Ann Ruckert

Rick Carnes Advocates "Fair Trade Music"

The ProShop was recently addressed by a very special guest—Rick Carnes, president of the Songwriters Guild of America.

Rick talked to a packed meeting of my students about the “Fair Trade Music” initiative that’s being supported for the first time in music history by over 25,000 songwriters and composers from nearly 50 countries throughout Europe, Africa and North and South America.

Just as many of us buy only “Fair Trade” coffee because we care about the growers of the beans, this fair trade initiative champions a set of principles designed to ensure transparency, fair compensation and autonomy for music creators in an increasingly complex and non-transparent music business.

As he told us of the initiative, Rick’s customary charm and excitement came through. He got the rapt attention of everyone in the room. He’s not just an advocate, but a proven creative player in the music business that demands respect.

Rick has earned 40 platinum albums with songs recorded by artists Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Steve Wariner, Pam Tillis and Dean Martin. His song, "I Can't Even Get the Blues No More" was Reba McEntire's first number one single, and "Long Neck Bottle" recorded by Garth Brooks, set a record on the Billboard charts by entering the charts at #10.

In 1978, Rick moved from his native Memphis to Nashville with his wife, Janis, and together they recorded for RCA, Elektra Asylum, Warner Bros. and MCA records.

They also work as a co-writing team and have co-written three top ten recordings for Bluegrass icons, the Whites, as well as penning the jazz ballad, "Irresistible" which was recently featured in the Sony Pictures Classic movie "Saving Face," and the swing song, "I'm Hanging' Around," which was recorded by Dean Martin.

After serving as Vice President of the Songwriters Guild of America for 18 years, in 2003 Rick was elected President. In 2004 he was elected a Vice President of the National Music Council, and in 2005 he became Communications Chairman of the Music United Coalition.


Rick told us the the Fair Trade Music principles include fair compensation for music creators; transparent management of rights and revenues derived from musician’s works; recapture of the rights of music works in a time frame no greater than 35 years; organizations that advocate and educate musicians as to their rights; and freedom of speech for music creators without fear of censorship, retaliation or repression.

More than any other sector of the music community, Rick said, the songwriter and composer community has been hit the hardest by the catastrophic losses that have financially decimated the music industry since the beginning of the 21st Century.

Rick said the principles of Fair Trade Music provide a framework for ensuring that music creators can survive and flourish in the future, to the benefit of individual songwriters and composers, consumers and culture in general.

Rick also routinely engages his audience is discussions that provoke thought. This one was no different. He gave the students some practical advice about how to become a success in the music business. They listened...very carefully.

Rick with Sen. Orin Hatch (R-Utah), an advocate of strong copyright protection for musicians. One reason is Hatch is a songwriter himself. Rick has written songs with him.

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Student Comments about Rick Carnes Presentation

“Rick Carnes is a powerhouse. Aside from his phenomenal success in the music business, he has launched “Fair Trade Music.” A “Fair Trade” stamp on any recording signifies that the artist is being fairly compensated.”
                                                              —Toby Finneman

“Fair Trade Music” is for recognizing and rewarding songwriters for their invaluable product—the song upon which the entire music business depends. Makes sense!”
                                                                  —Michele Earl

“Digital piracy could be stopped easily by the ISPs, but there is no financial incentive to do so.”
                                                              —Bruce Gordon

“A Rick Carnes quote that stood out for me: ‘When you value your music at zero, you get zero returns.’”
                                                                —Regi Ransdell

“Can’t wait to get my Fair Trade T-shirt.”
                                                                  —Paul Sforza

Sunday with Jerry Dodgion

Last Sunday we had a brunch. I wanted Jerry Dodgion to meet Jim Gavin. Jerry had worked with Peggy Lee often through the years and Jim has just about completed his new book on Lee.

Jerry is now 81, sharp as a tack and still actively playing sax and flute. He's also a wonderful storyteller and has some great ones to tell.

He started in the mid 1940s, playing with Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Herbie Hancock, Benny Carter, Red Norvo and many others. He backed Billie Holiday and toured with Frank Sinatra.

In the 1950s, he played in the orchestra at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas when Frank Sinatra was part owner. He backed all the major acts there, including the Rat Pack. He toured the world with Sinatra and appeared in the first Ocean’s 11 film with Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. He even played with Sammy Davis in "Golden Boy" on Broadway. He has had an extraordinary life.

Jim’s previous book on Lena Horne, "Stormy Weather,“ is a big success. Now Jim travels doing a show based on the book. He tours throughout the United States and performed it in Australia twice. He takes Mary Wells with him, who performs Horne's songs.

I am mindful that he first presented this idea at my house as part of a book signing and fund raiser for the Jazz Foundation of America (of which I was the co-founder).

Also at the brunch was Genie “Pepper” Swinson. At the book signing Pepper was the singer. I will never forget that afternoon, when she sang "It's Not Easy Being Green." Everyone was crying and we had to stop for minute to collect ourselves.

So many memories come flooding back as Cobi Narita was here lending her support. Her darling husband, Paul Ash, just passed so unexpectedly this last week. Music has brought us all together so many times and binds us for all  time.

Frank Beacham was also here and always has so much to add. He remembers dates and details, while I am a broad strokes person. I need Jim and Frank in my life. They can document things in a clear way as I drift on the wings of a song, with colors surrounding my thoughts.

And thanks to Vernon Cummings, who is my "Sunday Helper." If I am in a fog, he is in another universe. He makes music with two turntables and a microphone. He was surprised to hear the word "beats" in reference to the Beat Generation. I guess he thought his generation had invented "beat."

Never dull around here. We are always learning from each other...words and ideas go around the table faster than the food. Many generations are present, and different kinds of music. The Sundays all pass so quickly, as do the years.

On the Life and Death of Pete Seeger

How do you get through a life, a long life, without noticing that it has been improved by music, and especially the music, love and examples set by Pete Seeger.

He was a friend and so loved Harry Chapin. Harry founded World Hunger Year (with Bill Ayres), now known as Why Hunger. I became a board member of Why (Steve Chapin made me do it) and my relationship with Pete Seeger became stronger, and he was my life's tutor.

Harry's song "All My Life's A Circle" is reality. I have found that when you love music, and make music your life, your family grows and love is all around and your life is full of joy.

I think about the film this year that came out about the music scene in the 60's, and it made all look so dark. I was there in the Village in the 60's and there was nothing dark about it.

We were happy, and happy to work for the basket, or not. Happy to play with each other and to do benefits, like Pete's Clearwater Festival.

We hung out in each other’s houses, and laughed a lot and wrote songs together. Sometimes we got credit and sometimes not. Pete Seeger and Dave Lambert gave me the courage to build my home. I learned how to use a hammer and a saw from them.

Pete cut the wood on his property for the wood fire that heated his home. I learned how to build a library and a kitchen. How can you even express all he love you feel for a man that transformed your life?

I have put on a lot of Pete's recordings today. I am sure that Why Hunger and the Chapin family will be putting something wonderful together to honor Pete Seeger. I will let you all know and see you there.

For now we send Peter Seeger on ahead of us to join his lovely wife, Toshi. Thank you Pete Seeger for a great run.

A Joyful, Joyful Holiday!

The concert was a raging success! The church was full and the choir was ready. We had four dozen helium balloons and lots of musical instruments for the children to play. They danced for joy. It was a perfect prelude to the holiday.

The choir was directed by Elizabeth Hunter. I am always amazed at people my age who complain about young people today. All of the choir and soloists were sheer perfection and beyond that. We sang in Spanish, French, Urdu, Swahili, German and Yiddish.

Elizabeth Hunter performs "I'll Be Home for Christmas"

Shayna Feuer performs "Welcome To My Morning"

My favorite was a Quaker song, which Shayna Feuer sang. She is leaving me soon to go to South America for a few months. She will travel only with a backpack and a guitar.

John Nickles performs "Let's Make Merry"

Lisa Rosenberg performs "Hallelujah"

Regi Ransdell performs "O' Holy Night"

Maria Gomaz performs "What If God Were One of Us"

Anya Horoszezak performs "Ave Maria"

Chris Tedesco and Family Perform

Lisa Rosenberg

Shayna Feuer and Anya Horoszezak

The young people set up our neighborhood church and restored it after we finished. They brought their families upstairs for a glass of wine and some food. And then they cleaned up my home.

All of my young musicians bring me such joy. With their success as each one starts a major career, I feel that I am doing “the climb” all over again.

The Holidays Are Here!

Joy abounds as we rush into the future. This year the holidays are all happening at once and so suddenly. Hanukkah, Thanksgiving and Christmas—all twelve days of it—and so much more. I began getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner a few days ago. I have to cook in easy stages as I am learning new skills while working from a wheel chair.

Twelve people to dinner on Thursday. Saturday, after class, the Christmas decorations go up. Thanks to the loving help of my students. We are all practicing for our holiday concert on December 21. It will be next door at 123 West 71 Street at two o'clock. It’s free and a sing-a-long...children are welcome. They will all be given an instrument to play.

The Red Lion was great on Monday. Our music director, Skip Brevis was brilliant, as was guitarist Bruce Gordon. They were joined by Jake Holmes, Amanda Homi, David Buskin and George Wurzbach, who has hinted that Modern Man is getting together again.

To everyone who missed Monday night, it’s not only terrific music but a great hang. Lots of great musicians in the audience, Barrot Zinn, Pat Timberg, my assistant Shayna Feuer, who handled the sound as our engineer on Monday and did a wonderful job.

Shayna Feuer on sound

Saying Goodbye to Hugh McCracken

I woke up this morning (a beginning of a blues). Morgan Ames is in one guest room and Ed Keane in another, and yes, it must be true, Hugh McCracken has gone on. We all gathered in his memory last night at Saint Peter's Church, the building was filled with people who loved Hughie.

The greatest musicians in the world were all assembled, they came from as far as Hawaii, and Rick Marotta was at Holly's side, the A-team singers, and great musicians were all there each with a Hugh story.

I met Holly and her brother, Norman Mershan, when they lived on Valley Heart Drive in Sherman Oaks, California, two doors down from my cousins, Gary and David Johns. I was working on the Grammy show and would grab the kids and take them to our rehearsals.

I met Hugh when he worked with King Curtis, and King Curtis lived next door to me and my husband, Burt Collins, in the two hundred block of West 71st Street. (I now live in the 100 block.)

When you are driven by music the world becomes smaller, and your friendships tighter and history deeper, we all agree that making music together is an intimate experience.

Remembrances:
Rick Marotta, Gary Wright, David Spinozza, Morgan Ames, Allan Shwartzberg, Will Lee "Blackbird", Sandi Bachom, Mack Rebennack, Joe Caro, Liz Caro, Kimberly Hope and Mark Langanes, Jodi Capitaneli, Scott McCracken and Holly McCracken

Conductor: Bette Susman
Band: Zev Katz, David Spinozza, John Tropea, Allan Schwartzberg, RIck DiPofi
Singers: James Lewis, Frank Simms, Elaine Coswell, Kati Mac, Susan Collins, Murray Weinstock, NIck Holmes, Marie Gabrielle, Colleen Messina, Julie Eigenberg, Morgan Ames, Machan Taylor, Emily Bindiger, Angela and Rochelle Capelli, Russel Velasquez and Dora Maxine

A Miracle On Bleecker Street

Last Monday at the Red Lion, SGA had its monthly circle. Kirsten Thien, just back from a European tour and headed for Chicago to play at the legendary Buddy Guy's club, was our MC for the night (Skip Brevis was off to MC a celebrity show.)

Galia Arad, who is now living in Dublin, Ireland to accommodate her work in Europe, was there. She is very popular with the Pogues. Shane MacGowan wrote the liner notes for her CD. She is opening with her band for Jules Holland and playing in large arenas.

Also on stage was Jake Holmes, who has written many albums and is now working on a Broadway show. Plus Regi Ransdell, who is now singing back up for a lot of artists. It was fun seeing everyone sing backup for him.

In the band, Eric Boyd, who gave up a gig with Popa Chubby to tour with Kirsten Thein, was playing bass and Bruce Gordon was on guitar. They were joined by Steve Adabbo, a celebrity musician, song writer (he co-wrote "Luka"), producer (produced and managed Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin and many more at his celebrated studio, Shelter Island).

The sound engineer didn't show up, so my assistant/student Shayna, did the sound for the evening. One tutorial from Steve Addabo and she was off running!

Luigi, the Body Doctor, To Be Honored with a "Bessie" Award

Luigi is 88-years-old. On October 7th at the Apollo Theatre, he will receive a “Bessie,” a New York Dance and Performance award. The awards were established to "celebrate the unique creative voices of performing artists while providing the dance and performance community with an occasion to gather together in sorrow, in frustration, in anger, but ultimately in celebration."

Luigi has appeared in more than 40 films, including Singing in the Rain, An American in Paris, Annie Get Your Gun, The Band Wagon and White Christmas.

I stopped taking dance class after a car accident. He had been in one too, but he kept dancing and so I did too. I still feel welcome, he is teaching from a chair and I will take class from a wheelchair. 

Now he has had a few strokes, and I am making my way back from a minor heart issue and a small stroke. Luigi wants me to come back to class. I know he is right, keep dancing, keep moving and keep laughing. The music will make it better. It’s funny how little pain you feel when music is coursing through your body and you are learning a new combination.
 
For over 50 years, Luigi has been “the teacher” for everyone who dances on or off-Broadway. His real name is Eugene Louis Faccuito—I had to look up his full name. We all just called him Luigi, a nickname he got from Gene Kelly. He is famous for his dancing and teaching famous dancers like Liza Minelli, but his studio at 68th and Broadway is full with “Chorus Line” folks. Everyone loves him and he will get you moving.  

50 Years of Civil Rights

Albert Murray, drawing support from the Black Panthers and Nation of Islam, challenged assumptions about art and music in his essays, “Stomping the Blues” and “South to a Very Old Place.”

When we met, he lived at Lenox Terrace; I say to my students, I didn’t say a word until I was passed 40 years old, I just listened. Now gone, Duke Ellington, Romare Bearden, Marian McPartland, Cedar Walton, Ralph Ellison and so it goes the old guard is fading and we are hopeful that the new guard will pick up the torch for freedom.
 

50 Years Ago

“I have a dream,” I knew when I heard this these words I was in the presence of greatness; but the “ah ha!” moment came serially and periodically—over time.

I was there because the minister of Saint Paul’s church was going, my dad—Wallace Ruckert, director of development of UNCF—was going, I had friends who were going, and it was the right thing to do. Civil Rights were a long time coming.

The Quaker’s knew, they ran the Underground Railroad in Boston. Louisa May Alcott, famed writer, was for equal rights in men and woman. Her friends Emerson, Hawthorne and Thoreau all stood for the end of slavery. As you look at history thinking people, people who read, and love, jump in the deep end.
          
I knew the day I was born I was lucky. In less than an hour I arrived and left skid marks across the delivery room. I am reported to have screamed “TADA,” no crying, born into a “functional" family. We hold meetings in a phone booth now!

I got to sing at Rallies because I know the second verse of “Lift Every Voice,” if you study with me you MUST register to vote! My generation belonged to political clubs; it gave us some power to move things along. I will say although my young friends are “somewhat involved,” most have not picked up the torch I dropped. 

                    

Because of the work for Civil Rights, I got to be friends with James Baldwin and his whole family; he lived on my street, his brother David was a bartender at Mikell’s jazz club. I got to meet Albert Murray who died last week at 95, Bill Miles whose film “Men of Bronze,” was also on the march, got involved at the Schomberg Center; my life became rich and textured, my thinking became more relevant, and I got to meet many silent soldiers, and people who carried money, risking their own lives to get to folks living on the edge of disaster.

I hope young people will be energized and drawn to the march and history, and will carry the torch to a finish line for:
            1) Equal rights for men and woman
            2) Make a minimum wage a living wage
            3) Voting Rights are in danger (Texas and North Carolina- Wake up!)

Heading For a Summer in New York City

I have access to the whole wide world, and yet I pick my home town. Paris has no air-conditioning, UK is at it’s most beautiful in spring and fall, and I could go on and on. Every time I am in a town, I think, "I'm happy here, I should come here more often."

I have never been able to give up my home here, even when I have been away on the road for a very long time. 


I especially love summer. There is The Philharmonic in Central Park each year. The 1812 Overture with fire works. The Metro Opera in Central Park, the very best way to hear Puccini. Jazzmobile is everywhere, but my favorite is Grant's Tomb on Wednesday evening—the sun setting over the Hudson River and New Jersey as the lights come up.

It is always cool by the river. Venders set up selling CDs, food and memories; all while listening to Count Basie's band or George Coleman's group—always great music.

There’s traveling theatre. The Staten Island Ferry—for a cruise—is no charge. Summer stage in Central Park, all the top Billboard charting groups performing.

At Brooklyn Prospect Park free concerts, all summer. Ladysmith Black Mambazo from South Africa is on June 28th. At Bryant Park (Manhattan) is Bryant Park Piano on July 3rd. At Rumsey Playfield (Manhattan Central Park), there’s Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series on July 5th. At Dana Discovery Center (Manhattan Central Park) is the Harlem Meer Performance Festival on July 7th.

And those are just a few of the many fabulous free concerts New York's parks have to offer!

The public library has a special summer program. Lincoln Center outdoor concerts—each year that is where I hear Sonny Rollins. And there is free Jazz at the Plaza on Thursdays at 12:30.

Summer is a good time in the city.

New Directions Group Gives Homeless a New Chance

How can we know how wonderful each day will become? "New Directions" is a vocal group made up of men and women who in one way or another have come out of the Armed Forces damaged. Some are physically damaged and some are damaged in ways that are not so apparent.


They have been homeless—sometimes for over 20 years—but brought back to health with the love of music. They have become a wonderful group. Singing joyful and meaningful songs, a capella. They came to do a big benefit here in New York City at the High Line. Since they have never been to the great city before, I gave them a party here and introduced them to some New York writers and musicians.


James Gavin was here, and Frank Beacham and Sandi Bachom. They sang for us all and had a wonderful home-cooked meal. Morgan Ames, who has been coaching them, sang a new song she just co-wrote with Johnny Mandel. How can anything be wrong when you have great music and great food, and great people, just sharing and caring?


Some of my young friends volunteered to help with the clearing and serving (bless them). I went to bed at midnight, closing off my part of of bedroom and bath, and when I got up at 2:30 a.m. to go to the bathroom, I heard more happy talking. Back to bed I went.


This morning, I woke up to a clean apartment, and my home helper came to change my wound dressing and she made breakfast for me and Morgan. She is a blessing. We did my therapy, and now we are ready for the weekend. I will try to edit the video so you can see and hear just how wonderful life can be. They will be doing an album soon. I am looking forward to it.

Let me hear from you. Tell me how music has saved your life.

Charlie Feldman, BMI Vice President and Songwriter, Addresses SGA Pro-Shop

On Wednesday evening, the SGA Pro-Shop met here at Ruckert Studios. We had 20 people in attendance to hear Charlie Feldman, a vice president at BMI and a noted song writer himself. 

He shared his views on the industry today, and we talked about “Accidental Racist,” the controversial recording by Brad Paisley with LL Cool J. The song deals with white Southern identity and the meaning of the Confederate flag.

Charlie talked about growing up in Birmingham, Alabama during a time of racial tension and how much he learned from it. He also explored the effect racism had on him as both a musician and songwriter.

The discussion was long and interesting. Charlie is a great story teller. He stayed until after 9 p.m., though we are supposed to end an hour earlier. The group wouldn’t let him leave.

Each Pro-Shop member played their latest CD demo, and got wonderful feed back. It was a special night.

Easter: A Time of Family, Friends and Loss

                        Hugh McCracken (Photo by Rob Paparozzi)

Easter weekend, spring and renewal, high hopes, and yet—being a musician of a "certain" age—sadness at the news of the death of our beloved Hugh McCracken. The wires are ablaze with words of shock and surprise as everyone recalls all the music we have made together, and then word of the passing of Phil Ramone.

   
Phil Ramone

Our world is small and yet it is large. Hugh gave B.B. King his first crossover hit with "The Thrill Is Gone." That is direct from B.B.'s own accord. He always gave Hugh credit. David Spinozza, another guitar whiz, was also on the session.

How many holidays spent together, how many dinners and bus rides? And laughing...a lot of laughing. Everyone thought that Hugh and Phil was their best friend. There is the real talent here, they way they made everyone else feel so special.

And so we gather with friends and family and count our blessings, to be together and know that it is special time to celebrate, pass the love that we have been given to others. My cousins in town, friends all. Looking at each other in a special way.

So I treasure each day, and celebrate loving my friends and family, and spring, and practice each morning. When you are playing music there is less pain.

Some of us cannot walk, but we can dance; and cannot speak, but can sing. We have this music forever. I have the sound system loaded with Hugh and Phil, their music fills the air. They will live though our story telling and the music.

Joy to the world!

My cousins, Scott and Emily, Genie Swinson and Susan Slavin

Catherine Heiser and her new iPad

Susan Slavin and her husband, David Kibbe

Jazz Great Mike Longo with his wife, Dotti

Poez and Wallace Collins at SGA Pro-Shop

At the SGA Pro-Shop on Wednesday evening, our VIP’s were Wallace Collins, Esq., and Poez, a remarkable spoken word artist a/k/a Paul Mills, Esq.

Poez came into my world as I ran across Washington Square Park in the 70s, rushing to class at NYU. First time I caught him out of the corner of my eye and the corner of my ear. Next time I slowed down to hear him, but kept running. I was late for class. The third time, I stopped and missed class.

He was compelling and magical, and still is today. He has a brilliant mind and is a great performer. He performed Annabel Lee by Edgar Allen Poe, and it was if I was hearing it for the very first time.

We spoke about how being a musician helps being a good lawyer—it has to do with passion, timing and purposefully living. I believe this.

Wallace was an artist signed to Epic Records and became interested in the contracts and legal end of things. He was just back from Midem in Cannes, France and we spoke of the significance of the music-related meetings there, and how the changes in the industry have affected the conferences around the world.


We discussed how can a singer/songwriter can have a presence and benefit by being represented at Midem. Then we came to South by Southwest in Austin, which has now also become an international event.

The evening went on beyond its normal time frame and no one wanted it to end. They stayed late talking—any later I would have charged them rent.

Jonny Rosch Regales Pro-Shop With Music War Stories

Jonny Rosch performing with the Blues Brothers in Italy. Steve Cropper is in the background.

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Jonny Rosch was our guest at the SGA Pro-Shop last Wednesday, and he is my favorite of all of the Blues Brothers.

I love his road war stories—my favorite part of being married to Burt were the big band stories from the road. I am just at the age that I caught the end of it, and landed in the velvet trap of the studios. Which I loved, and that too has passed and now were are on to something else.

You have to stay awake, because it’s late. Jonny has a sweet gig every other Tuesday night at 78 Below with his sideman “friends.” The best of the best play with him, including Anton Fig, Tony Garnier, Jon Herington, Oz Noy, Shawn Pelton, Steve Holley and many other great sidemen and session players. I know that Bette Susman stops by there as do all of the great players, just for the great hang.

Not all get to sit in, but everyone loves the scene. I could listen to the stories forever, and Jonny is a great story teller. I had promised him that I would let him go by 8 p.m., but no one would let him go—they could not get enough of his stories and and he did promise to come back.

Stories of the Blues Brothers and Pheobe Snow. We got to reminisce about Alan Rubin...you now how I feel about the trumpet. I was laughing and smiling as I wrote this, when the word came in that Donald Byrd had died, and I was am shocked out of my reverie.

He was my teacher and friend, and Burt played with him for years, an our bond was strong and for a long period, like fifty years. I cannot believe that I can count that high, but that is how it is. When you study with someone and play with someone, it is very intimate. It is a bond as strong as family. And more.

Rosch clowns around with "Friends" at 78 Below on the Upper West Side.

Horace Ott & Wife, Gloria, Meet SGA's Pro-Shop

The Songwriters Guild of America’s Pro-Shop on Wednesday evening was at Ruckert Studios. Our special guest was Horace Ott (he wrote "Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.") He’s in New York to arrange a new CD for an up and coming artist, Dori Zabris.

Horace and his wife, Gloria, the inspiration for everything he does, met with our class made up of Bruce Gordon, Vernon Cummings, Elizabeth Guervy-Kern, Annie Culter, Markisah Ensly, John Nickles, Regi Ransdale, Michele Earle, Sister Sadie, superstar Kirsten Thien, home from a successful tour, recently at Buddy Guy’s club in Chicago, and me—looking just as sick as I feel but on the mend.

Horace and his wife have had a wonderful partnership through the years. I think of Aretha when I think of Horace, but he probably made to the most money from the Village People. All those arrangements brought in about $600,000. Money is such a comfort, I always say.

The Best Holiday Concert Ever!

The holiday concert was a booming success. Being in the hospital, I was unavoidably detained this year. I was not available to run rehearsals and such, but my students pulled it off. I enjoyed the concert with the rest of the audience. I don’t know how many years we have done this, but to the neighborhood and friends and my students it is a most important part of their celebration. The church was packed, everyone performed beautifully and everyone had their favorite part of the show—as we celebrated Christmas, Chanukka and Kwaanza.

                        

The choir was made of of my students—the most talented group I have ever worked with: Luis Arias, Elizabeth Gauvey-Kern, Anya Horoszeak, Safrah Levitan, John Nickles, Tee Perry, Regi Ransdell, Lisa Rosenberg, Hassan Sharaff, Ryan Thompson, Herb Washington and Dorie Zarbis. I'd also like to thank Jayme Mattler, Gabriel Sloyer, Markeisha Ensley, Brian Muni, Skip Brevis, Kristen Thien and Chris Tedesco and his wonderful family. They all carried the show and stepped out to do solo work.

I am glad that Lisa did a video. I look forward to seeing it. It was such a joyful day, the students and their families came up after the concert for a glass of wine and some food. They even did a clean-up for me.

Love was everywhere—the true meaning of the holidays. I am blessed. Life just keeps getting better. Naturally my favorite part is the children, my former students bring their children, their joy and love of music is invigorating.

What ever is wrong becomes right with music. Joy to the world!

An Unexpected Trip to the Hospital, But Friends Save the Day

While I was unexpectedly in the hospital, Ruckert Studios carried on. I had booked Suzanne Vega to come and talk to the SGA Pro-Shop, and luckily Morgan Ames was in town for an ASCAP meeting and agreed to host the evening in my house. Bill Easton and Kenny Ascher were also hosts fort he evening.

Frankly, it went so well that it hurt my feelings a bit. Everyone raved about the evening, how wonderful Suzanne was. She was insightful and helpful, and forthcoming with information on how to keep a career going—hit after hit. It was an extraordinary evening by everyone’s report.

Suzanne has agreed to come back soon. She did come by with her husband, Paul, last Saturday as I was home from the hospital and brought me some food. I’m so grateful I have been helped by my friends and students, who actually have a sign-up sheet for volunteer hours to help, while I am down for the count.


They are producing our annual concert this Saturday at the church next door. I hope lots of you will show up. It will be grand.

For a change, here are some first-hand reports from my students of Suzanna’s workshop:

Anya Horoszczak: “Spending a few hours with Suzanne Vega provided me with the insight and encouragement that will be needed for my own musical endeavors. Her down to earth attitude combined with the wisdom she’s garnered over the years, made for an eye opening night. With our hopes and dreams presented before her, Suzanne readily divulged the secrets and formulas that begin and sustain an extraordinary career. Truly an authentic experience with one of the most talented artists of our time.”

Elizabeth Gauvey-Kern: “It is always helpful to hear from someone successful in the field you are interested in entering—and this was the perfect case with Suzanne Vega—I have found, for two reasons. 


To hear their about their journey. How they got to where they did. What they did that aided them, and/or waylaid them?  And what can you expect, so as not to get taken surprised when it happens to you down the line. One of the most enlightening moments of Susan Vega’s talk, was when she talked about getting gigs in the early days. How she would go to club/bar owners and ask what she needed to do to get a gig, when they refused her she asked why, and then worked to correct what they thought was lacking. She listened to advice and she kept coming back. Persistence was one of the greatest lessons I took from her.

She also talked about her experience with DNA, the British group that made a dance mix to her “Tom’s Diner.” This is how I knew the song, growing up. That is how her music reached my generation. Instead of suing DNA, she saw the potential in the remix they had done, and bought the track from them, releasing it herself but crediting DNA. This was a great aid to her career. 


Pure experience. I have been songwriting seriously for about a year now. I believe Ms. Vega had about 30 years experience on me. Speaking with her after class I asked something that was weighing on my mind. I had lost a melody—forgotten to write it down—and it had flown out of my head. I said “I always tell myself if it’s a really good melody, then it will come back to me...but sometimes I wonder if that’s true, or if I’m just comforting myself. You’ve had a few years more experience in this. What have you found?” It is such an asset to have someone who can really answer questions like these.”


Lee Demers: “I always bring something home from a Pro- Shop meeting. Once I took a step back and learned how to be a better listener, my Pro-Shop experiences became more meaningful. December 5th’s meeting was no different. Morgan was charming, capable and made us all feel comfortable as she got the meeting underway. She then turned the focus over to Suzanne who told the group how the twists and turns of her creative journey developed over the years. The events, the places, the people, including your influence on her as she struggled with the concept of music theory.

Of course there was no shortage of questions, not with Ann’s clan. Ken is a pleasure to be around. When he is there you know someone special is in the room. Morgan and Elizabeth sang the ingenious rendition of the Christmas song with the intervalic lyrics in 6ths, 2nds and 5ths much to our delight, then we moved on to our music as Vernon spun the CD’s as usual. Another dot connecting experience at the “Pro-Shop.” I must admit I have felt this way before at the Pro-Shop, after all, we are learning from the best, whether it’s from you or one of your thought provoking guests.

Much Love and good wishes,

Lee

P.S. Yes, I did practice today!

The Storm of the Century

New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are all in trouble and each in a different way. Musicians have no work, no money, no sick days, no paid vacations and no medical coverage. The Jazz Foundation is going door to door with food and warm clothes.

Wendy Oxenhorn heard a horn practicing and followed the sound—a musician practicing in the darkness. Tears filled his eyes when he saw Wendy, so glad that someone thought about him. Story after story of sadness and loneliness, older musicians, whose music we were inspired by, danced to, made love to, and got married to, now alone in the dark. What a way to treat a hero!

Food is still a few days away from the markets, gas is still at the end of a long line with odd or even numbers dictating who will get to work that day.

My students all arrived for Saturday class, half by bike. I have been feeding my friends below 34th Street with no power. They come for a shower, to wash their hair, do laundry and have a hot meal.

Running a soup kitchen, Morgan Ames and her husband, Jim, were here for a lovely stay for a week, we had a brunch to honor them on last Sunday. Needless to say they got stuck here and had to stay and extra week. Morgan had gigs in Los Angeles, rehearsals, just slipping away with the weather. For seemingly no reason, it was not her weather, it shouldn't rain on her.

Attending the brunch were David Kibbee (stylist), Kathryn Altman (inspiration and assistant to the late filmmaker, Robert Altman), Clarence Banks (with the Count Basie Band), Jim Gavin (author), Morgan Ames (songwriter extraordinaire, leader of Inner Voices), Hugh McCracken (guitarist and producer), Holly McCracken (actor), Susan Slavin (actor and coach), Jim Thomas, Morgan's husband, my friend, helped do the cooking, fixer, IT, Guy.man in a tool belt), Rex Reed (writer) and Frank Beacham (writer).

Riverside Park flooded, Central Park trees down and lakes flooded. Trees fell into people and houses, Rockaway Beach gone, Chris and Jenelle Tedesco’s house saved, yet some just floated to sea. No how or why. So many homeless, no place to wash, or get clothes, how will some of us vote in this most important election?

A Celebration of Toots Thielemans' 90th Birthday!

Toots Thielemans celebrated his 90th birthday Friday and Saturday nights at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Toots is a world class jazz harmonica player, guitarist and and can whistle to beat the band. It was a very rare appearance by one of the world's greatest musicians.

I was lucky enough to work with Toots back in the day when we all did commercials. I have pictures of the famous Chrysler commercial we did with Louis Armstrong. Also on the birthday bill was Oscar Castro-Neves, (who did the film, HouseSitter, with Toots) and Kenny Werner, a longtime pianist with Toots.


It was a reunion of love and great music. Also joining Toots at the concerts were Dori Caymmi of Brazilian music aristocracy, Eliane Elias and Herbie Hancock. Their joy at playing with Toots was clear to the audience. A lot of musicians that I recognized were there—all laughing and crying to hear our “Toots.” There will never be the likes of him again.

Ed Keane came from Boston to escort me and to hear this great music. We could not let the moment go. When we came back to my home, we stayed up and talked for a while—a long while.


Dori Caymmi came to talk to my Saturday class, made up of some very wonderful professional singer/songwriters. I didn't want to impose on him and had expected him to spend about an hour. He stayed three, and played and sang for us. I thought I would go straight up. I prayed that someone would catch me by the ankles. The time flew by as he answered questions about Brazilian rhythms, the time he feels various beats from South America and special tunings on the guitar. We were all spellbound.

Check out the bios of these great musicians. To me, they are friends. I have so many memories, and am making more all of the time. I am blessed.