FEDERATION OF AMERICAN MUSICIANS, SINGERS AND PERFORMING ARTISTS (FAMSPA)
NO ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD PROMOTES SINGERS AND MUSICIANS LIKE FAMSPA! READ
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GRAPEVINE: LATEST by Germaine Poitiers and Carol Lexter germainepoitiers@aol.com
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PAULETTE ATTIE: A diva for our time
Photo: (left to right) Peter Howard, John Wallowitch, Rod Derefinko, Frances "Frankie" Gershwin, Paulette Attie, Chuck Prentiss, Bertram Ross. Very different roles have contributed to Paulette Attie’s unique career, from the leading lady in Tennessee William’s The Lady of Larkspur Lotion, Lady Capulet in Sensations, Dorothy Parker in A Dorothy Parker Montage, Eve in The Apple Tree, and the Duchess of Windsor in Duchess and the Duke, all Off-Broadway, to the old maid in Menotti’s opera, The Old Maid and the Thief. When she played the latter, family members who saw the opera kept asking when she would appear on stage. Everything about Paulette’s carriage, make-up, and persona were so transformed, they didn’t recognize her. Jean Louis Barrault wrote, “Her beauty, grace, joyous voice and exquisite talent as a comedienne merit our greatest admiration." She appeared as the only American in his U.S. and Canada tour with the prestigious Theâtre de France. She also played a French nightclub singer for the TV movie, The Yanks Are Coming, earning a Silver Globe Award.
Paulette appeared with Susan Lucci on TV’s All My Children and Len Cariou on Good Morning America. Subsequently, she sang with both of them in revues she wrote or co-wrote. Radio fans know her for her WNYC show, Paulette Attie’s Musical Playbill, where she interviewed and sang with great songwriters and performers, including Gene Kelly, Cy Coleman, and Jerry Bach. In 2007, she revisited Pulitzer Prize winning lyricist, Sheldon Harnick, to interview him on WBAI radio’s Everything Old is New Again. As the founder of the National Musical Theater, Paulette wrote the company’s fund raising events, which featured Imogene Coca, Jerry Orbach, Gregory Hines, and even the Honorable John V. Lindsay. She also conceived of and co-wrote Encore, playing to standing room only in New York, and the same when touring for Columbia Artists across the country. When she completed the producing and writing chores, she got to play Encore’s leading lady at Lincoln Center Outdoors. She has performed in over one thousand concerts, including at Carnegie Hall, Hollywood Bowl, and Westbury Music Fair. Her one woman off-Broadway show About Time has been performed at venues across the country and in Mexico. Critics have said: “Paulette Attie’s performance is as neat and clever as any revue or individual performance I have ever seen…an inspired, warm and classy artist.” by Don Nelson in NEW YORK DAILY NEWS. “Beautiful, animated, plaintive, intense, Miss Attie sings with style, by Howard Thompson in THE NEW YORK TIMES. “Paulette Attie is having the time of her life and the audience does too...A combination of Lily Pons and Carmen Miranda. I dare say millions would adore her.” by Roy Sander for BACK STAGE. “Titillating, romantic, sweet, or down and dirty, Attie is uncommonly equipped to bring it home.” THE GUADALAJARA REPORTER by Jeanne Chaussee. “I am an eclectic fan of Paulette Attie the entertainer, the performer, the actress, the coloratura pyrotechnics lady, the sweet soprano and the singing interpreter of lyrics. I also like the poetess and lyricist. Rather a versatile lady,” Peter Johl for the NEW YORK SHEET MUSIC SOCIETY.
Grande Dame of American showbiz, Paulette Attie. Paulette Attie takes her craft as a performer seriously. She took piano lessons for five years, starting at age seven, and on and off since then. “Playing the piano is invaluable for a singer. It makes learning new songs a breeze.” Those early piano lessons also paid off when she began writing songs. Paulette performed her songs “Bad Girl,” “I’m in Love with a Hunk” “Just One More Time,” “Part of it All,” “Star Quest,” and “United Are We” on TV, “Bad Girl,” “The Elephant and the Songbird,” “Part of it All,” and “Time Piece” on radio, and in many theatres and in cabarets. “Give it the Best Ya Got” was featured in the 2006 film, The Drum Beats Twice. She received seven ASCAP Plus Songwriter Awards, from 2000 – 2007. For acting and singing, she studied with the best: Viola Spolin, the founder of Game Theatre, then actress Agnes Moorehead, Raikin ben Ari from the Habima Theatre, Lee Strassberg, Gene Frankel, Aaron Frankel, Manhattan Theatre Company, and Frank Corsaro. She currently studies with the estimable actor, Bill Metzo. There were also song performance classes with Charles Nelson Riley and David Craig. The legendary Robert Kobin was her voice teacher for seven years, followed by Sebastian Engelberg, and Swiss soprano Maria Stader. “To whatever extent I may be, let’s say ‘really good,’ it’s due to the contribution of many Masterful teachers.” Along the way, she picked up some tips from several great artists. Luther Adler would walk her home from rehearsals and talk about acting when she played his secretary in a TV movie. Paulette’s first cabaret performance at Number One Fifth Avenue coincided with Carol Channing’s appearance at the Empire Room in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. They were both invited to be guests on TV’s The Virginia Graham Show. Paulette got upstaged by Miss Channing’s large hairdo, which frequently found its way in front of Paulette’s face. What initially was an embarrassment turned out to be an important lesson. Miss Channing taught her not to be intimidated when working with a star. Paulette played a small part to Gypsy Rose Lee’s leading role in Call Me Madame, at the Atlanta Municipal Theatre Under the Stars.
__________________________________ China censors 'cut' Pirates film
The image of Chow Yun-fat's character has been criticized
Violence: On Chinese web forums, many people have criticized the film's image of Chow's character - who is bald, has long nails and is dressed in Qing dynasty style. They have said it is the image of the Chinese in the eyes of Hollywood producers. China Film Group, which distributes the film, initially said it had made no cuts, then declined to comment on a Beijing News report that it had cut scenes involving too much violence and horror, Variety said. The report said the cuts make the film difficult to follow. "The sudden debut of the captain confused the audience at the Beijing screening," the report said. Variety reported that the cuts included Chow's reading of a poem by Tang dynasty poet Li Bai (701-762) called Guan Shan Yue (The Moon Shining Over the Mountain on the Border). The previous installment in the film franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest was banned by the Chinese film bureau because of scenes of cannibalism and ghosts. Censors the Film Bureau of the State Administration of Film, Radio and Television were unavailable for comment.
____________________________________ Not many stars are gracious!
Joe Pasqualone In 1973, Joe Pasqualone was the doorman for the Minskoff Thereate, where Debbie Reynodls was starring in the show Irene. After performances, she would come to the stage door and sign autographed photos for her fans. And, whenever anyone would come to visit her, she would take the time and effort to introduce him. Not many stars take notice of others, and are as gracious as Debbie was.
Debbie Reynodls: A legend and a gracious lady. Although many stars of the golden era of Hollywood were stereotyped as scandalous and steamy characters, a great number of leading ladies were known for their pleasant nature and sweetness like Ann Miller, June Allyson and Debbie Reynolds. Nowadays, so many stars and starlets and those who pretend to be one are of an aggressive temperament, tough cookies and not very gracious. They are not the image they project on stage. Yep! they bite. Not with their teeth, but with their words. A few days ago, Carol Lexter, an associate editor of the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment emailed almost 6,000 artists and entertainers, a brief press release about the roster of singers and musicians who were listed in the 5 published volumes of the Who's Who; a sort of a free public announcement. Lexter's communique came as a result of the hundreds of inquiries sent by members of the entertainment community. FAMSPA received avalanches of inquiries from Jazz performers pertaining to their listing. Lexter thought that by doing so, Jazz and Cabaret artists would become informed about the listing in a timely manner. Out of the 6,000 artists who received the press release, one tough cookie by the name of Heather Connolly replied as follows: "I don't know how you got my email, or why you would feel free to circulate it like this (instead of using the BCC feature which proper etiquette dictates), but I respectfully insist that you remove me from you mailing list immediately." Connolly is Not so gracious! Connolly is not a star, nor a celebrity. Now imagine if this not "so gracious" character becomes one, how would she use her new status (far from happening) to respond to Lexter's press release. In brief, stay away from this woman and delete her "immediately" for your list. ARIANA ATTIE ON THE HONORS LIST
The Federation of American Musicians, Singers and Performing Artists (FAMSPA) announced today that Ariana Attie's Album "INSPIRE" shall be added to the official list of the 2,500 best Albums and CDs of all time, compiled by FAMSPA.. Attie's awards include being honored as one of the winners of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, and a Harmony Sweepstakes national a capella competition award as a member of The Joy Of Six. Other artists including Pegasus Project have recorded her songs. Her current INSPIRE project is the result of a meditation in which she asked how she could be more of service in the world. Suddenly she knew that she'd create a CD of songs to uplift the spirit, empower and inspire. She's donating 100% of the profits from sales to seven charities. LONDON Available: Until 28th October 2007 Camelot is a must-see theme park for all those into having a good time, big time! From the magical sorcery of wizards to knights fighting it out in spectacular Jousting Tournaments. Thrill seekers will experience the medieval rides of torture.
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MESSAGE FROM BRENDA CAROL
Note: The Federation of American Musicians, Singers and Performing Artists urges you to support Brenda Carol in her honorable efforts, and donate to this charitable cause. EVENTS 15th Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival By Jim Eigo
Abbey Lincoln, who turns 77 this August, is one of the last great jazz singers. With nearly sixty years of experience, she’s honed her voice to expressive perfection, achieving a depth and emotive power that few can equal. In addition to being a master interpreter, Lincoln is also an accomplished songwriter. On her new album “Abbey Sings Abbey,” released May 22, she revisits originals from her classic Verve records investing them with new meaning and varied shadings. Last seasons’ festival was set to feature Chico Hamilton in celebration of his 85th birthday; unfortunately, an untimely illness cancelled those plans. This year, Hamilton’s drumming will shake up the bandstand on both the Saturday and Sunday programs. Hamilton represents an extraordinary link to jazz history: in the ‘40s he played with up-and-comers like Dexter Gordon and Charles Mingus; as a member of Gerry Mulligan’s quartet in the ‘50s, he helped give birth to cool jazz; and with his own quintet in the late ‘50s, he broke racial and stylistic boundaries. Known for his work with Abbey Lincoln and Stefon Harris, Marc Cary is one of the most original pianists on the jazz scene. He’s not afraid to let his artistic impulses take him in unexpected directions: as a leader, he’s put out acoustic trio records under the name Focus, organized the world music collective Indigenous Peoples and even explored electronica on a project called Rhodes Ahead. Entertainment Weekly has praised Cary’s “expansive vision of mainstream jazz," noting that he “packs a devastating punch.”
New York native Lezlie
Harrison’s voice has a dusky soulfulness which complements her
chosen repertoire of jazz, '70s classic soul and original material.
Raised in Harlem during a time when African-American and Latin music
styles were in full flower, she also spent a great deal of her
childhood in North Carolina, singing in the choir of her grandfather’s
church. This deep grounding in gospel, blues, Latin and soul can be
heard every time Harrison sings and has led people like Roy Hargrove
and Dr. Lonnie Smith to seek out her sultry and sensual presence on
the bandstand.
T rumpeter Maurice Brown is the most talked-about young horn man since Nicholas Payton first emerged in the ‘90s. The 26-year-old Chicago native started playing in high school and almost immediately showed himself to be a prodigy. His 2005 album Hip To Bop earned him raves like this one from Downbeat: “Brown is one of the most exciting young trumpeters in jazz--be it New Orleans or New York. His improvisations are fresh, his chops dynamic and he’s writing what could very well become a new generation of hard-bop-meets-new-grooves standards.” Special thanks to our sponsors and media partners who include: Bloomberg, ConEdison, Health Plan of New York, JPMorgan Chase, The New York State Music Fund, The City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs, NYSCA, National Endowment for the Arts, Forest City Ratner Companies, Time Out New York, Time Warner Cable, Jazz 88.3 WBGO, and NY Moves Magazine. In the autumn of 2007, satisfy your musical appetite with Jazz at Lincoln Center's Jazz Talk on November 8 - Charlie Parker: The Myth vs. The Reality. Want even more? Take a Bird Flight with WKCR personality and Jazz at Lincoln Center Curator Phil Schaap in Charlie Parker with Phil Schaap. For the complete listing of Adult Education programs at Jazz at Lincoln Center, please visit http://www.jalc.org/jazzed If this weekend's Festival leaves you looking for more live jazz, swing into Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, winner of Zagat’s In the Spotlight 2007 Award for Excellence. Open 365 nights a year, Dizzy's is located in the heart of Columbus Circle, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola plays host to a myriad of jazz artists, from today’s students to the cool cats of yesteryear. With a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola is open all year round, seven days a week and offers a delectable menu of down-home comfort foods served with sophistication. For performance details, visit www.jalc.org/dccc <http://www.jalc.org/dccc> . Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center Broadway at 60th Street 212-258-9595
ONE MORE ROUND SUZANNE GRZANNA TO GRACE THE COVER OF VOLUME 6 OF THE WORLD WHO'S WHO IN JAZZ, CABARET, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
THE CONCEPT In the introduction of the book, Maximillien de Lafayette, author of this most impressive work wrote: "The world of showbiz, including Jazz, Pop, Rock “N” Roll, Hollywood, Broadway, cinema, and theater is unmerciful. How easy it is to forget the entertainment legends, giants and pioneers of yesteryears! Time erases the glory, the memory, and accomplishments of past stars and icons. The performing arts, musical heritage and treasures of America –and the world as well– will dissipate for ever, unless, conscientious historians bother to record memorable events from the history of entertainment, the ups and downs in the careers of stars of the era, and above all, the meaningful contributions of pioneers to the world of entertainment and performing arts. This is the duty of responsible historians. Fortunately, now and then, few books on the subject surface on the landscape of “intelligent” publishing shedding lights on our magnificent artists, entertainers, actors, singers, musicians and composers, and most cherished musical treasures, lost or forgotten for lack of scholarly research or because of changes in entertainment taste and preference of a generation that lost interest in the music and showbiz of the golden years of Broadway, Hollywood, New Orleans and Vaudeville. " Volume 6 has a strong emphasis on vital issues of the fabric and history of world entertainment, such as: 1-The forgotten legends, stars and outstanding artists of the golden era of showbiz, cinema, music and theater. 2-Greatest femmes fatales of all time around the globe. 3-Beauty, class and elegance in showbiz, entertainment and performing arts. 4-Hollywood; its creation, history and development. 5-The great movie theater palaces of America. 6-World cinema. 7-Film noire. 8-Jazz greats, past and present. Lafayette added: " This book is my way of assuring that artists of substance, depth and enormous contributions are still remembered with a tender joy, respect, admiration and affection. This is my salute to the legendary, the half-forgotten, the forgotten and the disappeared. I hope I have accomplished this objective in this volume." From New York - Paris - Japan - Russia - Los Angeles - Chicago, Suzanne Grzanna has made a prominent world wide name for herself. She has performed at prestigious halls such as the Blue Note, Birdland, Preservation Hall, Cinegrill, and the Hollywood Bowl. Suzanne has had such sit-ins with players such as Frank Morgan, Dave Hazeltine, Bryan Lynch, Betty Carter, Ray Brown Jr, Charles McPherson, John Hurd,and Jeff Goldblum to name a few. Her unique talent of not only being a dazzling saxophonist but also a sultry vocalist . . . that can make you melt in your seat. Suzanne Grzanna began her jazz diva career at age five when she studied piano. She grew up in a small suburb of Milwaukee, WI and flourished in music from the beginning. Her parents, Don and Maureen Grzanna are notable musicians who taught her the discipline of the craft. Throughout her childhood, Suzanne won various awards not only in jazz, but also in classical music. Ms. Grzanna even participated in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus at the age of eighteen. College was a must for this aspiring musician and after graduation proceeded to follow her dream of starting her own jazz quartet. In 1994, Suzanne Grzanna released her first album titled "The Cat's Meow." This put her on the map and gave her the opportunities to perform around the United States. Her video "The Cat's Meow," also got rave reviews on BET on Jazz . This introduced her not only to the US, but also to the world. Soon afterward, Ms. Grzanna released her next album titled "Fly Me to the Moon."
This album got the attention of
Billboard Magazine, which wrote a fabulous review. The offers of
releasing an album overseas came flying in from such countries as
Japan, Brazil, and South East Asia to name a few. Not only did Suzanne
get attention from record labels, but the film community started to
take notice. In December of 2003, “My Santa Baby” was released
followed with “Simply Sunday” in 2005. Now, not only is Suzanne's
music being played in films, but also the start of her on-camera
presence is reaching the silver screen. Suzanne Grzanna’s sizzling
saxophone and sultry vocals will leave you spellbound. THE BUZZ
Photo: Kevin Federline has struggled to find a label willing to launch his tune Popozao.
Photo: Madge is ditching her snazzy range of motors to delight legions of boy racers with a Pimp My Ride-style video for her next single . Queen of Pop Madonna is getting Tim Westwood onside to jazz up her Ford Cortina in the video for her new single. The Ford banger is a world away from the £300,000 Mercedes Maybach limo she relaxes in whilst at her home in LA. Madge is ditching her snazzy range of motors to delight legions of boy racers with a Pimp My Ride-style video for her next single Sorry. UK Pimp My Ride host Tim Westwood will make a cameo appearance in the new video by taking the Cortina and shaping it up so it looks as good as new. The idea behind the video is a rags-to-riches story and the track it is being made for will be remixed by the Pet Shop Boys. It seems Madonna likes a bit of car bling in her video's - for her No1 single Music in 2000, Ali G turned up dripping with gold and diamonds whilst driving her limo.
PEGGY JUDY: A SMASH AT
HOLLYWOOD’S GLAMOROUS M BAR, FRIDAY JULY 13. Photo: The stunning Molly Brandenburg, aka the legendary Peggy Judy with fans...after her big show at the M Bar in Hollywood, July 13, 2007.
Singing, swinging, sixties’ sensation Miss Peggy Judy made a thrilling comeback appearance July 13 at the very hip “M” Bar in Hollywood, dazzling the packed house with a revamped show. The unforgettable evening combined some of Peggy’s crowd pleasing favorites with a jazzy new set of songs. It was Peggy’s first big show in three years – and the crowd ate up every minute of the hilarious evening.
Joining the glamorous sixties’
starlet/Vegas showroom legend/rehab veteran (actually
comedienne/writer Molly Brandenburg) was Peggy’s ex-husband,
vocalist Kevin Kennard, who lent Peggy a hand with his accomplished
vocals and comedy wit. Peggy and Kevin teamed up to relive some of
the great moments of their seventies past, when this dynamic duo
topped the pop charts in Guatamala, the Czech Republic, and
Okinawa. The M Bar crowd swooned when Peggy and Kevin sang their
70s favorite “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” (their version remains
one of the most requested duets in RV parks nationwide!) and roared
with approval at the crowd pleasing Cher medley (featured on their
new CD release : “Peggy and Kevin: Reloaded and it Feels So
Good.”) Other highlights of the show included Peggy’s swinging
version of the Peggy Lee hit, “I’m a Woman” and Billy Barnes’
touching ballad, “Something Cool.” Kylie to collect musical honor
'Dignity and humanity': The committee said: "Kylie has a unique place in this country's heart and an appeal that seems to grow ever wide." "Kylie deserves this award for her success over 20 years, staying at the top in one of the toughest professions and inspiring millions with her grace, dignity and humanity," said chairman Dave Munns. Minogue, whose debut single I Should Be Lucky topped the charts in 1987, is currently working on her 10th studio album. The Music Industry Trusts' award has raised $5 millions for the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy charity and the Brit Trust, which includes the Brit School for the performing arts. The annual award recognizes a wide range of figures connected to the music industry, including film composers, music retailers and record company executives.
Walter
Love of BBC Northern Ireland Interviews Nanette Natal.
Photo: Nanette Natal in concert. Nanette Natal’s new CD, “I Must Be Dreaming” is receiving strong airplay and support across Europe. To listen to a lively discussion about art and politics, and to hear selections from the new CD, please tune in on Sunday, August 26th at 2:30pm (EST) or go to the “Listen Again” feature on the website – this interview will be up until September 1. Click here to hear live: http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/radioulster/jazz_club/theteam.shtml In volume II of the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment, author, Maximillien de Lafayette described Natal as "a jazz pioneer and a world-class singer." Sony says shipments of its Blu-ray high definition DVD players in the US could jump sixfold this year, to 600,000. It attributes the growing demand to some films coming out on its format and not the rival HD DVD technology, according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, Toshiba has lowered the sales target for its HD DVD devices in the US to 1 million from 1.8 million. The battle of next generation DVD formats has been likened to the competition between VHS and Betamax. Sony's Playstation 3 games consoles come equipped with a Blu-ray drive while Toshiba plans to put HD DVD drives in all its laptop computers next year. Sony is relying on exclusive films to spur its growth, after selling fewer than 100,000 units in 2006. Out of the top 20 blockbusters "there were 14 or 15 that were exclusive to Blu-ray", Sony's Randy Waynick told a meeting in San Francisco, according to Bloomberg. Blu-Ray is also promoted by Matsushita (Pansonic) in the US. The 44% cut in predicted sales of HD DVD devices in North America is attributed to a Toshiba executive, quoted by Reuters, who also said the global target would be cut. "Obviously we are going to have to lower our previous global estimate," Toshiba's Yoshihide Fujii said. RANA FARHAN MAKING A BIG BUZZ
Dame Judi Dench: "I am not an intellectual".
Dame Judi Dench has admitted she never reads the plays she stars in, saying she merely takes roles "because someone asked me to". The respected actress told Newsweek that she was no intellectual. "I've got myself into real trouble by saying yes to a play, then going to the first reading and realising, 'This is a bummer!'," she said. US magazine Premiere predicts Dame Judi will be Oscar nominated for her role in Mrs Henderson Presents. Golden Globe nominee: In the movie Dame Judi plays a widow who opens a nude theatrical review in 1930s London. It earned Dame Judi her sixth Golden Globe nomination. Mrs Henderson Presents also earned eight nominations at this year's British Independent Film Awards, including best film and best director for Stephen Frears. Dame Judi and co-stars Bob Hoskins, Kelly Reilly and ex-Coronation Street star Thelma Barlow have also been nominated. Gwyneth's haunted house
Gwyneth Paltrow is planning to have her home exorcised, it has been reported. The 33-year-old is adamant her London house is haunted and wants to create a good energy before she gives birth to her second child. Gwyneth and husband Chris Martin have repeatedly said their £3.5 million mansion in Belsize Park is full of 'bad energy'. The couple have apparently blamed their home for Gwyneth's turbulent second pregnancy and have sought help from the London Kabbalah Centre - as recommended by pop pal Madonna. It is rumoured that ten male Kabbalah followers will read a series of psalms and blow a ram's horn as part of the exorcism. There were reports last year that Gwyneth and Chris were going to up-sticks and move across the pond to New York, but it looks as though the couple will be staying in the UK, if the exorcism goes to plan.
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