Circle Sing

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:36:53 -0600

This circle sing was held at a friend’s beautiful SoHo loft. Using techniques derived from Bobby McFerrin and Singer Rhiannon, all music is totally improvised and sung in various a cappella formations. It’s a very freeing form of singing and fosters a wonderful experience of community. I hope to be doing much more of this! Photo by Rod Franklin.

After the Circle Sing

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:46:31 -0500

Tonight I got to go to a circle sing. There were about 12 people there including Janis Siegel of the Manhattan Transfer. My teacher, Kate McGarry was supposed to go but was sick and sent two of her students in her place. The leader would start a groove and pass it around...really composing as he went along. Then someone would stand in the middle and improvise. We were in a small room sitting on chairs in a circle. We would stand and sing a couple grooves, maybe about 15-25 minutes worth, then we'd sit and talk about whatever. Bobby McFerrin's manager Linda was singing with us. I think this was supposed to be a birthday party for her but apparently it wasn't her birthday. About 8:30 people had to start leaving and so some of them stayed and that's when the wine came out. It felt really good to just sing and improvise without thinking so much. I was singing down near Jerry's school so when we were done Jerry and I met for dinner. He took this picture of me at the restaurant.

MSM Student Recital Webcast

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:57:17 -0500

This weekend is Friends and Family Weekend at the Manhattan School, otherwise known as Homecoming.
This year will include an all school reunion. Of the many planned activities, I have been invited to perform a tune in the Student Recital Webcast. The Webcast will be archived so you can check it out anytime by going to
http://distancelearning.msmnyc.edu/archive/20081016-FriendsAndFamily.htm I am the second to the last group on the show. We’re performing “Devil May Care” by Bob Dorough.

Cafe Jazz

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:00:00 -0500

Tonight was our combo’s first performance of the semester.
This informal “Cafe Jazz” was held in the Cafeteria where the audience enjoyed coffee, cookies and Jazz. Each vocalist sang two songs with their combo.I did my funkified version of Irving Berlin’s “ Blue Skies” and a swirling planetary rendition of “Midnight Sun.” Our next performance will be in the Ades Performance space on November 18.

In Honor of Indycat 1991-2008

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:35:55 -0500

We said goodbye to Indycat today. I found him in Indianapolis while I was on the way to Michigan for a gig. (Hence the name.) He was quite a talker, that cat! He had whipped cream each morning and evening and kept my heart going when it didn’t want to beat on it’s own. He had been living with my parents since Jerry and I got married because he wanted to continue his bunny chasing lifestyle.
Right before I left for New York City Indy and I were sitting on my parents front porch listening to Brazilian music. I knew that would be our last time together. There had been a tired look in his eye for awhile. He was a beautiful, healthy cat who lived 17 full years. I am grateful for my time with him.