ESSAYS. Cont'd from Page 44
WHAT THE MEDIA IS INTERESTED IN!
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Linda Ciofalo symbolizes class, style and honest improvisation.
I would like to share with you some reviews of my previous book Entertainment Divas Cabaret Jazz Then And Now. A book I loved to write because it offered unprecedented exposure to gifted artists who despite their great talent remain unknown to the general public. From the New York Monthly Herald (www.newyorkmonthlyherald.com) Date October 17, 2006. HEADLINE: THE GOLDEN STOCK OF DIVAS PER SE AND THE NEW GENERATION OF JAZZ SINGERS By Myrna Hughes, London Correspondent.
How would do you define an authentic jazz singer, a cabaret diva or a femme fatale, nowadays? Simple folks! Read the new book Entertainment, divas, cabaret, jazz, then and now by Maximillien de Lafayette. What a coincidence! He is also the editor-in-chief of this magazine. Would it be self-serving to write a review about a book written by your boss? Not really, if the book is meaningful and well-written. Then, let's see what there is in the bag. To set the record straight, I will not attempt to review the book. So what am I doing here? Well, let's say -for now- I am visiting with the stars who were written up in Mr. de Lafayette's massive volume. Anatomy of the book: It is overwhelming. Lots of inquisitive articles. Tons of stars of all calibers, famous and infamous, talented and less so, chronological history of American music, European Cabaret, chats with chanteuses and legends, and of course glowing portraiture of icons and mega stars. Historical and academic value: Plenty. It is an encyclopaedia. A world of knowledge and impressive wealth of information. Mr. de Lafayette began his book with an analysis and historical survey of the origin of American music and the very first "songs book" written by the pilgrims before and during the colonial era. Additional chapters provided important clues on the slaves' underground music, Spirituals, early gospel music and the birth of Jazz and Blues in America. And to wrap it up, Mr. de Lafayette added a chapter on the contributions of the pioneers of American Standards at the turn of the century, and here and there, juicy stories about the leading stars of 1930' follies, the Ziegfeld Girls and early Broadway' musicals. SOME OF THE BIG NAMES IN THE BOOK: Lynn DiMenna, Barbara Fasano, Karrin Allyson, Claire Martin, Alison England, Helen Baldassare, Betty Buckley, Barbara Cook, Janice Borla, Linda Ciofalo, Jamie deRoy, Robert Osborne, Maye Cavallaro, Charles Cermele, Ann Hampton Callaway, Chick Corea, Blossom Dearie, Susan Egan, Amanda McBroom, etc. ARTISTS WORTH MENTIONING: Lafayette said expect to hear and read a lot about these wonderful artists: Candace Evans, Lisa Clark, Cynthia Bassinet, Debbie Duncan, Ellen Johnson, Pamela Luss, Karmyn Tyler (she is terrific), Lori Derr, Lizabeth Flood, Ondine Darcyl, Carol Mennie.
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Candace Evans. Not a household name yet, but for sure she is the a first
rate singer.
Who is in and who is out? Almost everybody or anybody who is somebody in showbiz is in the book. Even critics, writers and TV show hosts were written up in the book. For instance Turner Classic Movies' Robert Osborne, New York Post's film critic Jamie Barnard, Jamie deRoy and two notorious entertainment critics in New York were presented on a silver dish. All the big names in jazz and cabaret are in. The living ones. The departed ones were left in peace. Mr. de Lafayette is not a person you can easily impress. To do so, you got to have guts, talent, character and humility, especially humility. What impresses him most, he said "is that good nature and modesty you find in super stars who are down to earth...stars who are real...real on stage and in "real" life. He continues: "Talent is essential to succeed in showbiz. But your goodness, your generosity and loving persona are the secrets behind an everlasting successful career."
Now, you get the clear idea, why he did portray some famous performers as mean, "pompous-asses and faceless, heartless entertainment characters!" Mr. de Lafayette displayed a touching sympathy toward talented but not so lucky performers. He said: "In this unmerciful world of showbiz, you will find superb singers and artists who are to be discovered, more precisely, great talents we do not read about in the papers or see on television. I wanted to change that scenario, and one way to do this, is to give them maximum exposure in my book. Not every singer can afford a publicist and a shrewd manager. So, if we welcome lesser known, well seasoned artists with open arms and extend to them the same courtesy we do usually offer to mega stars, if we do that, you, me and the decision makers in the industry, we could or would discover great hidden talents...Just give a chance to everybody...on an equal basis." This could be one of the most meaningful aspects and powerful statements of Entertainment, Divas, Cabaret, Jazz Then And Now.
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Betty Buckley.
Maximum exposure: Needless to say, big names and legends such as Anita O'Day, Marlene Verplanck, Helen Baldassare, Betty Buckley, Blossom Dearie and others notable dignitaries are prominently written up in the book. However, the whole philosophy of Mr. de Lafayette is to introduce to the general public as well as to the powerful executives of the recording industry, artists who are blessed with a great talent but unfortunately were either ignored or under-rated. "Also luck plays an important role in launching an artist' career...showbiz is often unmerciful. The bottom line is: Exposure, public relations, even gossip and hot talks are on the menu..." said Mr. de Lafayette. Linda Ciofalo was described as "Classy, classy, classy." The author wrote: "She (Ciofalo) dominates the stage by her presence and sparklingly sensuous voice. Tender and romantic in ballades, explosive in swinging jazz..."