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Entertainment: Divas, Cabaret, Jazz Then and Now


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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

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Cover ImageEntertainment Divas, Cabaret, Jazz Then And Now (724 pages)

Book Description:

  • Paperback. On the cover, Ms. Marlene Verplanck.
  • ISBN: 0595408575
  • Pub. Date: September 2006


The first book of its kind, highly anticipated by stars, professionals and the public, it provides a wealth of information and tips not readily available elsewhere. In addition to the interviews with the stars and the divas, and the fascinating history from the 17th century to this day. It contains resources not found anywhere else, and CD reviews. You will be intrigued by stories, gossip, secrets, and close-up profiles of the most beautiful and exciting chanteuses and femmes fatales. It is the book of the risqué, the mystique and the hidden world of Cabaret, Jazz and Divas, a chronicle of the life, history and tales of legends, stars, singers, composers, entertainers, gigolos, acts, Broadway, Vaudeville, Paris, Berlin, shows, musicals, and human drama. You will meet the stars, but you will also discover magnificent and brilliantly talented artists you have never heard about-but should! The book is written by an international authority, who has first hand knowledge of this mysterious world. He met personally most of the people he is writing about and interviewed them in depth. He is the author of numerous books, an art and entertainment historian\critic and a syndicated columnist. In addition, he had written and directed musical scores, world premiere musicals and plays, performed at prestigious theatres including The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington DC.


REVIEWS

Review-Article in Cabaret Ville Magazine http://www.cabaretville.com/cabaret_ville_magazine8.htm

Review-Article in the Globe Weekly News: http://globeweeklynews.com/books_reviews.htm or

Review of Entertainment Divas, Cabaret, Jazz Then and Now in the New York Monthly Herald: http://newyorkmonthlyherald.com/new_york_monthly_herald4.htm  o



 

Review of Entertainment Divas, Cabaret, Jazz Then and Now  in Cabaret Ville  http://www.cabaretville.com/cabaret_ville_magazine8.htm

CABARET VILLE MAGAZINE. P347

BOOKS: ENTERTAINMENT: DIVAS, CABARET, JAZZ THEN AND NOW                                                         Arlette Lagrange, Staff writer

Marlene VerPlanck on the cover of the book. Chosen because of her status in the world of entertainment and accomplishments in showbiz. De Lafayette said: "Marlene is the diva of all divas. Period!"

Do you want to become a star? A cabaret or a Jazz Diva? It takes lots of guts, style, talent and a mighty luck. Let Maximillien de Lafayette explain to you what it takes to become a successful singer and a mega star. He wrote the book on the subject. His recently published enormous book ENTERTAINMENT DIVAS CABARET JAZZ THEN AND NOW became an international best-seller on October 17, this year. What is so special about this book? I don't know where to begin! This book has everything you might think of. Origin of American music from the 17th century to the present; world's greatest female singers of all time; the hottest cabaret and jazz chanteuses in the business, CDs reviews; tips on how to become a real cabaret/jazz star; the style of a sophisticated diva; the best and worst female singers in the United States....and yes, lots of gossips. But it is very very very serious book. It teaches you the rope. You will learn a lot from this book.

Photo: Celia Slattery got a glowing review.

There is an amazing chapter on the dos and don'ts, how to present yourself on stage, your makeup, your wardrobe, your shoes, your repertoire, your music, how to position yourself on stage, against a baby grand or your pianist? How to hold and grab the microphone, what songs you should sing and what songs to ignore. And of course, the refreshing and notorious list of the 500 best singers in the business. The book is overwhelming. It is abundant with information, resources, names, biographies, personal histories, jokes, intimate revelations, interviews. My lord, it is an ocean and I am out of breath. Jesus, let me reach the shore before I hit the bottom of the ocean.

HIDDEN UNKNOWN TALENTS BROUGHT TO LIGHT

Helene Feldman

Photo: Helene Feldman was on the list of the 500 best singers.

Besides being very authoritative and extremely informative, Entertainment Divas Cabaret Jazz Then And Now has a very special touch: "giving a public recognition and a wider exposure to talented singers who need a break. The public must become aware of their great and hidden talents. This is my job. Writing about them and introducing them to thousands and thousands of readers around the globe is a responsibility I take very seriously." explained Maximillien de Lafayette.  Continues on P. 348

 

 

CABARET VILLE MAGAZINE. P348

CRITICS HAVE TENDENCY TO BE MEAN AND POMPOUS

Photo: Francine Morin got a nice write-up.

He adds: "Usually, critics have tendency to be mean and pompous. Some can put you out of business. One bad review and the premiere is yesterday news. The show dies, the performers go home. And the producers, directors and playwright go broke. Well, I am here to do just the opposite. I want to keep these wonderful artists in business. And this is what I think I have accomplished in my book." True, the author did accomplish his objectives. He wrote extensively about  a great number of talented performers who are struggling in a very competitive world. The tough and shrewd world of show business.

 

Nancy McGraw

Photo: The fabulous Nancy McGraw is one of Lafayette's  favorites.

He explained in eloquent and convincing manner why those artists deserve a wider recognition and why the public should become aware of their talent. I like the book. I read it from cover to cover. It is well-written. No bias, no favoritism and no yellow journalism. Nevertheless, De Lafayette did not refrain himself from ridiculing some big names and mocking agents of stars and chanteuses. Read it. Buy it. Learn from it. It is a treasure.

WHAT'S NEXT ON MAXIMILLIEN DE LAFAYETTE'S AGENDA?

Plenty! In addition to Entertainment Divas Cabaret Jazz Then And Now, another captivating book by de Lafayette United States and the World Face to Face is out. A powerful book with a message to the White House tough guys and foreign policy decision makers. Also in that book, De Lafayette devoted a whole chapter to the most distinguished female singers in the United States. But his big project is the encyclopedic book he is working on. Of course it is about divas, as usual, musicians, mega stars and emerging talents. The title of the book is WORLD WHO'S WHO IN JAZZ, CABARET, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT. A 3 volume, 2,100 page gigantic effort. It will be out by January or early February of 2007. And who is included in this encyclopedia? Almost anybody who has a talent regardless of a status quo. Talent is extremely important to de Lafayette. He mocks fame and fortune. He admires style, class and talent in an artist. Now, we understand why that encyclopedia contains roughly 10,000 names. But there is a catch. Unless you are invited, you will not be included in any volume of the encyclopedia. Inclusion is by invitation only. So, who is in this heavy-load book? Any clue Mr. Max? "Sure, we start with Tony Orlando, Elton John, Paul Simon and Neil Sedaka and we end up with Lena Horne, Leontyne Price, Barbara Cook, Barbra Streisand and the hottest and new names in the business. Some names are a household cliché, and many others are new to the public. Some are traditional, and some are quite controversial." added de Lafayette.

WHO IS ON THE COVER?

Photo: International star, Erika Luckett and jazz new sensation, Carol Mennie.

Photo: Canadian-Lebanese rising star, Randa Ghossoub, described by de Lafayette as "Mesmerizing singer."

I asked Mr. de Lafayette who is going to be on the cover of WORLD WHO'S WHO IN JAZZ, CABARET, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT? "Erika Luckett, Marlene VerPlanck, Carol Mennie, Randa Ghossoub, Paulette Attie, The Opera of Paris, Maestro Frank Jackson, etc..." he said.

Review in the Globe Weekly News

      

 The Globe Weekly News   BOOKS & AUTHORS                                         International Edition

Cover ImageWHO IS THE BEST FEMALE SINGER IN AMERICA?

WHO IS THE GREATEST DIVA OF JAZZ AND CABARET? ASK MAXIMILLIEN DE LAFAYETTE

"Entertainment Divas Cabaret Jazz Then and Now"; an international best-seller material!

Inga Schuller, Globe Weekly News Staff writer.

 This is an authoritative book on Jazz and cabaret, but also it is a parade of the gorgeous women of America! Glamour, style, elegance, drama are part of this fascinating book!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From left to right: Karmyn Tyler, Cynthia Basinet, , The Vixen Band.

In his new book Entertainment Divas Cabaret Jazz Then And Now, Maximillien de Lafayette dissects every known and unknown genre and facet of Jazz and cabaret. He writes in depth about 13 different kinds of cabaret and 12 genres of Jazz. He walks an extra mile to describe the criteria of an authentic chanteuse, and what transmutes a singer into a shining star on world stage. In addition, and with meticulous observation and authoritative analysis, de Lafayette tells the story of entertainment from its beginning, and its early days to the 21st century. This most revealing and comprehensive work encompasses the whole universe of singers, on and off stage. Although, the author focuses on the historical development of Jazz and cabaret throughout the centuries, the most  interesting  and grasping part of the book is a chapter solely devoted to the character and psyche of female singers. Another provocative but highly entertaining  part of the book begins on page 45 where de Lafayette furiously jokes about lack of authenticity and savoire faire of major American stars who desperately try to imitate Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel.

 

 

 

 

 

From left to right: Quinn Lemley, Laurie Krauz, Jamie deRoy, Caroline Nin.

According to de Lafayette, the problem arises from the fact that American chanteuses who are very fond of Piaf and Brel do not bother at all to learn even basic French. And the results are catastrophic. The author wrote: "Please madam, learn how to pronounce "E" in French. "E" is pronounced "EU", not EH or EE!" He continues" if you are not a French-born singer, and you want to sing in French, please observe the following: 1-Perfect your French accent. Bad pronunciation of intimate and romantic French words will kill your cabaret act; 2-Avoid cliché and over-exposed, over-used, over-consumed French cabaret songs like "La Vie En Rose"; 3-Learn new French songs from the old Parisian repertoire, songs like "Tout Fout L'Camp", "La Guingette" by Damia; 4-Never wear boots and extremely high heels on stage, and so on...However, he admits that many American Cabaret Divas in New York and Los Angeles are as good as their French counterparts, if not better in some instances, especially when they improvise and take the liberty of adding a glitzy and sensual  American touch to half-dead French songs. Female singers and personalities of the world of American entertainment who are highly admired by de Lafayette and who were written-up in a glorious way are: Marlene Verplanck  (her elegant photo appeared on the cover of the book), Janis Mann, Blossom Dearie, Paulette Attie, the stunning singer and actress Cynthia Basinet, the fabulous Toni Morrell, Linda Ciofalo,  Maye Cavallaro, Lauren Field, Ayelet Rose Gottlieb, Karmyn Tyler (Former Miss Louisiana) Vixen, Laurie Krauz, Patti Wicks, Caroline Nin, Jamie deRoy, Wesla Whitfield, Raquel Biton, Donna Byrne, Amanda McBroom, to name a few.

The book is large, voluminous and full with tips, list of resources, almost 5,000 names, CDs reviews, personal histories, biographies, ratings and categories of artists ranging from the best to the worst. And for all those who love beauty...they will not be disappointed, because the huge book glitters with photos of breathtaking and gorgeous women, noticeably Hilary Kole, Quinn Lemley, Ana Held, Paulette Attie, Caroline Nin, Claire Martin, and the Vixen girls. And now the 36 million Dollar question. Who is the best singer in America? De Lafayette uses diplomacy. He does not say. But Marlene VerPlanck's name appears on the top of his list.

ONE OF THE WORLD'S 25 MOST POPULAR ITEMS

Entertainment Divas Cabaret Jazz Then And Now is a monumental undertaking. A most impressive work. A fabulous book. A product of wisdom, knowledge, expertise and great sense of humour. Just a few days ago, AmazonUK listed it on their website as one of the world's 25 most popular items, in other words, an international best-seller. It is highly recommended. Five stars out of five. Buy it.  Paperback: 722 pages. ISBN: 0595408575. Available in bookstores and online at barnesandnoble.com

 

 

Review of Entertainment Divas, Cabaret, Jazz Then and Now in the New York Monthly Herald

New York Monthly Herald. EXTRA EDITION  P.137            

THE GOLDEN STOCK OF DIVAS PER SE AND THE NEW GENERATION OF JAZZ SINGERS

Myrna Hughes, London Correspondent.

Cover ImageGrande dame of showbiz, Ms. Marlene Verplanck on the front cover of the  Entertainment, Divas, Cabaret, Jazz, Then and Now, by Maximillien de Lafayette.

How would do you define an authentic jazz singer, a cabaret diva or a femme fatale, nowadays? Simple folks! Read the new book Entertainment, divas, cabaret, jazz, then and now by Maximillien de Lafayette. What a coincidence! He is also the editor-in-chief of this magazine. Would it be self-serving to write a review about a book written by your boss? Not really, if the book is meaningful and well-written. Then, let's see what there is in the bag. To set the record straight, I will not attempt to review the book. So what am I doing here? Well, let's say -for now- I am visiting with the stars who were written up in Mr. de Lafayette's massive volume.

Anatomy of the book: It is overwhelming. Lots of inquisitive articles. Tons of stars of all calibers, famous and infamous, talented and less so, chronological history of American music, European Cabaret, chats with chanteuses and legends, and of course glowing portraiture of icons and mega stars.

 

Las Vegas stunning star Toni Morrell.

Historical and academic value: Plenty. It is an encyclopedia. A world of knowledge and impressive wealth of information. Mr. de Lafayette began his book with an analysis and historical survey of the origin of American music and the very first "songs book" written by the pilgrims before and during the colonial era. Additional chapters provided important clues on the slaves' underground music, Spirituals, early gospel music and the birth of Jazz and Blues in America. And to wrap it up, Mr. de Lafayette added a chapter on the contributions of the pioneers of American Standards at the turn of the century, and here and there, juicy stories about the leading stars of 1930' follies, the Ziegfeld Girls and early Broadway' musicals.

SOME OF THE BIG NAMES IN THE BOOK: Lynn DiMenna, Barbara Fasano, Karrin Allyson, Claire Martin, Alison England, Helen Baldassare,  Betty Buckley, Barbara Cook, Janice Borla, Linda Ciofalo, Jamie deRoy, Robert Osborne,  Maye Cavallaro, Charles Cermele,  Ann Hampton Callaway, Chick Corea, Blossom Dearie, Susan Egan, Amanda McBroom, etc.

Candace EvansVocalist Candace Evans.

ARTISTS WORTH MENTIONING: Lafayette said expect to hear and read a lot about these wonderful artists: Candace Evans, Lisa Clark, Cynthia Bassinet, Debbie Duncan, Ellen Johnson, Pamela Luss, Karmyn Tyler (she is terrific),  Lori Derr, Lizabeth Flood, Ondine Darcyl, Carol Mennie,

Continues on P. 138

 

 

New York Monthly Herald. EXTRA EDITION  P.138     CONTINUED FROM PAGE 137        

Lynn DiMenna was recognized in the book in chapter La crème de la crème.

Who is in and who is out? Almost everybody or anybody who is somebody in showbiz is in the book. Even critics, writers and TV show hosts were written up in the book. For instance Turner Classic Movies' Robert Osborne, New York Post's film critic Jamie Barnard, Jamie deRoy and two notorious entertainment critics in New York were presented on a silver dish. All the big names in jazz and cabaret are in. The living ones. The departed ones were left in peace. Mr. de Lafayette is not a person you can easily impress. To do so, you got to have guts, talent, character and humility, especially humility. What impresses him most, he said "is that good nature and modesty you find in super stars who are down to earth...stars who are real...real on stage and in "real" life. He continues: "Talent is essential to succeed in showbiz. But your goodness, your generosity and loving persona are the secrets behind an everlasting successful career." Now, you get the clear idea, why he did portray some famous performers as mean, "pompous-asses and faceless, heartless entertainment characters!" Mr. de Lafayette displayed a touching sympathy toward  talented but not so lucky performers. He said: "In this unmerciful world of showbiz, you will find superb singers and artists who are to be discovered, more precisely, great talents we do not read about in the papers or see on television.

 

The magnificent Marlene Verplanck. A living legend.

I wanted to change that scenario, and one way to do this, is to give them maximum exposure in my book. Not every singer can afford a publicist and a shrewd manager. So, if we welcome lesser known, well seasoned artists with open arms and extend to them the same courtesy we do usually offer to mega stars, if we do that, you, me and the decision makers in the industry, we could or would discover great hidden talents...Just give a chance to everybody...on an equal basis." This could be one of the most meaningful aspects and powerful statements of Entertainment, Divas, Cabaret, Jazz Then And Now.

Ondine Darcyl, "A magnificent talent", said Lafayette

Maximum exposure Needless to say, big names and legends such as Anita O'Day, Marlene Verplanck, Helen Baldassare, Betty Buckley, Blossom Dearie and others notable dignitaries are prominently written up in the book. However, the whole philosophy of Mr. de Lafayette is to introduce to the general public as well as to the powerful executives of the recording industry, artists who are blessed with a great talent but unfortunately were either ignored or under-rated. "Also luck plays an important role in launching an artist' career...showbiz is often unmerciful. The bottom line is: Exposure, public relations, even gossip and hot talks are on the menu..." said Mr. de Lafayette.                                 Continues on P. 139

 
New York Monthly Herald. EXTRA EDITION  P.139             CONTINUED FROM PAGE 138

Linda Ciofalo was described as "Classy, classy, classy." The author wrote: "She (Ciofalo) dominates the stage by her presence and sparklingly sensuous voice. Tender and romantic in ballades, explosive in swinging jazz..."

THE BOOK IS ABUNDANT WITH NEW AND UNDISCOVERED TALENTS

The book is abundant with terrific undiscovered talents and accomplished performers who should enjoy more than "a limited regional or geographical success" as Mr. de Lafayette put it so bluntly. He cites for instance, Candace Evans, a highly respected and magnificently talented jazz vocalist who enjoys the respect and admiration of her community in the Kansas city area. Yet, her superb talent is not acknowledged nationwide. And "this, disturbs me a lot", said furiously Mr. de Lafayette. "We should not judge and assess the quality and talent of a singer by the amount of news coverage and reviews an artist get, regionally or nationally." said Maximillien de Lafayette.

 

 

Carol Mennie, a gifted singer, brought to national attention by the book.

Another example given by the author is Las Vegas super star Toni Morrell. Lafayette said: "Here we have a giant talent, Toni Morrell, what a singer and what a magnificent super duper entertainer she is. Toni Morrell  is pure magic, larger than life, divine, highly admired by mega stars...she is in the league of Shirley Bassey and Petula Clark, yet, rarely we see her on national television...and how about Donna Byrne? Tony Bennett himself acknowledged her as one of the best in the business, why Donna is not a household name yet? I will tell you why: No propaganda, no adequate packaging and favoritism in the recording and showbiz decimate talents."

Cynthia Basinet's (left) profile occupied 2 pages  She looked like one million bucks in the book. Mr. de Lafayette was intrigued and possibly charmed by her personality. He called her "a phenomenon." Ms. Bassinet is an international star in her own right, a devoted humanitarian and activist extraordinaire. She is waging war against world poverty and hunger.  Bassinet said: "More than 80 percent women and children, 200,000 refugees are struggling to survive in the southwest corner of Algeria. Their refusal to return home and their fight for self-determination captured my attention." (Taken from the book).  Continues on P. 140

 

New York Monthly Herald. EXTRA EDITION  P.140           CONTINUED FROM PAGE 139

MARLENE VERPLANCK TAKES THE LEAD

The most prominent star in the book is evidently the lady on the cover of the book: Marlene Verplanck. De Lafayette wrote: "With 20 solo albums, numerous awards and citations,  including "Singer of Best Song of the Year" by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC), worldwide recognition from Ontario to Tokyo, and glowing reviews by giants of the music industry, Diva Marlene VerPlanck has secured her name in the annals of America's greatest singers, no questions asked! "He also reviewed her most recent CD My Impetuous Heart. He wrote: "Marlene Ver Planck’s “My impetuous heart”: Best Jazz CD of the year. A treasure.  As you start with the very first song on the CD, Irwing Berlin’s “FOOLS FALL IN LOVE”,” Marlene VerPlanck instantly grabs you because you are held by the beauty of her voice and the smoothness and richness of the musical arrangement. You keep on listening, again and again, to that magnificent song, but then you realize that you should also start listening to the remaining seventeen tracks, because you don’t want to miss a single note. The same happens whenever you hear Marlene’s other songs. This superb singer is addictive. “Soul Eyes” is another one of Marlene’s delivery knockouts.

From the very first bar, and the very first word, you feel the immediate impact of the warmth, sensuality, and vocal elegance of this diva. To that haunting tune, Bucky Pizzarelli, on the guitar, added the richness of brief symphonic moments in a simple and eloquent delivery. It is evident that Marlene Ver Planck’s “My Impetuous Heart” is a CD on its way to become a collector’s item. Miss VerPlanck’s limpid voice, blended with elegant vocal delivery, enriched by Billy VerPlanck ‘s superb musical arrangements, brings a touch of high class to a medium that could sometimes be merely sensual; this elegance takes Jazz to a much higher level. It does not get any better than that when Marlene is accompanied by pianist virtuoso Hank Jones who previously collaborated with diva Marlene on her first album “Every Breath I take.” Each note he hits is like throwing one diamond on the clear surface of a lake; it splashes, bursts, and radiates beauty.   Gary Mazaroppi, on the Bass, adds a discrete, hidden musical intimacy to the arrangement.

 

 

 

The majestic diva Marlene Verplanck in concert.

Joe Cocuzzo, on the drums, freezes, frames, and then frees the music at just the right moment. His timing is impeccable. Two Jazz giants, George Shearing, (who wrote Lullaby of  Birdland), Jazz piano master virtuoso, a world celebrity, internationally known for “The Shearing Touch”, and  invested by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his “service to music and Anglo-US relations”, and the legendary Marian McPartland (Winner of the 2004 Grammy Award, among so many other prestigious awards)  were invited by diva Marlene as her special guests. Both, gracefully agreed to accompany Ms. VerPlanck at the piano. VerPlanck’s invitation came in the form of a tribute to their illustrious accomplishments in the world of music. And it was a brilliant idea. The participation of maestro  Shearing in two songs “All in Fun” and “You Must Believe in Spring” adds an extraordinary musical beauty and lyrical finesse to the CD, that were felt from the very first bar of his short intro and  especially his solo performance in the middle of “You Must Believe in Spring”.

Ms. Marian McPartland accompanied VerPlanck on the piano.

There is a stunning symbioses between Marlene VerPlanck and George Shearing which enhances the music and the mood immeasurably. Ms. McPartland’s glorious mastery of the piano was evident in her original composition “Willow Creek”. Her elegant style, intuitive feeling of harmony, and salient harmonic sense link in an unmatched grace and good taste, the exquisite vocal beauty of Ms. VerPlanck to the smoothly romantic cadence of the music, the tempo, the meaning of Loonis McGlohon’s lyrics, thus creating a warm ambiance  and an elegant flair.  Continues on P. 141

 

 

New York Monthly Herald. EXTRA EDITION  P.141           CONTINUED FROM PAGE 140

It is an outstanding partnership, perfect at so many levels. A glittering rainbow of a richly lyrical, smooth, vivacious, romantic, intelligent, refined and varied repertoire shows her strength as she commands the mood changes and states of mind which are the birthright of jazz. Marlene VerPlanck flirts with music and thus brings excitement, nostalgia, and a refreshing breeze to the ambiance. However, she never loses the substance and depth which are the benchmarks of great music. While conforming with the essence and true spirit of traditional Jazz, Marlene VerPlanck’s striking innovation and personal style are evident in every song.  VerPlanck’s voice is timeless. It does not belong to one particular era. It transcends all frontiers and reaches to an audience of all walks of life or of any age. Consequently this woman can tell you your whole damn life story in two lines. Many people who are lovers of classical music, Latin music, French music, or other genres are going for the first time, if they are not as yet familiar with Jazz, to love Jazz the way they love their favourite music, as soon as they listen to Marlene.Two songs on the CD, “Dance with Me Outside” and “The Day I Found You” speak to a very large audience. Miss Ver Planck will convert people to Jazz. I would never attempt to compare Miss Marlene Ver Planck to any of the Jazz greats, because she is a legend in her own right. I am afraid that what I am going to say may sound outrageous, perhaps provocative, but I firmly believe that critics and music connoisseurs would agree with me that Jazz, which began as the outcry of the common people, in her case, and through her voice, is raised to a royal level and thus Marlene VerPlanck becomes America’s Jazz Queen. “My Impetuous Heart” is a  treasure.  My rating would be 5 stars out of five. Buy a copy for a friend. You will treasure it for years to come and your friend will thank you.

 

 

ANY GOSSIP IN THE BOOK?

Plenty, but justified. Here is an excerpt from Chapter IV "NEW YORK'S AND CALIFORNIA’S JAZZ AND CABARET  DIVAS ARE MAKING A BIG BUZZ."

New jazz sensation and former beauty queen of Louisiana, Karmyn Tyler is one of Mr. de Lafayette's new favorites.

New York's and California’s  Jazz and cabaret divas are making a big buzz. And each one of them at “sa facon”.  Marlene Verplanck with her new CD “My Impetuous Heart”; Mercedes Hall with her new bursting Blues-Jazz shows; Carol Welsman, because of her international tour, her shows and concerts in Brazil, her record deal in Tokyo and the many awards she got recently, including “Best Smooth Jazz Singer of the Year”, “Best Jazz Singer of Canada”, “Best International Entertainer-Pianist of the Year”, ad infinitum; Hillary Kole’s with her stunning beauty, social gossips, and avalanches of heavy-duty gigs; Janis Mann’s great comeback and the fans are going wild; Anne Callaway, being difficult and distant in a very cold manner; Andrea Marcovicci for being out of site and her refusal to learn how to use a computer, so there is no way to communicate with her, except through a strange and bizarrrrrro character (handling her media and interviews), so difficult to deal with; Ute Lemper’s  sold-out magnificent cabaret acts in Manhattan; Carol Sloane with her Cabaret Bistro Award (Best Singer in the Business); Paulette Attie’s Memoirs (Boy! The stories and secrets of the legends en route); Tony Bennett’s admiration for Donna Byrne; Quinn Lemley playing Rita Hayworth; Paris Hilton’s ridiculous new CD! (Give me a break!); Anath’s forthcoming international cabaret shows in New York; Karmyn Tyler’s (Miss Louisiana) new album taking the audience and critics by storm; Rhe De Ville crowned queen of elegance of world of Jazz and cabaret. Yep! Buzz and gossip.This time, it is not about Madonna, nor Martha Stewart, but about a glittering rosary of old and new faces. Pros by all means. The New York Monthly Herald listed them and raved about them. What is the deal? No deal, just paying tribute to well seasoned Jazz and cabaret stars who made their mark on the music industry, such as Carol Sloane, Marlene VerPlanck, Patti Wicks, Opera primadona Alison England, Laurie Krauz, the gorgeous Hilary Cole, Paulette Attie and  three newcomers on the stardom plateau, Pamela Luss, Joan Bender and Audrey Silver. The Herald published a 25 page in-depth article I wrote  about those divas. Continues on P. 142

 

 

 

New York Monthly Herald. EXTRA EDITION  P.142           CONTINUED FROM PAGE 140
 

Mercedes Hall is taking New York by storm.

“I was born a diva and a femme fatale, don’t let this scare the hell out of you, honey!” What is so special about the article is the unorthodox approach I used in interviewing those singers. I contacted each one of them separately as if I were exclusively interviewing one diva for the cover. I asked them, all of them, the same questions without telling anyone what I was doing. So each diva thought that SHE is the ONE to be interviewed. I am a bad boy! Sloane's answers were as expected deep and straightforward. Kole's answers refreshing. Wicks, philosophical and informative. VerPlanck, bright like her music. Attie, right on. One lesson we could learn from the lengthy article: Good material never dies, and solid talent lasts for ever. I assume, this was the main point of the write-up and interviews, and I enjoyed talking to those sparkling femmes fatales. Some told me “You bet, I am a femme fatale!”, one particular super duper singer said: “I don’t have an ounce of a diva in me.” And another chanteuse said: “I was born a diva and a femme fatale, don’t let this scare the hell out of you, honey!”

 

 

The majestic Paulete Attie.

“Mercedes Hall is a wicked generator of moods…” Blues-Jazz sensation, Mercedes Hall is in demand. Her looks, class, beauty and out of this world voice are the reason. She is a hot ticket, now. The  fans who saw  Hall’s shows at Danny's Skylight Room in Manhattan went ape. It was an enormous success! Hysterically successful. After the success of Mercedes previous Adult Contemporary / Smooth Jazz album “Somewhere In The Night “  she recorded her  first ‘straight-ahead’ jazz CD at SONY Music Studios in New York City with her new trio ‘Monk For President’.  The power in quality of the vocals captured in "Somewhere in the Night" were recently validated when her version of "Walk on By" became part of the ocean drive best of American FM jazz CD. She joined the elite company of such artists as Patty Austin, The Rippingtons, Jon Lucien, Michael McDonald, Dave Grusin etc. on this extraordinary European release.  Additionally, Mercedes version of “My Funny Valentine” was recorded  for the independent film “Funny Valentine”. Continues on P. 143

 

New York Monthly Herald. EXTRA EDITION  P.143          CONTINUED FROM PAGE    142

In addition to other venues Mercedes returned to the Cape Cod Jazz Festival this August 2006 where she previously sold out this past Summer 2005. Mercedes seems to be the darling of the critics. Here is excerpts from what they wrote:  “...Ms. Hall is a wicked generator of moods, has superb phrasing and musicianship.”, Will Tusher, Hollywood Reporter. “Electric, lustful rhythms & blues…With her dazzling range, cultured voice and stellar presence, Mercedes Hall puts on a show that builds energy like an atomic pile approaching critical mass.”, New York Post.

Tony Bennett on Donna Byrne: “It doesn't get any better than this . . . One of the best young jazz singers in the country today.”

Donna Byrne, is unquestionably a signature of perfection and a monument of excellence to contemporary Jazz. Do you want to hear the best in the business? Go see Donna Byrne on stage! Or just get her CDs if you live behind the horizon.  The national media has already acknowledged the magnificent talent of Ms. Byrne. "One of the best singers currently on the scene", wrote Jazz Times. And Tony Bennett seems to agree. He said: "It doesn't get any better than this…One of the best young jazz singers in the country today. She's the Real McCoy." What is so special about Ms. Byrne's talent? First, her rich and wide range of  vocal virtuosity which blends together, an honest emotional projection and an innovative, esthetically daring improvisation. Second: A perfect command of voice, meaning she uses her vocal cords as a musical instrument of one million octaves, a rare quality, hardly witnessed on stage or on tape. Third, and here comes the best: The captivating persona a of a warm, engaging, truthful and mesmerizing entertainer. Talent is a great asset, no questions asked. Ms. Byrne told me that talent is a gift, a blessing, it is important, however talent is not the most important characteristic feature of an accomplished performer.

 

Paris Hilton has been totally ridiculed by the author.

To be able to entertain the audience and establish a direct rapport with the public is a major accomplishment in an artist's career.  And upon that accomplishment, quite often, a singer's success takes off and radiates. And she is absolutely right. We go to concerts and cozy Jazz rooms to be entertained and to become one, with the beauty of the music, the human depth of the lyrics, the stage presence of the performer, and most certainly, to be entertained. Ms. Byrne symbolizes  and represents all of the above. In that context, Donna Byrne becomes America's perfect singer-entertainer; in other words, the best of the best in the business! Two thumbs up, all the way! She is real.  Ruby Braff, so truthfully said: "Artistry that will always appear fresh . . . No phony affections . . . Beautiful and completely believable. What more can you ask for?" Jazz Times stated: "Donna Byrne (is) one of the best singers currently on the scene, one who approaches her lyrics with both intelligence and swinging time, and without distorting syllabic emphasis or resorting to stagy histrionics to get her meaning across." Ms. Byrne is almost perfect at so many levels; voice, class, feelings, grace, improvisation, charm, intelligence and a captivating stage presence." That's it for now. Check out the book in your local bookstore or at www.barnesandnoble.com