns

What a great way to start 2019 with our terrific opening singer, Vice Presidents: Joan Adams Mark William, whose debut show has garnered a lot of well-deserved buzz. Thanks to Sandi Durell Judy Stewart for convincing the amazing Anderson Twins to perform a program for us. Treasurer & Membership: They are super talented, knowledgeable, and charming; we didn’t want the afternoon to Glen Charlow be over. There was a terrific turnout, and the show could not have been more wonderful. Secretary: Read all about it in this issue. Marilyn Lester I am excited about our February Program featuring the beautiful Shana Farr performing her show about the late and great Barbara Cook. Shana has an outstanding Board Of Directors: Elliott Ames voice, and she will be accompanied by Mark Janas on piano. The next day, I will be Bill Boggs escaping the cold weather on a flight to Puerto Vallarta and I am very excited to spend Glen Charlow Sandi Durell two weeks in Paradise. Will Friedwald We have been getting nice comments about our popular Member Exchange Table. Michael Lavine Marilyn Lester Many thanks to members and guests who have been donating their memorabilia and Sandy Marrone taking home some of these treasures. So, if you are going through your collections and Jerry Osterberg Andrew Poretz want to donate duplicates or feel it is time to make more room in your home, please Judy Stewart bring sheet music, CD’s, DVD’s, books, etc. to us. They are truly valued. Tom Toce A great big thanks to David Tane for bringing his piano tuner to Local 802 the day Membership Mailing Address: before our show, and giving APSS the gift of a free tuning. People did notice the American Popular Song Society difference, especially the pianist and some of our members who have perfect pitch! We P.O. Box 5856 also added a spotlight, which brightened up the stage, improved the lighting, and Pikesville, MD 21282 certainly works better for the videographer, as we archive the remarkable events at [email protected] (212) 315-3500 (Linda A. Burns) APSS. I am looking forward to seeing you all on February 9th. Bring friends and spread N E W S L E T T E R l Society. Editor/Publisher: Jerry Osterberg the word about our wonderfu [email protected] Contributing Editor: Marilyn Lester Best wishes, [email protected] Associate Editor: Joan Adams [email protected] Linda Graphic Designer: Glen Charlow [email protected] p.s. Due to an increase in or expenses, we had to raise the [email protected] membership dues only 5.00. So a single yearly s

membership is now 60. and g n i l l

couples are 80. We make i B

every effort to keep these fees e s low. Of course if you want to o R

y

join at the Angel, Patron or b

o Benefactor levels, that's t o h

always another option of P L to R. Linda Amiel Burns, Preston Ridge, Mark William, guitarist Felix Lemerle, membership. pianist Clint Edwards, Richie Ridge

MEETING LOCATION: Local 802 – Musicians’ Hall 322 West 48th Street. Program: 1:45 – 3:30PM. Come early to look thru Sheet Music & CD’s & stuff, all FREE. FEBRUARY, 2019 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY PAGE 3 The Andersons.... stage, and the combinations of from solo formats to duos and familiarity of the music, every instruments to be had, the trios, and from song to song, arrangement was fresh and Continued from page 1 diverse performance may as the smartly rendered jazz exciting, and most to be danced to. Those importantly, pleasing to the fortunate enough to have listeners. attended the Songbook While their public career Summit series during the past has been relatively brief, Peter two summers, would not have and Will Anderson have been surprised by the already made quite an Anderson’s choice of impression in the jazz world. material, although there Notwithstanding their wasn’t enough time in the remarkable presence, I

APSS program to include s suspect they may not yet feel g n

Jerome Kern and Harold i as if they’ve fully arrived. l l i

Arlen. In responding to a B They have clearly been

e s

question about the composers o influenced by the great jazz R

they would most like to y players yet appear mature b

o address in the future, Peter t enough to appreciate that o and Will offered Ellington, h Board member Judy Stewart with Peter & Will P there’s a lot more to learn. Waller, Armstrong, Lane, One can only imagine what Coleman, Warren, plus Mary well have been billed as a arrangements never deviated lies ahead and the Lou Williams. One can only variety show. What made the far from the instantly contribution to the art of jazz hope! entertainment so delightfully recognizable melodies which they seem bound to make. It With just three engaging is that even as the comprise the American will be interesting to watch extraordinary musicians on savvy instrumentalists shifted Songbook. In-spite-of the their growth.

Mark William: TheaterPizzazz and the Times Square Chronicles. With Just Crooning Along enthusiastic support from a-number-of high-profile cabaret artists, Mark is off to a good start. With the Breeze Accompanied by Clint Edwards, a songwriter in his own right, Mark ranges over the stage like a seasoned professional. ong before Perry Como, Bing Crosby, and Dean All at once, the poise and presence are tangible; the articulation Martin, there were crooners among us. Back in the crisp and clear. His boyish appearance is clearly no barrier to 15 th Century, when the term the ability to entertain an audience. s g

“croon” first appeared, men in hose n i Opening with “On the Street Where You l l L i managed to sing softly without the use B Live,” his up-tempo hip performance

e of a microphone, although the Scots s was reminiscent of Bobby Darin, Buddy o R referred to the practice as “bellowing,”

y Greco, or the swinging persona of Steve b

suggesting they had no need for o Lawrence. But the crooning aspect of t o amplification. No one thought of h Mark’s approach to music was best P referring to these singers, who owed demonstrated by his ballads, “Pure their ability to be heard beyond the first Imagination” and “Over the Rainbow,” row to the mic, as crooners prior to the latter benefiting from the beautiful 1930. verse, one of its better attributes. Fast forward to the 21 st Century, Mark William may be one of those specifically January 12, 2019, the day “…inspiring hopefuls,” but his obvious that APSS members were visited by one talent is bound to keep him competitive. of the youngest practitioners of the art Although the world of cabaret is not a of crooning, Mark William. Having large pond, there are plenty of performed with Leslie Uggams, Susan Mark William & pianist Clint Edwards impressive singers out there striving for Anton, and Klea Blackhurst at Birdland attention, and some have been at it for a and Feinstein’s 54 Below, and with two solo shows to his credit, long time. With the advantage of youth and energy, combined Mark might be called a newcomer with benefits. He was named with a willingness to learn and improve, he may just stay one of the top ten cabaret performers in 2018 by both the course. PAGE 4 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY FEBRUARY, 2019 Barbara Cook – Precursor to a Legend By Marilyn Lester n the decades before her death on was very important for me.” At the same August 8, 2017 (just short of her time, Cook was acting in “Golden 90 th birthday), Barbara Cook was Windows” on NBC, a weekday serial. In knowIn mostly as a consummate cabaret 1954, she also appeared in a television and concert stage performer. From her production of Babes in Toyland . signature song, “Ice Cream” ( She Loves The exposure led her to her second Me), there was an awareness that the diva new Broadway musical, Plain and Fancy , had once had a successful Broadway which ran for 461 performances from career. Yet, those days were behind her, January 1955 to March 1956. Next, she ending with the play, Enemies , in 1972 – appeared in a television production of the a little over 20 years from her Broadway musical Bloomer Girl before landing the debut in Flahooley in 1951. role of Cunegonde in Candide , Lenard Barbara Cook was born In Atlanta, Bernstein’s 1956 masterpiece. It was a Georgia on October 25, 1927 to Nell (née Barbara Cook, 1950 perfect match: not many performers could Harwell) and Charles Bunyan Cook. Her have handled the challenging coloratura father was a traveling hat salesman and performances in 1951). But Cook was soprano song “Glitter and Be Gay” as her mother was an operator for Southern now on her way. Cook did – and her reputation soared, Bell telephone company. The tragedies of Marriage came in 1952, to actor even as the musical largely failed. her very young life were the divorce of David LeGrant, with whom she had one With a television production of her parents and the death of her only child, Adam, in 1959 (they divorced in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Yeoman of the sibling, a sister, from whooping cough. 1965). In 1953 she was featured, as Ado Guard and yet another City Center revival Cook lived alone with her mother Annie, in the City Center revival of of Carousel (now playing the leading role thereafter, in relative poverty, recalling Oklahoma! , followed in 1954 by another of Julie Jordan), Cook moved on to her later that dinners sometimes were nothing fourth new Broadway musical in 1957. It more than white bread and ketchup. Yet, was her most successful outing on the she knew early on that she wanted to sing Rialto. She was cast as Marian the and that she wanted to do it in New York librarian in Meredith Wilson’s The Music City. Man , winning the Tony Award for Cook idolized Jeanette MacDonald as featured actress in a musical. In 1963 she a child and found her way to performing created the role of Amalia Balash in the in kiddie shows. She also sang at the Elks Jerry Bock-Sheldon Harnick musical, She Club and at age 14 she won an amateur Loves Me . night contest at Atlanta’s Roxy Theater by 1953 Barbara Cook, Oklahoma Revival What may not be remembered about singing “My Devotion.” The prize was Cook is that she also had a strong career $10. Upon graduating from high school, City Center revival of Carousel , in which as a dramatic actress. She appeared on she worked in Atlanta for three years as a she played Carrie Pipperidge. Of this television not only as a guest vocalist on typist. With her mother, Cook travelled to engagement, she said it was “the first time such shows as “The Ed Sullivan Show,” New York City in 1948, intent on staying the critics really paid attention to me. It but took acting roles on “The Play of the and launching a career as an actress. was like I was the new young thing. It Week,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and Fortune was on her side. At an audition, many more. She appeared on Broadway composer Vernon Duke was sufficiently in the Lincoln Center production of impressed to recommend she perform at Maxim Gorky’s Enemies in 1972. At this Tamiment, a summer resort in the point, Cook had been struggling with Poconos; she was seen there by the depression and alcoholism (which she owners of the Blue Angel nightclub in overcame in 1977). In the mid 1970s she New York – Max Gordon and Herbert met composer-pianist Wally Harper, who Jacoby – who booked her in 1950; it was convinced her to put a concert together. her professional debut. That gig quickly On January 26, 1975, Barbara Cook made led to a role in the very short-lived her Carnegie Hall debut, sparking a new Sammy Fain-E.Y, Harburg musical, career that would make her a true legend Flahoole y (it ran for only 40 Teenaged Barbara & her Mother in the world of entertainment. FEBRUARY, 2019 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY PAGE 5

Jazz at Kitano, 66 Park Avenue at East 38 th Street. For reservations, call 212- Member 885-7119 or www.kitano.com . If you missed Andrew Poretz’s well-received performance at Parnell’s, with Bill News... Zeffiro, on January 10, there’s a chance to catch his fabulous act on Thursday, March 7, beginning at 7:00 PM.

Twin Cities singer/pianist/impresario and APSS member Les Block reports that If you have any member news, or other items you would like to have the Johnny Mercer Centennial radio series, created by Les and radio host David considered for this newsletter, please send it by e-mail to the co- Cummings, has been accepted by the Library of Congress as a permanent editor, Jerry Osterbergg : [email protected]. It will be subject to addition to its Recorded Sound Reference Center. The program was originally editing, depending on size and content, and please remember that broadcast in a series of ten, one-hour segments, on KFAI-FM in 2009. It’s a we try to go to press two weeks before each monthly meeting. We remarkable collection of interviews for the subject of the lyrics of Johnny Mercer. often get very good items that get to us after the newsletter has been Among those who Les and David spoke with were Margaret Whiting, Tony printed and mailed. Bennett, Kay Starr, Barry Manilow, Nancy Wilson, Monica Mancini, Johnny Mathis, Daryl Sherman, Herb Jeffries, Diahann Carroll, Steve Allen, Andy Linda Amiel Burns, APSS President, is celebrating four decades of The Singing Williams, Jack Lemmon, Dave Frishberg, and David Allyn. The entire program Experience. Several APSS members have taken this workshop, some more than can be accessed through Google It is a once. For those of us who have, we can assure you that you’ll feel like a pro by fascinating bit of history. the night of the performance. Although many students have never sung in public Board member Marilyn Lester is now the Executive Director of the new nonprofit before, the supportive environment has prepared them well for their debut. Call American Songbook Association (an outgrowth of the Cabaret Scenes Linda at 212-315-3500 to sign up. The Singing Experience Cable TV show foundation). The mission is publishing the magazine, bringing the music into the continues on MNN Time Warner: Channel 56 or RCN: Channel 111. The schools and providing quality, low-cost performances to senior citizens, students program broadcasts are every Sunday at 5:00 PM. You can also see your fellow and all who love songbook music. Please check NYSMS members on YouTube at any time. out www.americansongbookassociation.org Midday Jazz Midtown continues Wednesdays (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM) at Saint Do you seek an elusive song? If you do, write APSS Board member Sandy Peter’s Church (East 54 Street (entrance) @ Lexington Ave), NYC, Hosted by Marrone @ [email protected] or call 856-829-6104. You can also visit Sandy Ronny Whyte. February 6, Jay Clayton – singer, Armen Donilian – piano; in New Jersey to see thousands and thousands of sheets of music, most of February 13, Alex Leonard – singer/pianist, Al Gafa – Guitar, Jay Leonhart – which can be yours very reasonably. She is a marvelous resource and a super- bass; February 20, Eyal Vilner Big Band; February 27, Roz Corral – singer, Bruce great lady! Having heard from only a few of our members over the past year or Barth – piano, Paul Gill – bass. Suggested donation: $10. Parking: Icon Parking, so, Sandy wants to remind you that she’s still at it, adding to her collection every East 51 St, between Third and Lexington Ave. $15 including tax for five hours day, and always willing to part with sheet music at especially fair prices for us. with validation@Saint Peter’s Reception Desk. www.ronnywhyte.com Sheet music was the reason we were founded thirty plus years ago, after all, and www.saintpeters.org/jazz/midtownjazz.htm . she’s only a phone call or e-mail away. Sandy continues to be willing to offer KT Sullivan, accompanied by Jon Weber, will present her latest show I Can free appraisals with no expectation of having right of first refusal and can provide Cook, When Barbara Met Wally, at the Birdland Theater, 315 West 44 th Street, unbiased advice as to how and where to sell music. It’s not a secret, pass it on on Wednesday through Saturday, February 27 to March 2 at 7:00 PM. For please. reservations: 212-581-3080 or www.birdlandjazz.com . Those fortunate enough to catch Shana Farr’s latest iteration of Love Poetic, Liora Michelle: The Greedy Soprano, will play a return engagement at Don’t Tell featuring the music, lyrics and words of Noel Coward and Cole Porter, assisted Mama on Friday, March 8 @ 7:00 PM. Admission is $15 or $10 for APSS and by Jon Weber at the keys in January, will be pleased to see her again this month MAC members plus a 2-drink minimum, cash only. For a preview, see the at APSS. Shana will be reprising her tribute to Barbara Cook. Shana’s performed Cabaret Scenes review of Liora’s show in January. her much acclaimed Julie Andrews show at APSS a few years back. Welcome back Shana! Nancy McGraw’s Sings Johnny Mercer – “In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening” at the West Bank Café, Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42 nd Street, Jeff Macauley, never at a loss for new material, has been performing his accompanied by Mark Nadler, on Friday, February 22 @ 7:00 PM and Sunday, delightful Where Do the Gentlemen Go? The Songs of Bobby Troup and the Life February 24 @ 1:00 PM. $25 cover, $20 minimum. of Scotty Powers. How’s that for a title? If you’ve not seen it yet, Jeff will be back at Pangea on March 2 @ 7:00 PM. Pangea is located at 178 Second Avenue The next outing of It’s Just a Number, hosted by MAC Award winner Bobbie (between East 11th and 12th Streets). Horowitz, will take place on Thursday, February 7 @ 7:00 PM at Don’t Tell Mama. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4049580. Honorees are Jack Urbont, Carole Demas, and Ira Lee Collings. Performers include Yvonne Constant, Donna Elliott, Arturo Padilla, Bruce Clough, Natasha Steve Ross, who never appears to have a night off, will be returning to Birdland Castillo, Sara Rice, Lynda Rodolitz, and Josephine Sanges. Musical Directors with his new show How Do You Like Your Love: a Post-Valentine Cabaret on are Matthew Martin Ward, John M. Cook, Dan Furman, and Ian Herman. $20 February 18 @ 7:00 PM. 212-580-3080. And, if you’ve never listened to a live cover/$15 APSS & MAC, 2-drink min. radio program, New York Cabaret Nights, which was broadcast from the Algonquin’s Oak Room some years ago, here’s a second chance. Steve, who Daryl Sherman, accompanied by Boots Maleson, will present a special Valentine was a frequent host, tells us that the programs are now available on-line at show Love You Madly on Wednesday, February 13 @ 8:00 and 10:00 PM at https://www.wnyc.org/series/new-york-cabaret-nights.

Send Member News to [email protected] no later than the 15th of each month for the next issue. American Popular Song Society P.O. Box 5856 • PIKESVILLE, MD 21282

FEBRUARY 9th- "It’s Not Where You Start: The Songbook of Barbara Cook t's Not Where You Start: The Songbook of Barbara Cook, celebrates the legendary Broadway, concert and cabaret star Barbara Cook. It is a feast of vocal amazement and stellar Iinterpretation, paying tribute to Cook with songs by Bernstein, Hammerstein, Sondheim and more. Displaying an intelligent and sophisticated approach to the material and with a polished elegance, Shana Farr brilliantly commands the Did you know every issue of this newsletter stage and leads the audience on a journey from a is in COLOR online at www.APSSinc.org young ingénue to a woman full of life experience.

2018 - 19 Season February’s Opener October 13, 2018 Hannah Jane Peterson Alex Leonard presents Harry Warren annah Jane November 10, 2018 Peterson is an 18- Alan Jay Lerner with Amy Asch, year old senior at KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler the Professional December 8, 2018 HPerforming Arts School Celebrating Frank Sinatra on his birthday with in the Musical Theater clips and songs Program. She describes January 12, 2019 herself as an old soul The Anderson Twins and often jokes that she February 9, 2019 was born in the wrong Barbara Cook show by Shana Farr era as a nod to her love March 9, 2019 of Golden Age music Ron Fassler and musicals. In Fall April 13, 2019 2018, Hannah Jane Celebrating Jazz Month made her NYC cabaret debut with her first May 11, 2019 solo show at the Laurie Beechman Theater to Songwriter Showcase a packed house. She is looking forward to June 8, 2019 graduating high school in the spring and Richard Skipper Celebrates June 8th in Song chasing her dreams all the way to Broadway and beyond.