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VOLUME 40, NUMBER 6 Formerly New York Sheet Music Society www.APSSinc.org MARCH 2019 Shana Farr: Living Inside a Song - An Appreciation of

By Jerry Osterberg appearing in a-number-of with her debut at the Laurie others not as well known, Some years before I saw Gilbert & Sullivan Beechman with Pure with informed narration and Shana Farr’s celebrated productions, essentially Imagination, Shana Farr has insight. Interestingly, Cook tribute to Julie Andrews at the extending an impressive been a welcome presence, and Farr had both appeared in Metropolitan Room, a resume of operetta and staging other productions some of the same musicals, program she later reprised at

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P and “Till There Was You”), a passionate fan of Gilbert & she starred in Plain and Sullivan, I attended their Fancy (“This is All Very New programs from time to time. to Me”) and Candide VLOG’s practice was to (“Glitter and Be Gay”). alternate G & S with Besides two additional plays Broadway musicals including she opened, The Gay Life (“I concert versions. One of Wouldn’t Marry You”) and these was a revue focusing on She Loves Me (“Ice Cream”), songs which had emerged Cook appeared in revivals of from theater productions to Oklahoma (“I Can’t Say stand on their own, becoming No!”), Carousel (“If I Loved the building blocks of the Shana Farr You” and “You’re a Queer Great American Songbook. One, Julie Jordan”), The King Having been introduced musicals, including The such as Whistling Away the and I (“Hello Young to the magnificence of John Student Prince, The Yeoman Dark: The Songs of Julie Lovers”), and Showboat McGlinn’s lovingly recreated of the Guard, Princess Ida, Andrews, In the Still of the (“Make Believe” and “Can’t musicals twenty years earlier, The Music Night, which Help Loving That Man”). I came to adore the music of Man, won a Bistro After a decade long . On the day of Oklahoma, Award in 2015, absence, Barbara Cook the VLOG event, the The Merry the inspired returned to singing, program included “All the Widow, and Love Poetic, beginning a thirty-year Things You Are,” featured in The Pirates of and currently, collaboration with Wally Kern’s Very Warm for May, to Penzance. It’s Not Where Harper. As her arranger and become one of the best loved Given her You Start: The musical director, he songs of all time. To my great extraordinary Songbook of encouraged her transition to joy, the VLOG orchestration voice, range, Barbara Cook. the concert stage, starting incorporated Oscar and Supported with a debut at Carnegie Hall Barbara Cook Hammerstein’s extended performing by the superb in 1975. She was a verse, as had McGlinn’s, skills, it was inevitable that accompaniment of Mark consummate concert providing Shana Farr the Shana would come around to Janas, Shana’s well- performer from then on, perfect opportunity to shine. Barbara Cook. conceived structure wove traveling the world with Shana was a member of During her ten year long many of Barbara Cook’s Harper until his death in the Village Light Opera, career in cabaret, beginning best-known triumphs and Continued on page 3 PAGE 2 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY MARCH, 2019 President’s Message... American Popular Linda Amiel Burns, President Song Society

Hi Gang, President: Linda Amiel Burns

Greetings from sunny Mexico! I am writing this message from Vice Presidents: Joan Adams Puerto Vallarta, where I went to escape the cold winter for a few weeks. I am looking Sandi Durell forward to the March meeting with Ron Fassler, which Board Member Sandi Durell Treasurer & Membership: is producing. As a matter of fact, I have just spent some wonderful time with Sandi Glen Charlow and friends in “Paradise,” and will be back in the city in a few days after my R&R! Secretary: You will be able to say you saw her at APSS when she was Marilyn Lester just starting her career! We expect great things from the talented singer Hannah Jane Peterson, who was our February meeting’s Board Of Directors: Elliott Ames opening act. It is thrilling to be able to introduce young Bill Boggs discoveries to our membership: gifted performers who love the Glen Charlow Sandi Durell great songs of the past who will help to keep good music alive Will Friedwald and growing! Michael Lavine Marilyn Lester Hannah Jane Peterson I cannot thank the beautiful Shana Farr enough for her Sandy Marrone sensational tribute to Barbara Cook. It was a joy to see her Jerry Osterberg Andrew Poretz remarkable performance last month, and to hear the incredible comments we Judy Stewart received. With the brilliant Mark Janas at the piano, and Shana’s lovely vocals, we Tom Toce shared an unforgettable afternoon. We were all moved by the show, learned so much Membership Mailing Address: about Ms. Cook’s artistry, and are truly grateful that these gifted performers shared American Popular Song Society their talents with us. You can read all about our wonderful February Program in this P.O. Box 5856 issue, and see some terrific photos by Rose Billing. Many thanks also to Maryann Pikesville, MD 21282 Lopinto who expertly videotapes our one-of-a-kind presentations for the APSS [email protected] (212) 315-3500 (Linda A. Burns) archives. Please remember to check the Newsletter & the Website and make note of the N E W S L E T T E R change in this season’s dates, as the April and June meetings will be held the THIRD Editor/Publisher: Jerry Osterberg [email protected] Saturday of the month, and not the second, as usual. Local 802 has special events Contributing Editor: Marilyn Lester [email protected] booked for their s

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I am eager to see you o h all at the March 9th P meeting, and am hopeful that by that time, Spring will be just around the corner! Best wishes, Linda Glen Charlow with Shana Farr 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. MARCH, 2019 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY PAGE 3 Shana Farr.... that the younger singer gets it. music,” a sentiment quite There’s also her recent album She appears to have a kinship evident during her program for Out of the Shadows, which Continued from page 1 with the senior performer the members of the American features the songs of Johnny 2004. Cook appeared with the which belies her years. While Popular Song Society on Mercer, Henry Mancini, New York Philharmonic in the Shana had great fun with “I February 9. For those who Anthony Newley, Frank concert version of Stephen Can’t Say No!” and “Ice couldn’t attend the meeting, Wildhorn, Noel Coward, and Sondheim’s Follies in 1985, Cream,” she captured the you can hope that she’ll bring . inhabiting the devastating gentle tenderness in back the show. And, if anyone torch song “Losing My “Goodnight, My Someone” needs a demonstration of her Mind,” opening an emotional and “If I Loved You” and full- acting skills, Love Poetic, connection to Sondheim’s throated emotion of “Not a containing both music and music that was evident for the Day Goes By,” “Losing My dialog, fits the bill perfectly.

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“Not a Day Goes By” s o t o without the passion of h Barbara Cook’s P voice. Jon Weber, who’s accompanied Shana Farr for many years, once asked rhetorically, referring to Shana “How does she do it? Where does that Mind,” and especially “Hello Every word and lyric of the voice come from?” Jon may as Young Lovers,” underlying its successful production came well have been talking of heart-breaking elements. from the songs of Noel Barbara Cook. Cook may or A few years ago, Coward and , along may not have been a role Shana Farr remarked “I love to with much hard work by Mark Janas model for Farr, but it’s clear share my love and passion for Shana in making it seamless.

Opening for APSS on Hannah Jane Peterson: February 9, and supported You’re Gonna Hear from Me beautifully by Mark Janas, she made another striking debut By Jerry Osterberg much to the delight of the Hanna Jane Peterson may only be seventeen, but she is audience. The latest of our clearly an “old soul” in her choice of material and role models, young hopefuls, Hannah notably Rosemary Clooney, Ethel Merman, and Judy Garland. impressed with both her songs Had she been around in the glory days of Broadway musicals, and vocal ability. She opened with “A Cockeyed Optimist,” Hannah would have been on Frank Loesser’s short list based moving on to “Somewhere on the strength of her strong voice. That’s Green” from Little Shop After placing as the first runner-up of the Adela and Larry of Horrors, “I Hold You in My Elow American Songbook Scholarship Competition, Arms,” and “Johnny One Note,” sponsored by the Mabel Mercer Foundation, she made her introduced in the Rodgers & cabaret debut at the Laurie Beechman, with KT Sullivan as her Hart Broadway musical Babes in Arms and later performed by Director and Jon Weber as her Musical Director. Hannah has Judy Garland in the biopic Words and Music. Hannah Jane also performed a solo show at Don’t Tell Mama. For the time ended her fast-paced program with “You’re Gonna Hear from being, she continues in her day job, attending the Professional Me,” an appropriate choice for a young woman whose Performing Arts School in New York City. future is bright. PAGE 4 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY MARCH, 2019 Royalty – What’s In a Name? By Marilyn Lester In advance of April’s designation as jazz, was the first to be designated as announcer wanted to give Basie’s band Jazz Month, here’s a bit of nomenclature “King” Bolden, around the turn of the some style. William James Basie thus trivia. You’re probably aware of some of 20 th century. Seeing an opportunity for became the Count. Bass player Charles the nicknames common among jazz public relations, Bolden’s contemporary, Mingus became known as the Baron. On the violinist Alex Watzke began to bill the distaff side, Billie Holiday was himself “King Watzke,” milking the known as Lady Day and Ella Fitzgerald designation for commercial gain. But the as the “Queen of Jazz” (she was also direct successor to Bolden’s honorific called “The First Lady of Song”). crown was cornetist Freddie Keppard in More exotically, pianist Oscar 1907, who passed the crown to Joe Peterson was dubbed “The Maharaja” (of Oliver, another cornet player and the piano) by none other than Duke bandleader, in 1914. Oliver was regarded Ellington, while saxophonist Farrell as jazz king well into the 1920s, even as Sanders became Pharoah. Other Paul Whiteman began to bill himself – honorifics in jazz centered on divinity or not without controversy – “King of Jazz.” civics. Sara Vaughan was “The Divine Whiteman’s title was actually a 1923 One,” Thelonius Monk “The High Priest publicity stunt, cooked up by a musical of Bop,” Nina Simone “The High instrument manufacturer that the Priestess of Soul” and pianist Art Tatum musicians, such as . bandleader endorsed. But because of ascended to the heights of being called Ellington’s Famous Orchestra was full of God. While he was also a king, Benny players with nicknames. Goodman was also known as “Swing’s was known as “Jeep” or “Rabbit,” while Senior Statesman.” Bassist Milt Hinton was “Swee’ Pea.” There was “The Judge” and fellow bassist were also Joseph “Tricky Sam” Nanton, Eugene Wright “The Senator.” Finally, at William “Cat” Anderson, Harold the top of the political tree was Lester “Money” Johnson and James “Bubber” Young, the great saxophonist who was Miley, to name some others. Nicknames known as “The President,” or just Pres or were not peculiar to Ellington’s band. Prez, for short. For each and every one of Piano master Willie Smith was called these remarkable musicians, their “The Lion.” Louis Armstrong was respective titles still stand and are well “Dippermouth,” “Satchmo” and “Pops.” deserved. Eddie Davis was “Lockjaw,” while Oran Page became “Hot Lips,” and so on. Whiteman’s widespread fame, the title But the grandest nicknames of all stuck. Kings that were to follow into the were those of jazz royalty, ideally 20 th century included saxophone player, bestowed upon the most gifted musicians, (Ousley), vocalist King a practice originating in New Orleans at Pleasure (Clarence Beeks) and, of course, the dawn of the 20 th century. This was the Nat King Cole. In these cases the “king” period of ragtime, the syncopated designation became the stage names of rhythms of which, along with the blues, the performers. Other famous kings developed into jazz (or jass, as it was first included Artie Shaw, “King of the spelled). The naming of jazz royalty may Clarinet;” Benny Goodman, the “King of derive from Mardi Gras. Around 1872, Swing;” , “King of the the Krewes – secret societies that ran Jukebox;” and Django Reinhardt, “King parades and balls in the city – began of the Jazz Guitar.” installing “Kings” on their floats. The The great Edward Kennedy King of the Rex Krewe became the King Ellington, the Duke, received his title of the entire Mardis Gras. before his music career. Elegant even as a Cornet player and bandleader, child, a neighbor remarked he was like a Charles Joseph “Buddy” Bolden, “little Duke” and the name stuck. Count considered by many to be the father of Basie became such when a radio MARCH, 2019 AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY PAGE 5 Member Liora Michelle: The Greedy Soprano, will play a return engagement News... at Don’t Tell Mama on Friday, March 8 @ 7:00 PM. Admission is $15 or $10 for APSS and MAC members plus a 2-drink minimum, cash only. For a preview, see the Cabaret Scenes review of Liora’s If you have any member news, or other items you would like to have show in January. considered for this newsletter, please send it by e-mail to the Editor, Jerry Osterbergg : [email protected]. It will be subject to If you missed Andrew Poretz’s well-received performance at editing, depending on size and content, and please remember that Parnell’s, with Bill Zeffiro, on January 10, there’s a chance to catch we try to go to press two weeks before each monthly meeting. We often get very good items that get to us after the newsletter has been his fabulous act on Thursday, March 7, beginning at 7:00 PM. finalized and made available to the membership. Board member Marilyn Lester is now the Executive Director of the new nonprofit American Songbook Association (an outgrowth of the Linda Amiel Burns, APSS President, is celebrating four decades of Cabaret Scenes foundation). The mission is publishing the The Singing Experience. Several APSS members have taken this magazine, bringing the music into the schools and providing quality, workshop, some more than once. For those of us who have, we low-cost performances to senior citizens, students and all who can assure you that you’ll feel like a pro by the night of the love songbook music. Please check performance. Although many students have never sung in public out www.americansongbookassociation.org before, the supportive environment has prepared them well for their debut. Call Linda at 212-315-3500 to sign up. The Singing Do you seek an elusive song? If you do, write APSS Board member Experience Cable TV show continues on MNN Time Warner: Sandy Marrone @ [email protected] or call 856-829-6104. You Channel 56 or RCN: Channel 111. The program broadcasts are can also visit Sandy in New Jersey to see thousands and thousands every Sunday at 5:00 PM. You can also see your fellow NYSMS of sheets of music, most of which can be yours very reasonably. members on YouTube at any time. She is a marvelous resource and a super-great lady! Having heard from only a few of our members over the past year or so, Sandy Linda is back from vacation, feeling rested, and is about to welcome wants to remind you that she’s still at it, adding to her collection in the Spring with a new edition of The Singing Experience. Classes every day, and always willing to part with sheet music at especially for Ain’t We Got begin on April 16, and continue April 23, April 30, fair prices for us. Sheet music was the reason we were founded and May 7. Performance scheduled for May 14 Contact Linda for thirty plus years ago, after all, and she’s only a phone call or e-mail additional info. at 212-315-3500 or [email protected] . away. Sandy continues to be willing to offer free appraisals with no Midday Jazz Midtown continues Wednesdays (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM) expectation of having right of first refusal and can provide unbiased at Saint Peter’s Church (East 54 Street (entrance) @ Lexington advice as to how and where to sell music. It’s not a secret, pass it Ave), NYC, Hosted by Ronny Whyte. March 13, Luiz Simas – on please. singer/pianist, Wesley Amorim – guitar/guitarlele; March 20, Amy In November 2009, to celebrate the centennial of songwriter/singer London – singer; March 27, Harold Mabern – piano; April 3, Ben Johnny Mercer, Minneapolis radio personalities David Cummings Cassara – singer. Suggested donation: $10. Parking: Icon Parking, and Les Block produced and broadcast a 100 th birthday tribute to East 51 St, between Third and Lexington Ave. $15 including tax Mr. Mercer. The show features original interviews with a for five hours with validation@Saint Peter’s Reception Desk. distinguished roster of Mercer-connected performers and writers, www.ronnywhyte.com www.saintpeters.org/jazz/midtownjazz.htm . showcasing recordings of Mercer songs sung by the guests and KT Sullivan, accompanied by Jon Weber, will present her latest presenting valuable comments on the songs and on the man. show I Can Cook, When Barbara Met Wally, at the Birdland Theater, Among the more than twenty celebrities interviewed were Tony 315 West 44 th Street, on Wednesday through Saturday, February 27 Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Kay Starr, Nancy Wilson, to March 2 at 7:00 PM. For reservations: 212-581-3080 or Robert Kimball, Barry Manilow and Margaret Whiting. Sadly, our www.birdlandjazz.com . interview with Miss Whiting was her last. The show is being archived by the Library of Congress which acknowledged that “…it would be Steve Ross reports that the classic radio interview show New York impossible to produce a work of this quality on Johnny Mercer Cabaret Nights, which was broadcast on WNYC, can be accessed today.” The entire show can be heard online at the following anew by going to https://www.wnyc.org/series/new-york-cabaret- URL/web address: https://archive.org/details/mercer100/ksav- nights . mercer-1.mp3 OR johnnymercer100:davidcummingsandlesblock

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

MARCH 9th- RON FASSLER: UP IN THE CHEAP SEATS is an accounting of a teenager's fascination with theater, the shows and stars he got to see, by scrimping and saving and getting to see the best for as little as $2 a ticket. In the 60's/70's he had a $10 a week allowance and boy did he make that money go a long way! He recounts, with humor, many backstage anecdotes, tales of numerous celebs he met on the Great White Way, bringing some of his favorite singing artists along to make it come alive. Ron Fassler is a TV and film actor, director and author. Ron Fassler's special guest will be Jeff McCarthy (Side Show, Urinetown) in addition to Broadway singers Michael Caizzi, Michael Kurzniec Did you know every issue of this newsletter and Payton Reilly. You'll hear songs from Company, is in COLOR online at www.APSSinc.org Follies, Promises Promises and I Do, I Do!!

2018 - 19 Season March Openers Bryce Edwards was last seen in 'Broadway October 13, 2018 Vagabonds' with Quintin Harris in the Narnia Alex Leonard presents Harry Warren International Festival in Narni,Italy. He November 10, 2018 attends Baldwin Wallace University Alan Jay Lerner with Amy Asch, partnered with Cleveland's Great Lakes KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler Theatre. He is currently in BW's 'As You Like December 8, 2018 It' playing Touchstone. He thanks Natalie Douglas for this Celebrating Frank Sinatra on his birthday with opportunity at APSS. See him 6/17 at The Tank! clips and songs January 12, 2019 Quintin Harris is a singer, jazz pianist, actor The Anderson Twins appearing recently in 'Our Town' as George February 9, 2019 Gibbs. In 2018 he performed in The Gotham Barbara Cook show by Shana Farr Jazz Festival after a week at NY Hot Jazz March 9, 2019 Camp directed by Bria Skonberg and Molly Ron Fassler: Up In The Cheap Seats <••DATE CHANGE Ryan. He's returning on full scholarship this April 20, 2019 year. Quintin looks forward to reuniting with Bryce at Celebrating Jazz Month Great American Songbook Project (Waterbury Symphony May 11, 2019 Orchestra) directed by the incomparable Natalie Douglas. Songwriter Showcase <••DATE CHANGE June 15, 2019 *They are both accompanied Richard Skipper Celebrates June 8th in Song by Renée Guerrero (Pianist)