Ann Ruckert

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.

John Poppo and Chelsea Chris Visit the SGA Pro-Shop

Last night at the SGA Pro-Shop, we had a visit from legendary musician, John Poppo. John came with a young artist, Chelsea Chris, that he is producing and managing. He is a well known songwriter himself, but is also known for his producing, engineering, mixing, arranging and artist management skills. He has worked with Michael and Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, Madonna and hundreds of other top artists.

John’s insights were valuable to all of our SGA members. The questions went on well past our time limit and John was nice enough to stay very late and answer all questions. The room was packed, and we were interested to meet Chelsea and hear just how John is helping build her career.

So many young people think if you meet someone important and you get a deal, life is good. Chelsea Chris is beautiful and very talented, and loving what she does. She is also building a career that will last a lifetime. She has learned to play piano and write out her own lead sheets.

She sits in at the Sugar Bar on a regular basis, and is thrilled to work with their great band and, of course, having Valerie Simpson sing backup for you is a quite something to tell you grandchildren about in years to come. We laughed a lot and, of course, we talked about the Grammy show and its importance to the music and recording worlds.

John is a trustee at NARAS and has been active for years. We thank him for that also. Everyone wants him to come back soon.

A Summer SGA Songwriters Circle on Historic Bleecker Street

This morning I am warmed by the memory of Monday night. The SGA Songwriters Circle was at the Red Lion and the room was packed. Kirsten Thein was our host.

Skip Brevis, our usual MC, was in Los Angeles. One of the young artists that he and his writing partner, Claudia Brevis, produced and managed has just signed with Disney. (Claudia is also Skip’s partner in life and mother of two very handsome young men.) 

The Circle was fast and exciting, but a highlight was Janelle Tedesco, who sang one of her husband's songs, and brought people to tears. Janelle is an accomplished actress and musical theatre veteran. She did the national tours of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas starring Ann-Margret and The Producers.

Also making this night special was the participation of Steve Addabbo, a Grammy-nominated producer, engineer, songwriter and performer who is himself a music industry legend. In October 1988, Steve opened a studio on Shelter Island, two hours east of NYC. Steve had just had a major success with Suzanne Vega's "Solitude Standing" album and Shawn Colvin had just been signed to Columbia records.

Steve and the studio began working on Colvin's debut album, "Steady On" (a Grammy Winner), Eric Andersen's classic, "Ghosts Upon the Road" and other major label and indy projects. The studio, now located in the city, is in its 23rd year of operation and continues to be a vital part of the New York recording scene.

Steve has also produced Olivia Newton John, Bo Diddley, the New York Dolls, Gov’t Mule and many other acts. In another interesting note, Suzanne Vega has been referred to as the "Mother of the MP3" as it was a recording of her voice on Tom’s Diner that was used to test Karlheinz Brandenburg's compression algorithm. Steve recorded the acapella version of Tom's Diner up at Bearsville Studios in January, 1987. It was a joy to have him grace our stage with his songs.

John Nickles, a new SGA Pro-Shop member, sat in for a number—fresh from his audition for the TV show, The Voice.

Galia Arad was brilliant and sang her Elvis Costello song (it is about him, not by him). It always kills me. People cannot get enough of her. She has announced that she will be living in Ireland for a year. By the way, an artist living in Ireland pays no income tax! She will be touring in Europe. Before she goes she will be doing a goodby tour in the U.S. 

Galia has a large fan base in the UK, and it will be exciting for her to have this experience. I’m looking forward for her to share it with all of us.

Bruce Gordon, our studio bass and guitar player, sang a song that had us on the floor— “Jesus Stole My Baby” — a grand night for singing.

Bleecker Street has so much history. Every time I walk down that street I think of all the singer-songwriters that came before— Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary (Mary's family lived on Bleecker Street...they were way cool), John Sebastian, (his mother, Jane, lived in a mews must behind Washington Square Park and worked at Carnegie Hall; his father was also a musician, a internationally known harmonica player, who played with major symphonies around the world. It was the kind of family I dreamed about—creative and excepting.)

Greenwich Village still holds the magic and it is catching. Come hang with us next time.

Carline Ray is VIP Guest at SGA Pro-Shop

A few weeks ago, I had Carline Ray as our VIP guest at the SGA Pro-Shop. She is a wonderful bass player, and all around fine musician who played with the big bands of Skitch Henderson, Sy Oliver, Peter Duchin and Mercer Ellington She is also a Juilliard grad. Carline was in a band that my father introduced me to as a favorite of his—The International Sweethearts, an all-female jazz band.

She was also in a band with one of the famous music "Hamptons" that included, Slide, and Lionel — seems to be thousands of musician Hamptons. It was raining that Wednesday night — four inches in one hour — people called me to see if there would be a Pro-Shop, and would my VIP guest come. I started to laugh, I had no doubt that Carline would show up and early. That is what professional musicians do, only the cronic potentials are late and no shows.

When we have a session that is booked for 2-5, that means the downbeat is a 2. We are there at the half hour, meaning a half hour before the downbeat. And, of course, Carline was here at 5:30.

She was full of stories about how to survive in the music industry, no surprise, showing up on time, and prepared, sight reading and loving it so. Carline is 87-years-old and still working her ass off. She is my hero, she made a deep impression on the Pro-Shop writers, we went way over time, it was a grand summer night—rain or not.

Another Great Night at the Red Lion!

Monday at the Red Lion was a great night of original music by some of my favorite songwriters. Jake Holmes does a rap called "Prep School Boys” that had me on the floor laughing.

As good as the music is, I love seeing all of my friends from the Village and old NYU friends who come to support the Songwriters Guild evenings. Kenny who runs the Bitter End always stops in. I sang there more than a few times, the gigs were a week long, and it payed $125 a week. My rent in those days was $119 a month. You could actually support yourself as an up and coming songwriter. Kirsten had some new songs as did Galia. The whole night was full of surprises. 

  

My friend, Saad Haroon, a comic from Pakistan, is touring in the United States and dropped by and did a "bit,” or “turn,” as we say in the business. His act is about life in Pakistan, and It's funny and unique. When I was coming up, there were no comedy clubs. The comics opened in jazz clubs—Lenny Bruce, Lord Buckley and others. So it feels right to me.

                                       

We’re at the Red Lion the last Monday of every month. Come hang out next time.

Thomas Z. Shepard Addresses the Pro-Shop

Last Wednesday night at the Pro-Shop, I was thrilled to welcome Thomas Z. Shepard, winner of 12 Grammys and a nominee for thirty five more. Tom is brilliant musician, artist and record producer, as well as a composer, conductor, music arranger and pianist. 

Tom produced the original cast recordings of many of the Stephen Sondheim musicals, including Sweeney Todd, Company and Sunday in the Park with George. He also produced the original cast recordings of 1776, La Cage aux Folles and 42nd Street, among over a hundred others. He has also produced hundreds of classical music and popular music recordings.

Beginning in 1960, he worked for fourteen years for Columbia Records, eventually becoming co-director of CBS Masterworks. He joined RCA Records in 1974, where he was Division Vice President of RCA Red Seal, responsible for recording, signing and marketing of the label, until 1986.

He was then Vice President: Classical and Theatrical until 1989 for MCA Records in New York, where he created their classical and theatrical record line. He then became an independent producer, wrote, narrated and produced The WQXR/MCA Classics Listener's Guide and has lectured on musical theatre and classical music.

Tom’s work as a producer is captured in Company, a film by D.A. Pennebaker, about the recording of the cast album of the Broadway show, Company. For this film, Pennebaker and his crew took three hand-held cameras into the studio and filmed the singers, the orchestra and the control booth, then condensed the 18.5-hour recording session into a fast-moving 60 minutes.

You can see the intensity and sheer enjoyment on the faces of the cast, and Tom, along with show producer-director Harold Prince. Sondheim (a notorious perfectionist) becomes alternately exhilarated and exasperated as they listen and try to solve various problems. One very interesting moment is Elaine Stritch's exhausting, but now classic take after take of "The Ladies Who Lunch."

The Pro-Shop was spell bound, as Tom discussed in detail the recording of his various albums from the science to the artistry side. Everyone was full of questions and we went over time, which does not happen often. We ended up with so many songwriters in the room, no music was played, which is unusual. Tom took a CD from each student. He is always interested in new songwriters.

All of my Pro-Shop members are still talking about the magical evening, and they are full of appreciation for the Songwriters Guild of America for providing this opportunity. We heard Tom speak of the differences in the productions of Porgy and Bess, which had everyone surprised and interested, especially since most of our members had just seen the most recent production on Broadway, thanks to their membership in the Recording Academy. All want Tom to come back, and as soon as possible, he has agreed.

A Postage Stamp for Miles Davis

On Tuesday night we gathered, thank you JFA, at the historic Bogardus Mansion on 75 Murray Street in Tribeca. The house, built in 1850 by James Bogardus, the originator of cast-iron architecture, is elegant—a reminder that folks really used to live like that. It was a grand reunion, nice to have a large gathering of all of our friends. And it wasn't a memorial service or funeral—just joyful, joyful.

Fine music by Gabriel Johnson and the Micah Gaugh Sextet. Trumpet players were everywhere. Drinks and stories, new and old, volunteers to help the JFA. They were organized by Sandy Jordan, the widow of Cliff Jordan, the great composer and jazz tenor sax man. Cliff was a real jazz musician and a character to be sure. He wore spats, played great and lived a jazz life that one reads about. 

Gabriel Johnson

Harold Mabern, from my favorite Miles Davis band was there. Harold is from Memphis. So many fine musicians come from Memphis including George Coleman, Keno Duke and Marvin Stamm. George Coleman and Harold Mabern were in the Miles Davis band together. I call it the “Four and More" band. 

Harold Mabern and Ann Ruckert

I think about the Queen’s silver anniversary, such a to-do. Hell, our royalty is Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Miles Davis. I think we should be so proud to give the world such a gift. These were not folks who were born to the manner, as they say—they earned our love and thanks for making the world a better place through their music.

We make a stamp to honor Miles Davis and it gets a small hooray from the Jazz Foundation, when it should be honored with parades and fly-overs and music filling the streets and while our musicians are alive. We should let them know that we honor them. It is the highest calling there is—heals more than doctors, is more spiritual than a priest and brings love to each one who hears music.

The first thing we hear is a lullaby. Miles Davis in a harmon mute is a comforting lullaby. Anne Phillips and her husband, Bob Kindred, were there. She wrote that famous Jazz Nativity that featured Clark Terry, Tito Puente, Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Ron Carter and others—all jazz greats.

   

Ann Ruckert, Anne Phillips and Bob Kindred

The Jazz Nativity was our family ritual—my children grew up on it and it made Christmas about love and peace. Got the focus off presents. The gifts were music—and our own classical music—jazz.

Our very special innovator was Miles Davis. Is the best we can do is a postage stamp? How about a parade, a park, a statue or a larger than a silver jubilee? I think I will listen to “Sketches of Spain" and then rinse out my head. 

I am ordering several sheets of this stamp. One reason is it’s hard to get these things. The post office says they don't sell well, so order them while they are in stock.

Whizzing Through Time and Space

How many personalities do I have? “All about Eve” has nothing on me. I am here savoring last night’s show at the 92nd Street Y: “Nine Decades of Songs from Warner Brothers.”

Written and conceived by Rex Reed, it was bright and funny, full of inside stories and insider gossip. The show crackled with Rex Reed humor and warmth, sometimes I just love the “hang" and stories. The performers were Christine Andreas, Polly Bergen, Tom Wopat, Jason Graae, and from the West Coast, a favorite, Sue Raney. The band was led by Mike Renzi.

Rex Reed and Polly Bergen

Sue Raney

Photos by Stephen Sorokoff

The lyrics to Hooray for Hollywood, nailed the persona of Hollywood then as well as now. These were good songs, performed to perfection. You don't hear much perfection these days, they had film clips picked by Rex. It played to an older crowd, the lyrics still have great meaning and are not dated, the cleverness of the inner rhythms.

I am writing and dreaming all this as I listen to a CD by a group called Cake, and waiting for call backs as I help put together a Jazz Foundation event honoring a new stamp of Miles Davis, by booking jazz greats to come and spend an evening on June 12 in the Bogardus Mansion in Tribeca, as I wear a locket given to me by Miles on my wedding day.

                                         

He had engraved "I belong to Miles,” obviously I didn’t as I was marrying another trumpet player, named Burt Collins. But Miles believed that if I had heard him first, I would have married him. He might have been right!

These days it is like running through the halls of my old conservatory and hearing the music being played and practiced from a dozen genres. And for decades, like a time machine whizzing through time and space, it has been the same. I guess this is how I became a studio musician. I never could make up my mind.

One week many years ago, I did a session for an opera company and we did Faust. I was in the soldiers’ chorus. That same week, I sang back-up on a soul session with Cissy Houston, and a guide session for Sarah Vaughn, with a song whose lyrics had been written by the Pope. The check came from the Vatican City.

Last night was a grand night for singing!

A Sleepy Sunday Afternoon!

Another sleepy Sunday afternoon, a light brunch of quiche and salad, salmon and bagels, wine, fruit and cheese—lots of wine—but it is always the people that make the day.

Ellyn Harris (of Buzz Publicity, and her husband Jay, who has adored and loved her these twenty five years) and Glenn Ellison, a partner of my beloved Dan Hartman (I Can Dream About You, Living In America, Free Ride and more). Ellyn sang back up for Dan, as I did. I was his vocal contractor.

The conversation was funny, sad and more. We all talked at once and in the round. Ellyn's son, Kevin Rudolph, a charting producer and writer, has taken the music business by storm, without the help of his family. Just eight hours a day of practice, since he was a child. He grew up with my son, Jason, so I always want to hear his news. 

I still hurt from laughing. And lots to remember. I gave the funeral for Dan at the church next door, and then a hundred people came up to my apartment, I cooked fried chicken for the crowd. Phyllis Hyman asked if I would do the same for her, and a year later she was dead.

Everyone who knew Dan loved him. Glenn has forgiven Dan's family, who turned away from him because of his illness—AIDS. I never have. We spoke of Dan, who played every instrument by the way, and his last writing partner, Charlie Midnight. I have lost touch with him, would love to speak with him again, another great guy. 

Everyone I met through Dan was special. I am a lucky lady. Frank Beacham had such a great view of Dan's music, and such a fine historic sense of things. The conversations still roam around in my head today.

A Great Night in Harlem!

This year's JFA show at the Apollo Theatre was the best ever. It was tight and artistically balanced. Opening with a New Orleans brass band coming down the aisles. History was all around us. It was a sold out show. 

Honoring the blues was John D. Holeman and the Rebirth Brass Band. Macy Gray surprised and delighted me—she was graceful on stage, and sang with a nod to jazz, remembering that we are standing on the shoulders of those who came before us. Also Bono, who performed, had the whole place on its feet, the energy was high.

The JFA staff orchestra was on stage, filled with the cream of the crop musicians. There were some outstanding solos—Randy Weston, Dr. John and Paquito D’Rivera. In the horn section was Jerry Dodgien, James Carter, Don Byron, Art Baron—all of my heroes. They brought the house down and people were on their feet again (I was up and down all night), screaming and such most of the night. 

David Johansen was fun and got the attention of the audience right away. The show had a hint of Saturday Night Live, thanks to producer Hal Willner. After the main performance there was a dinner, and we ate while Stanley Jordan, one of the great jazz guitar players, performed.

I left before the jam session started since I can only take so much happiness. It will take me along time to digest all that I heard last night. I am reliving it all today, and writing thank you notes, to all who made the night so special.

They give back to our family in so many ways, this night is like a family reunion, and we were honoring Claude Nobs, who has had the Montreux Jazz Festival that started in 1967, and has been a large supporter of our music. 

We have all loved going to Switzerland for this festival. Next year, some of the other “jazz widows,” as we are called, want to rent a house and hang for the whole festival, and cook for our friends. Hurry up and have fun, good words to live by.

Did I mention that Quincy Jones was there? Quincy Jones was there!

Music Events Abound In New York City!

The last Red Lion song circle was packed and we had such fun. You never know who I will pick out of the audience to guest perform. So as you can see by the photograph, I picked my young cousin, Zia, not quite two-years-old, but happy to be on keyboard. 

While she as a guest here at my home, living in what I call the “Morgan Ames Suite,” she had her own piano in the guest room. That small piano has been played by Erroll Garner, who wrote “Misty,” Junior Mance and Billy Preston. Billy stayed here for a while when he was in town as music director of the David Brenner late night show on TV.

And, of course, Zia is an SGA member. This coming month, we have some wonderful surprise guests at the Red Lion. Our circle is an event made possible by the Songwriters Guild of America. (Click here to get to their web site.) 

Tonight, I am off the St. Peters Church for a Jazz Foundation of America (click here to get to web site) event to benefit the great Clark Terry, an American icon.

His picture appears on my dining room wall, in a grand photograph, assembled by Dan Morganstern years ago. Now it is blown up and is a constant reminder to the homage that we all owe those who came before us. 

To Clark Terry we owe thanks for being a pioneer in the great jazz tradition. He played the jazz chair in both the Count Basie Orchestra as well as with Duke Ellington, to name just a few. He was the first black on-air soloist for the NBC staff orchestra, when Johnny Carson was here in New York. 

Living in midtown has worked to my advantage. Not only do I get to see folks passing through, but I got a lot of calls last minute to cover someone on a session, or gig, when someone was stuck in traffic or hung up by the weather. I just jumped on my bike and was at a studio or club in fifteen minutes tops. 

Of course, my routine of getting up early and getting in a full practice session on each morning, fully dressed, paid off. As I used to say, the store was open. I also always carry my passport, just in case someone says lets go to Paris for dinner. I am ready to go. If you say I have to go home to get a few things, they go with some one else. Some people can be like that.

Also here is a picture of Kay Lyra, and her husband, Mauricio Maestro, playing for my students. Having a few genius musicians to drop by a “for show and tell”...this is what can be done if you practice, and eat and breath and shit music.

Hurry up and have fun. Hope to see some of you tonight at the Clark Terry benefit.

The Whale and Gratitude

In a recent edition of the San Francisco Chronicle, there was a story about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spiderweb of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso and a line tugging in her mouth. 

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (off the coast of San Francisco) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she was thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same. 

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude. When we do what is natural, it is the “right” thing to do.