blog

Chicago Bound

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:35:34 +0100

In music, one never stops learning. There’s always a technique to hone, a song to better interpret, and more repertoire to wrap our arms around.

It’s impossible to significantly grow as a singer – or really, in whatever we do - without taking risks. Admittedly, I haven’t always been the riskiest risk taker. I suppose for me I’ve become more so with life experience. And as a great friend reminded me not too long ago, looking back will drive you crazy, so best focus on what’s in front. Good advice.

The other day, after a great show, a sweet elderly gentleman wanted to talk with me about my background and how I got started in music. He was amazed when I admitted that yes, I do get nervous. And he was surprised when I told him that yes, I continue to study and that even the greats, the legends, and the icons do, too. I explained that fine singing doesn’t just happen - that sure, it could, but to do it well takes work – years of it. And actually, the work never stops. The work is also part of the fun. And risks are part of the exhilaration – the fear of falling, but the rush when it pays off.

In my view, great singing isn’t just about the voice but more importantly, the interpretation of the song. It’s really at the heart of what we try to do – to communicate with the audience truthfully and sincerely. A singer can have the greatest voice and technique in the world, but if there’s nothing deeper than what’s on the page, then the story isn’t being fully told.

For the last couple of years I’ve wanted to enroll in a workshop, an intensive, or class that will offer a new approach, new tools, and new inspiration. I’m ready to step out of my zone, take more risks and explore new paths. So, I’m heading to Chicago in March for a four-day song interpretation workshop taught by Tony Award winner Betty Buckley.

Beyond what I know of her as a performer – I’ve been following Ms. Buckley since I was a teen - I’ve heard and read great things about her as a teacher. And while there’s an element of nerves, I’m looking forward to leaving my day-to-day routine behind for a few days and focus solely on my growth as an artist - taking some risks that I know I need to take. I can’t wait to dig in and get to work.

I’ll keep you posted on what I learn.

10 Minutes

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:02:09 +0100

I’m counting down the days until December 27th and the annual Kennedy Center Honors broadcast. While I look forward to it every year, I’m especially excited because the legendary Barbara Cook will finally get the recognition that's long overdue.

For those who follow cabaret, classic musical theatre, and Sondheim, Barbara Cook is the big time, among the crème de la crème. Her career spans 60+ years. She was the original Marian in “The Music Man”, has a host of musical theatre roles to her credit, and is now one of the most in-demand entertainers on the concert/cabaret circuit. She literally reinvented herself later in life and is still soaring.

Now in her 80s, her voice is a little bit richer, though still angelic, and she interprets a song in a way that leaves you forgetting you're in the audience. Many critics would say that she’s only gotten better with age.

There is much a singer can learn from Barbara Cook, when watching her perform or reading accounts of her master classes. She coaches young students not in technique, but in getting at the emotional core of a lyric and singing from a true and authentic place. That’s her thing and she’s literally the master. It’s something many of us strive to do or think we are already doing, when in fact we probably aren’t.

I’ve seen Barbara Cook perform live twice, once in Omaha at the Holland Center and then in the intimacy of Feinstein’s in New York City. And I had the honor of meeting her following her engagement in Omaha.

As one can imagine, it was a thrill beyond belief for this singer. In just 10 short minutes I felt as if I had been a participant in one of her master classes.

When I asked her what advice she would give to someone like me, her insight into performing with authenticity, understanding the concept of “you are enough”, changed my approach to singing. It was, for me, the “a-ha” moment. And today, while I know I’ll never stop learning, I’m by far a more authentic and better singer than I was before that backstage meeting. That’s what 10 minutes can do.

I can’t wait to hear, during the Kennedy Center Honors broadcast, what legends in their own right have to say about Ms. Cook. I can’t wait to find out who will perform what songs to represent her remarkable life and career.

In the beginning...

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:14:59 +0100

I am just starting my blog adventure, so bear with me. My first thought is "where to begin"? Well, I suppose where I am now is in the midst of learning a pile of wonderful new music for some engagements I have coming up with my cabaret partner, Todd Brooks. But, I will find the time to write. Back to the piano for now.

- Mary