PRELUDE
This is a three-song Maltby/Shire sample CD that I dedicated to my parents, Alden and Virginia. Natural singers themselves, they instilled in me a passion for music since birth and constantly told me, “Your singing is a God-given gift. You should be recording.” This was recorded three weeks after my mother’s death – she is in my voice, my father’s artistry is in my soul, and they are eternally in my heart. This particular cut was conceived and arranged as a response to the Enron scandal.
“Rather Be Rich” – (.32)CLOSER THAN EVER
(Drama Desk Nomination – “Best Actress in A Musical”)
A fun tidbit about this show is that I turned it down three times! I was Off-Broadway in Nunsense and taking myself very seriously, decided I couldn’t possibly perform Sister Amnesia and moonlight in the Village at Eighty-Eights. Thank God Maltby/Shire persevered and played “Life Story” for me – the rest is wonderful career history.
GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING
This show was lightning in a bottle! We opened at Rainbow & The Stars to standing ovations and word spread like wildfire. It spread so fast that the NYC fire department made periodic occupancy checks. Stunning orchestrations, elegant starlit views and a fun, talented cast made this an incredible, fresh hit. We expanded and opened on Broadway only a few months later.
UNSUNG MUSICALS II
When I was assigned this song, I wasn’t terribly excited to work on it. I remember waiting to work on ideas with the arranger with his white baby grand piano and numerous awards surrounding me. While staring at the lyrics for inspiration, the incredible, amazing Lanny Meyers walked in, sat down, played the song once for key and said “Don’t worry. You’ll love this.” He was right. His Streisand-like take with the orchestration blew me away. It is still one of my most exciting recording experiences and a dream come true. He made me feel like Barbra!
LOST IN BOSTON III
(Singled out in People Magazine’s Picks & Pans as a Pick)
Early in my career, a young talented musical director for You Never Know was Steve Orich. For many years we worked together on auditions, arrangement ideas, etc. Steve moved to LA, I stayed in NY and our lives naturally shifted focus. Many, many more years pass and I’m ready to record this song for Varese/Sarabande. I walk into the recording studio to find my long lost friend Steve. I didn’t know he was orchestrating, he didn’t know I was recording. Enjoy!
A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS
Growing up, my family would naturally harmonize in the car on the way to my Grandparents house for Christmas Eve. After picking that year’s chosen Christmas Carol, we’d break into 7 part harmony rehearsal. It was amazing! So we’d stand on their front porch, freezing and belting out our lungs until someone eventually heard our family chorus and opened the front door. This is where I developed a good ear for harmony. I also have a love of Country Western music. So I get to have my candy and eat it too on this one!