Gotham 12/17 & thoughts on a song
Happy Sunday! At least here in NYC it's a gloomy, rainy one, but I'm sending two things that I think will brighten any day. First, is the album concert Ted and I (and the big band!) will be performing on 12/17 at 6pm at Gotham Restaurant. Gorgeous dining room, incredible musicians, and of course this music which at least one critic has said is "...brilliantly done, but a touch too out there to put on for background music while you unwrap presents." Exactly. Next, one song from the record I want to highlight for you, and a little story about how it came to be. "Solstice" began its story as a song set to a famous poets' words for Ted's "Transformation" project with a gorgeous melody by Brian Byrne. When it came to pass the poet would not allow for their work to be musicalized, the song remained unheard, criminally so. Whenever I heard the arrangement Ted and Brian wrote I would burst into tears every time the Marcus Printup's trumpet soared (it was a little embarrassing.) Fast forward to our making a holiday album, Ted wondered if I might be able to write new lyrics to it. The profundity and grace of this song demanded the highest possible echelon of feeling and language from me. And even when singing it, it's still hard to keep it together when Marcus does his thing! Solstice is the darkest time before the light returns. In most traditions, this time of year is all about the evocation of light. I can't think of a time more in need of that than now...and this song is for those of us carrying our light through it.
Here's where you can stream the release. Or buy a CD. Thank you for reading, and for listening. Yours in song,
|
PO Box 20264 NY NY 10023 |
Jazz & Juice
a poetic pairing of wine & song & updates from my myriad projects in NYC
Hello! These days, and especially in January, it seems like we’re saturated in conversations about the question: “to drink, or not to drink?” The topic is nearly always about alcohol – a broad genus with many varied species from moonshine to Château d’Yquem. It’s like talking about the entirety of foodstuffs as “calories” and failing to distinguish between an apple and a Dorito. Anyhow, I’m here to keep us on the artful side of things – first, because it’s where my talents lie, and also to...
Hello and Happy New Year! A quick note to you first thing in 2026 to say hello, and a last call: we are now 5 hours (!) away from the end of the "Beyond the Frame" recording fundraiser -- if supporting new art and music happens to be on your '26 resolution list, I'd love to have you as part of a tight circle of patrons of the project. It's still tax deductible, and the benefits at various tiers are a lot of fun (Home concerts! Gallery tours! Performances!) You'll find the fundraiser here --...
Hello! Hope your end-of-year is treating you well. I'm happy to bring you two great ways to see through the transition! Pairing for you always makes me listen and taste better, so thank you for this past year of Jazz & Juice. And thank you for those of you who are helping to make 2026 a watershed year for the "Beyond the Frame" project (more on that at the end.) Juice Though I'm a firm believer that Champagne is for all days, not just holidays, I'll admit it's particularly perfect for New...