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Home , June Hutton, Lou Busch, Serenade of the Bells, The Pied Pipers

New New York Sheet Music Societsy lette VOLUME 33, NUMBER 9 SINCwwwE.NY S1MS.o9rg 80 JUNE, 2012 r DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF CLASSIC Rotten Scoundrels) and It Happens Every Spring: Musical Director Fred Lassen (Broadway: South Sandi Durell Presents Pacific, Spamalot) . Based on this sampling: “Pity the Annual Series Showcase Pudding,” “Your New Life By Jerry Osterberg as a Hero” and “Life is At the time Jeremy three of her own : next was Raymond Bokhour, Beautiful,” Raymond’s show Jordan appeared at last year’s “Another Breakdown,” a primarily known as an actor could well become a must- Songwriter Series Showcase, clever, witty about a (Broadway: ), who, see. he had already starred on woman who’s driving with Simon Gray and David Although Patrick Cook Broadway in Bonnie & Clyde. Jeremy was just one of many and performers with impressive credentials, and this year’s roster was no exception. While Sandi Durell had been busy assembling the talent for the 2012 edition, Jeremy earned a Tony nomination for Newsies. Ranging from Harris Doran to Elizabeth Sullivan, and from Patrick Cook to Tom Tuce, the company displayed an unmatched artistry to a delighted full house, turning in one of the best revues in living memory. Sandi kicked off the show with the John Webber, Tom Toce, Linda Amiel Burns, ?, Pat Cook, Christine Bokhour, Raymond Bokhour, Johnny Rodgers, irrepressible Laura Slutsky, Jennifer Sheehan, Elizabeth Sullivan, Marci Geller, Brittney lee Hamilton, David Gaines, Laura Slutsky, Sandi Durell. whose natural gift for comedy warmed up the audience as well as any late around Manhattan “…a Bridel has written a new and Frederick Freyer were night talk show host might, perfect place for a play: The Suicide: A represented by just one song getting the members to roar breakdown…” and hoping to Musical Comedy,” which from Séance, a work in before they were able to open avoid one – her breakdown, takes place in Russia during progress based on the their programs. Accompanied not the car’s; “Thank You;” the carefree era of Joseph infamous Fox sisters and the by Paul Chamlin, Laura sang and “Day Without the Kids,” Stalin. Joining Raymond to advent of spiritualism in the Rick Crom’s “Denial,” the as a woman who suddenly perform numbers from the mid-nineteenth century, it hilarious lyrics delivered to has to face an empty house show were Drew McVety was an inspired choice. “My maximum effect: “You’re in without her children. It’s a (Broadway: Billy Elliott, Child Has Come Back to denial but you think that tender, evocative tune about Sunday in the Park with Me,” a tune which is things are hunky dory.” the unique loneliness that George ), Christine Bokhour absolutely hypnotic, was Marci Geller presented only a parent can feel. Up (Broadway: Chicago, Dirty performed by a quintet of Continued on page 4 PAGE 2 NEW YORK SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY JUNE, 2012 President’s Message... New York Linda Amiel Burns, President Sheet Music Society This is the last Newsletter for the 2011-2012 season, which includes our OFFICERS feature story covering Sandi Durell’s Songwriter Series. This is her 11 th President: Linda Amiel Burns Annual Program (!) and it brings in fabulous songwriters and singers to 1st Vice Presidents: perform for us. This year, as always, she continues to top herself. What a Lynn DiMenna & thrilling afternoon it was; you can read all about it in this issue. Thank you from all of us, Sandi, Sam Teicher 2nd Vice Presidents: for these sensational programs! Robert Kimball & After the May Songwriter Series program, many members of our trusty Board of Directors Sandy Marrone met at a local restaurant for our annual meeting, to discuss the upcoming season and the future Treasurer: Glen Charlow of the Society. We do hold email meetings all through the year, and continue to communicate Membership: that way, but it is important to meet in person and share ideas. Glen Charlow & Trudi Mann One of the items brought to the table was next season’s programs. The first three, which will Recording Secretary: complete the 2012 season, are already set. Since it is the Centennial of Burton Lane, Richard Edie Stokes Programs & Special Events: Holbrook will perform his wonderful Burton Lane Tribute for us. In November, Frank Dain Elliott Ames & Sandi Durell (Editor of Cabaret Scenes) and a very fine singer himself, will perform the songs of Johnny Marketing & Public Relations: Mathis accompanied by the one and only Kathleen Landis. In December, we will have Sarah Laura Slutsky & Barbara Thaler Website: Rice, the original Johanna in “Sweeney Todd,” bringing us her well received Hollywood show. Glen Charlow The balance of the season is still TBA. Newsletter Editors: Our expenses continue to rise and we don’t want to raise the dues, but our most expensive Jerry Laird item is the Newsletter, which has to be printed, stamped and mailed each month. Many [email protected] Jerry Osterberg organizations, including NYSMS, are now making their newsletters and publications available [email protected] online (which you can see in glorious color), so for those of you who have email, we would like Associate Editor: you to switch to the online Newsletter. We truly believe that you will love seeing all the photos Joan Adams Graphic Designer: and graphics in color. Glen Charlow For the few members who don’t have access (there are probably only about 10-20), we will [email protected] continue to mail to you. NYSMS Official Photographer: The Board also discussed ways that we can raise funds: holding a raffle, doing a Benefit, Rose Billings and memorabilia sales, among other methods. We hope that we can continue to hold our New York Sheet Music Society meetings at Local 802. we will let you know soon if there will be any changes. P.O. Box 564 th Don’t miss our final program on June 9 with Glen Charlow. Glen is the Society’s New York, NY 10008 Newsletter Designer, Treasurer, Membership Chair, and all-around computer whiz. He is also Special Theater Discounts for a world-wide collector and expert on Lucille Ball

s NYSMS Members! We know g n

and Desi Arnaz, and he will perform his tribute i that you love a good deal, so in l l i

B association with Marna Mintzer called “Loving Lucy” for us. Be prepared for a e

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My best wishes to all of you for a happy and y b Broadway & Off Broadway

o healthy summer. I have two Singing Experience t theatre ticket discounts of o h

workshops coming up in July and August: “Sound P approximately 48% or more off of Summer” begins on July 10th and performs at retail, plus arts event ticket The Triad on August 7th and “Crazy Days of discounts ranging from 30-50% off. For show updates and Summer” begins on July 18th and performs on ordering information, call 212- August 15th. Whew – I will really need a vacation 935-2664 to hear what is after that! available and please mention As the song says, “See You In September!” your special Membership code # A1. Offerings change frequently so phone the Hotline and listen Linda carefully to the many choices Linda with Jennifer Sheehan. currently available .

MEETING LOCATION – Local 802 – Musicians’ Hall at 322 West 48th Street. Program: 1:45 – 3:30PM. JUNE, 2012 NEW YORK SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY PAGE 3

donation: $10. Parking: Icon Parking, East 51 Street, between Member Third and Lexington Ave. Charge: $15 including tax for five hours with validation @ Saint Peter’s reception desk. Ronny News... Whyte: “We regretfully announce the passing of our beloved co- producer Joan Uttal Anderson. There will be a memorial on September 12. If you have any member news, or other items you would like to have considered for this newsletter, please send it by e-mail to the co- Sheet Music Magazine always has wonderful tributes to the Great editor, Jerry Osterberg : [email protected]. It will be subject to American Songbook. It includes sheet music for at least a dozen editing, depending on size and content, and please remember that songs. Longtime NYSMS member Ed Shanaphy (Publisher & we try to go to press two weeks before each monthly meeting. We Editor-in-Chief) makes sure that each and every issue is often get very good items that get to us after the newsletter has been wonderful. If you aren’t a subscriber, you should be. $24.97 for printed and mailed. one year subscription. Contact Subscription Dept. PO Box 3000, Linda Amiel Burns, NYSMS President, is celebrating the 35 year Denville, NJ 07834-3000 or www.sheetmusicmagazine.com . of The Singing Experience. She would love to have more of our Society’s members join the cast in joyful song. Talk to those who Do you seek an elusive song? If you do, write NYSMS Board have – Joan Adams, Lynn DiMenna, Jerry Laird, Jerry Osterberg, member Sandy Marrone @ [email protected] or call 856-829- Carol Shedlin and Laura Slutsky – you’ll be glad you did. Please 6104. You can also visit Sandy in New Jersey to see thousands call Linda at 212-315-3500 to sign up. The Singing Experience and thousands of sheets of music, most of which can be yours very Cable TV show continues on MNN Time Warner: Channel 56 or reasonably. She is a marvelous resource and a super-great lady. RCN: Channel 111. The program broadcasts are every Sunday at 5:00 PM. You can also see your fellow NYSMS members on Jeffrey C. Williams hosts a weekly, live radio program – At the YouTube at any time. Ritz – on Saturdays between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM on WVOF 88.5 FM. Lynn DiMenna continues to post select reviews @ The next performance of The Singing Experience – Dream a Little www.attheritz.org Dream – will take place at The Triad (158 West 72 Street) on Tuesday, June 12 @ 7:30 PM. Music charge: $12 + 2 drink Frank Dain is the Editor-in-Chief of Cabaret Scenes, the only print minimum (cash only). Doors open @ 7:00 PM. Call Linda @ publication dedicated to promoting and preserving the fine art of 212-315-3500 or write to [email protected] for cabaret. Now in its seventeenth year, the Magazine is a more information and reservations. publication of The Cabaret Foundation, a not-for-profit whose goal is to educate the public about cabaret, its history and those There are four more Singing Experience workshops before the who contribute their talent to the art form. Each issue contains year is over. Sounds of Summer , rehearsals begin July 10, interviews with those participating in all aspects of cabaret – performance on August 7; Crazy Days of Summer, rehearsals begin performance reviews, CD reviews, musical theater, show listings July 18, performance on August 15; This is the Life, rehearsals across the country and photos of individuals on the scene and begin September 20, performance on October 17; and Let it Snow, special events. The Magazine is available to those who become rehearsals begin November 13, performance on December 11. Foundation members and all contributions are tax-deductible. For TSE has been rediscovered after more than 30 years and become information on how to join, visit www.cabaretscenes.org . the hottest ticket in town! Sign up while they last. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do what you’ve always wanted to do! Art Zimmerman is a co-sponsor of the annual Jazz Records Call Linda at 212-315-3500 or write to Collectors Bash on Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30 @ the [email protected]. Hilton Woodbridge in Iselin, NJ. On Friday evening, there will be a showing of jazz films, and on Saturday, two films of restored Midtown Jazz at Mid-Day continues on Wednesdays (1:00 PM to Vitaphone short subjects. The Vitaphone films were made with 2:00 PM) at Saint Peter’s Church (East 54 Street @ Lexington the sound on the disc rather than using an optical soundtrack on the Ave), NYC. Hosted by Ronny Whyte, www.ronnywhyte.com or edge of the film. Over the years, discs and films have gotten www.saintpeters.org/jazz/midtownjazz.htm . Programs: June 6, separated. Due to the efforts of a few collectors, the Vitaphone Valerie Capers – singer/pianist, John Robinson – bass, Earl Project was founded, and so began an effort to reunite discs with Williams – drums; June 13, Harmonie Ensemble New York – 22 film and make new digital restorations. The Saturday showing Piece , Steve Richman – conductor, music from Peter will include newly restored Columbia Pictures shorts from the late Gunn by Henry Mancini, featuring Lew Soloff – trumpet, Lew ‘20s and early 30s. Like Vitaphone, those shorts were made with Tabackin – tenor sax, Joe Locke – Vibes, Lincoln Mayorga – the sound on the discs. For additional information, contact piano, Victor Lewis – drums; June 20, Claude Diallo – piano; Holli www.jazzbash.net. The Vitaphone website is Ross – singer, Eddie Monterio – synthesized accordion. Suggested www.vitaphoneproject.com.

Send Member News to [email protected] no later than the 15th of each month for the next issue. PAGE 4 NEW YORK SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY JUNE, 2012 theater experience, sang Every lyric was carried Every Spring ... “Your Chin;” Jonathan Todd on a gorgeous melody, Continued from page 1 Ross, an actor who has played wonderfully by appeared in numerous Jon Weber, surely the marvelous female singers commercials, audio books busiest man in the who conveyed a palpable and animated series, room. Elizabeth’s sense of longing. Before contributed “You Da Man,” voice matched Johnny Rodgers sang even about one guy trying hard to perfectly with the one note, he expressed befriend another guy, but sensibility of the gratitude to all the people willing to accept just songs: “You Are the who have championed his “hanging out;” and Harris Reason” (Without you career, and reminded the Doran, the star of the I’d be in the wings audience to enjoy the Sundance Festival – with no curtain call at present before it’s gone. Christine & Raymond Bokhour with Mus. Dir. Fred winning- film, My Best Day, Lassen and friend. all); “Just Turn It Accompanied by Jon Weber, who performed “Step Right photo by Rose Billings Around” (My love is Johnny sang “One More Up,” chronicling the yarn of experience too good to lose); and “Not Moment with You,” “Cheek a man who turns the tables in the City of Light, Jennifer Tonight” (There may be a to Cheek” (joining Jon on on a couple who were out to evoked a woman who time when I'll not want you the piano), and “The Best of ridicule him. As the song seemed to be permanently in but not tonight), a beautiful You in Me,” an emotional, proceeds, it rises in love with life, especially tribute to her late husband, heartfelt tribute to his intensity, becoming more when it became clear that Jim. parents. For someone who and more manic and she’s communicating with As always, Sandi Durell admits to not being young confrontational. her lover: “In Paris I fell assembled an impressive anymore, Johnny jumped on Among the afternoon’s once again in love with array of talent. This show and off the stage like an stellar performers was you.” Tom backed Jennifer was even better than last athlete! on “You Make Me Laugh,” year, the year before that

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P engaging and accessible Sandi top herself next year? singer, whose dazzling Only Sandi knows, and smile created an instant she’s not saying! bond with the audience. Consistent with the rest of the afternoon, the last artist was a singer/songwriter, who also happens to be the benevolent matriarch of an entire family of talented Pat Cook with the cast of "The Suicide: A Musical Comedy" women, among them KT, Stacy and Heather Sullivan. Jennifer Sheehan, who sang Elizabeth Sullivan has been Based on the acclaimed two numbers from Tom performing for a long time film “The Station Agent,” Toce, a member of NYSMS, and her grace and presence David Gaines and Michele the first accompanied by Jon on stage certainly shows it. Foor, premiered some of the Weber, who volunteered to Each of her songs songs which comprise the fill in at the last minute. incorporated a lifetime of musical treatment of the Introducing “The Night I experience: the good times, engaging tale. Brittney Lee Fell In Love with Paris” the sad times and the Hamilton, who has yards of with her personal ordinary, unremarkable days. JUNE, 2012 NEW YORK SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY PAGE 5 : An Enduring Star of the First Magnitude – By Jerry Osterberg Part II By the time Jo Stafford graduated from of the incident: “Of course, he could have “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” backed by Joe high school, her sisters had been performing come to us and said so, but that was not part “Fingers Carr, aka Lou Busch, Margaret professionally for some time as The Stafford of old Tom.” Whiting’s husband and Debbi Whiting’s Sisters. They performed popular songs and The Pipers had a standing invitation father. supplied background vocals for the major from to record for his Like many of the movie and recording movie studios in Hollywood. In 1938, 20 th fledgling , both as a group stars of the time, Jo toured with the USO and Century Fox made a film that required many and with Jo as a solo singer. So, they headed recorded “V-Discs” during World War II. It backup vocals. Alexander’s Ragtime Band to and took up Mercer’s offer. was at this time that she acquired the had a score of Irving Berlin songs, including Their first appearance was not in the nickname “G.I. Jo,” becoming the favorite of the title song, which was Berlin’s first big hit. recording studio but on his radio program, US servicemen. Hers was the voice which In between takes, Jo harmonized with seven Johnny Mercer’s Record Shop, beginning in reminded them of home and the sweethearts young men from two groups: The Esquires 1943. The broadcast was a showcase for who they left behind. She was told by a and The Rhythm Kings, who became, with Capitol’s talented artists such as Ella Mae veteran of the Pacific that Tokyo Rose used to Jo, . The newly formed group Morse and Jo Stafford. After a two year broadcast Jo’s songs through loudspeakers in attracted the attention of The King an effort to make the soldiers homesick Sisters, who told their boyfriends Axel and surrender. Jo’s daughter Amy tells Stordahl and about them. the story of a letter written to the family Stordahl and Weston, the chief arrangers after her mother’s death. Part of the for the Band, introduced landing force on Iwo Jima, a former them to Dorsey who asked them to come Marine officer wrote that he had a small on his new radio program, The Raleigh- pillow embroidered with Jo’s image: “I Kool Show. carried this with me in the trenches and They appeared briefly on Dorsey’s your mother kept me alive.” program in New York until the show’s By 1945, many of the former sponsor fired them after hearing their “boy” singers and “girl” singers had left rendition of “Hold Tight,” apparently the Big Bands or were in the process of because the British gentleman thought leaving. Even fretted that the scatting was indecent. Dorsey hired singers such as Perry Como and Dick them back, this time as a quartet, and Haymes might beat him in the race to they remained until 1942. The group go solo. Jo’s manager, Mike Nidorf, featured Chuck Lowry, Clark Yocum persuaded her that although she had and John Huddleston, who became Jo’s begun the transition, it was important first husband. During their tenure, Frank that she have more exposure as a live Sinatra came on board and soon became performer. The result was two Dorsey’s number one attraction. But it was recording ban by the American Federation of appearances in at La Sinatra who urged Jo to lobby Tommy Musicians, the Pipers recorded their first Martinque, a swank supper club on West 57 Dorsey for a solo. Dorsey agreed, and Jo sides with Mercer and Paul Weston. Jo left Street. On the opening night of Jo’s debut, sang “Little Man with a Candy Cigar.” In due the Pied Pipers in 1944 and recorded her first her musical director Carl Ravazza ruined her course, Dorsey’s tour arrived at the New York solo: “How Sweet You Are.” The vacancy entrance by hamming up the introduction. Paramount, ushering in the era of the “bobby was soon filled by , who would Ravazza persisted in waving his fingers, soxer.” No one had ever seen anything like join the Pipers for the iconic “Dream.” Jo smiling like a Cheshire cat and distracting the it! Stafford became Capitol’s top selling artist audience away from her. Seven months later, When the Pipers left the Dorsey with 21 top ten records, as well as a major a reviewer said of her return engagement: organization, it was because of a big radio personality, starring on the Chesterfield “Jo Stafford, looking a lot trimmer and argument between Lowry and Dorsey. It Supper Club, The Revere Show, and The smarter than when she opened here last time, seems that after a night of serious drinking in Carnation Show. has begun to sing rhythm tunes and the Portland, Oregon, the entire band met up at Including a number of hit songs recorded change is a welcome one. On voice, she the train station. Dorsey ran into Lowry and with Frankie Laine (“Hey, Good Lookin’) remains an accomplished canary with a fine asked him for directions. Unfortunately, and Gordon MacRae (“My Darling, My set of pipes. On selling, she is still weak in Dorsey lost his way while following Lowry’s Darling”), Jo actually had 35 songs among projecting to the pewholders.” In spite of the advice. Dorsey, who had a legendary temper, the top ten including: “It Could Happen to better acceptance, Jo told her sister Bette found the train on his own but berated Lowry You,” “Candy” (with Johnny Mercer), Jane, “Never again!” anyway. The Pipers were fired on the spot “That’s for Me,” “Symphony,” “Tim- and departed immediately. Later on, Dorsey Tayshun” (with Red Ingle & The Natural …to be continued. admitted that it was a dumb decision. Jo said Seven), “Serenade of the Bells” and Last meeting of the season...

A m u s i c a l t r i b u t e t o L u c i l l e B a l l , D e s i A r n a z a n d “ I L o v e L u c y ” .

Accompanist: Steven Jon Kaplan June 9 , 2012 Local 802 - Musicians’ Hall 322 West 48th Street, NYC $10 - Non-members of the Sheet Music Society

P.O. Box 564 New York, NY 10008

If I kept my hair natural like yours, I’d be bald — Mame Dennis

If I say that your sense of style’s as far off as your youth, it’s simply that who else but a bosom buddy will tell you the whole stinkin’ truth — Vera Charles