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BRUCE MORROW "COUSIN BRUCIE" THE AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE...

I just read a review of the Book DOO WOP: THE MUSIC, THE TIMES, THE ERA" by Cousin Brucie. It appeared this morning in the International Herald Daily News. Quite a review in fact. And I thought, it would be beneficial to our readers and FAMSPA affiliates to read it. Here it is in its entirety, reproduced with a special permission from the Herald. Cousin Brucie did it again.- E. Summers, Associate Editor, Showbiz Time Magazine, FAMSPA.

The Content: On page 19, “Cousin Brucie” Morrow stated: “Unlike an encyclopedia, a music guide or a traditional account of history, this is a record of emotions and experiences.” This statement is accurate to a certain degree, because the book is more than a “record of emotions and experiences”, for, it is a visual, illustrative, rich mini-thematic and biographical encyclopedia of the most important cultural, social, artistic, and musical times in America. The book does not exclusively retrace the multiple facets and aspects of Doo Wop, as its title might suggest. Indeed, the book shed light on the persona, the aura, the known and unknown, the nostalgia,  the origin of American music, important social-political events of the era (McCarthy saga on page 51), fashion (Page 302), the civil rights movement (Page 308), automat meals, Salisbury steak and carrots, and America’s true beginning of fast food (Page 43), cars and Detroit goes Rock ”N’ Roll, and how young Americans felt that “cruising became a part of the American dream.”, Morrow wrote: “And cruise we did, with high tailfins that made us look like a school of sharks patrolling the boulevard.” (Page 126), America’s early child care revolution (Page 46), the golden age of television (Page 48), America’s early children’s television programs (Page 63), cartoons and comics and the comic codes (Page 68),  the sitcoms after World War II (Page 72),  America’s early days of TV dinners with gravy, mashed potatoes and peas (Page 81, the authors referred to this phenomenon as “TV Dinner; a star was born), most sparkling divas and legends of the screen; Marilyn Monroe (Page 83); France’s great Brigitte Bardot (Page 212); Marlon Brando, the rebel and the wild one (Page 102); James Dean’s true personality and probing the reasons women “fell head over heels for him” (Page 116), the delicate subject  of “color barrier” of the era and Alan Freed’s saga (Page 94), the invention of broadcast television news with Edward R. Murrow (Page 111), the domination of America’s lifestyles of the masses and new face of popular culture (Page 113), the nostalgic days of the drive-in, and how true is what the authors wrote “What a thrill, what a simple pleasure it was to go to a drive-in movie! The experience brought together so many rare and cherished opportunities: to be in the car, to be entertained, to have a private place.” (Page 118), a feeling for American justice, strength and honor comes to life on page 140, when the authors discussed the Davy Crockett Craze…Even, Mattel’s Barbie Doll debut is in the book (Page 193), and the race for space, and Russian Sputnik satellite is flying on page 196. And to add an academico-scholastic touch to the book, the authors included a Doo Wop Dictionary (Pages 327-331). And needless to say, Bruce Morrow‘s list of Top 140 Groups was needed and had to appear in the book (Pages 332-339). Worth mentioning, the heart-felt introduction by the legendary Neil Sedaka who acknowledged the enormous contributions of Mr. Bruce Morrow to the world of music. Maestro Sedaka wrote: “…Brucie was wholesome, honest and almost childlike in his enthusiasm for the business…We eventually ended up living in the same apartment complex on Ocean Parkway for a period, taking our kids to the rides at Coney Island and for hot dogs at Nathan’s. In all my travels, one thing remains true: No matter where you go, Brooklyn stays with you.” In another paragraph, the great Neil Sedaka added: “I can think of no better music industry icon to bring Doo Wop to life for readers of this book than Cousin Bruce Morrow. He was there at the beginning as an innovator, started many young artists on their careers, and to this day is a consummate communicator.”

 In 352 pages, Morrow with the collaboration of Maloof brilliantly succeeded in illustrating and candidly explaining the American psyche, culture, music, trends, celebrities, lifestyles, social events and one zillion aspects of what constituted the soul, fabric and essence of America’s yesteryears. This is a fabulous book, rich in content and art, abundant with facts, memorable stories, data, lists of lists, illustrative history of the most cherished and nostalgic American musical era, lessons to learn from, and above all the message it conveys to contemporary generation. Doo Wop: The Music, The Times, The Era is one of the 10 best books of the year. Rating: 5 stars. Grab a copy.  Perhaps two copies if you have a good friend who deserves a lovely gift. You will treasure this book for years to come.

Product Description: Doo Wop: The Music, The Times, The Era. 352 pages, lavishly illustrated, oversized format, 9 7/8 by 11 ½. Hardcover. Publication date:  1^st Edition, November 2007. Produced by Band-F Ltd. A Sterling Publication (New York, London). ISBN: 978-1-4027-4276-7. Designed by David Perry and Jason Cring. Foreword by Neil Sedaka. Introduction by TJ Lubinsky. Price: $24.95

 Review by Maximillien de Lafayette. International Herald Daily News, London, UK.

 

Photo: Queen Katie Bull leading her subjects; a group of talented and steamy artists.

The CD premieres new and uniquely personal compositions by Katie Bull, and fresh takes on classic jazz standards. The DVD, shot & edited by Peter Richards (second camera, Sara James), is a short surreal video translation of a live "dinner event" at Papatzul for the band. The images include a wild "walking dance" by the Bull Family Orchestra inter-arts theater ensemble of movement based improvisational performers on the streets of Soho, in Manhattan. The performers "characters" are drawn from the lyrics in the songs, where the earthly meets the fantastical. Album art by Robert Lemon.

ACTORS OF THE STORY, SO FAR (DVD) CAST

Photos from L to R: Katey Parker, Natalie Kuhn & Patrick James Taylor/ Female Pirate & Robinhood Romeo, Daniel Sergio - The Jester, Natalia DeSosa w/ Patrick James Taylor,

Photos from L to R: Mason Rosenthal - Crazy Clown, Justin Lauro - Knight, Faryn Eiinhorn & Natalie Kuhn - Sacred Courtesan & Female Pirate.

 

AN EDUCATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

Chuck Jones, author Make Your Voice Heard (Backstage Books) said: "If you are looking for a vocal coach who gets the results--vocal growth and change--Katie Bull is my recommendation." Anthony Stropoli said: "Katie Bull teaches an extremely effective warm-up. There is a connection between my voice becoming freer and my acting becoming richer and deeper. Her ability to coach each person in class individually while still utilizing the strength of group work is wonderful and fresh. I have found one of the most valuable tools in acting in the vocal warm up." Edelen McWilliams added: "Katie is an extremely perceptive teacher. She will help you gain the awareness needed to coach yourself. The work allows you to continue to grow as an actor regardless of your training background." Katie Bull explains her captivating and most inspiring teaching method: "Through the warm-up the performer reclaims body wisdom and experiences an increased dramatic range of vocal expression. It is a wonder and an honor to facilitate; I am continually learning from my students!"

Katie Bull: "The Whole Body Speaks!"

KATIE THE JAZZ SINGER

Photo: Katie Bull/Joe Fonda Duo.

Katie was born in New York City, and raised in the West Village on McDougal Street, and Westbeth. Her jazz piano playing-dancer father used to let her tag along to gigs and various jam sessions, as well as run around on the edges of the dance floors where he was teaching modern dance at NYU. He also snuck her in to hear extraordinary singers and musicians in various village venues including the Village Vanguard and Folk City, long before she was of legal age! She remembers Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Bill Evans, and Elvin Jones, to name just a few. Soon, she and her dad moved to Brockport, a small town in upstate New York (way upstate, near Canada). It was there, at the jam sessions in the "parlor" of their home on Adams street that she met numerous extraordinary visiting jazz musicians and composers including percussionist Lou Grassi, to whom she is indebted for his encouragement and support of her career (Lou can be heard on Katie's premiere CD Conversations With the Jokers).

As a suburb of Rochester, Brockport was within easy proximity of the Eastman School, where Katie often went to hear great jazz concerts of amazing jazz musicians; a formative moment was watching Keith Jarret improvise on that huge stage in that huge auditorium, and realizing how intimate he was being with the piano and the audience. She then returned to Tribeca, NYC - Manhattan, (before it was "Tribeca") and lived in a raw loft space with her father and stepmother. She got a regular gig at Walkers at the age of 15, singing standards once a week. At this time she was introduced to jazz singer/composer Jay Clayton, and singer Sheila Jordan, both of whom took her under their nurturing wings. She sat in a bit around town, at such venues as The Tin Palace, Sweet Basils, and Phoebes. The most memorable sitting-in moment was the night Joe Williams sat in at Sheila's gig, and then Sheila let Katie sit in too; Katie sang My Funny Valentine, and Harvie Swartz , on bass, pulled out his bow at the end of the tune -- his sensitivity sent electricity up Katie's spine. It was a moment Katie now recognizes as a defining moment in her life; this is jazz, this is a conversation! Soon she embarked on her own, attending SUNY Purchase, entering as a music major, exiting from the theater conservatory. It was at SUNY Purchase that Katie met mentor Chuck Jones who's revolutionary work in vocal production for the speaking voice changed her life. Since graduation Katie has been living in Manhattan. Her focus has been in the hybrid-arts movement, also known as the inter-arts movement. She has written and directed numerous experimental productions with her company the Bull Family Orchestra, and this work has allowed her to integrate her background in music, dance, writing, and directing. She has been vocal coaching the speaking voice, and singing in various downtown experimental theaters. She joins the jazz world now, a newcomer - - coming home.
 

PATRICE FERRIS GRACES THE COVER OF VOLUME V OF THE WORLD WHO'S WHO IN JAZZ, CABARET, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

New York-New York. The Federation of American Musicians, Singers and Performing Artists (FAMSPA), officially announced this week in New York City that Ms. Patrice Ferris, lead vocalist of the Washington-based Satin Doll Trio has been selected to grace the front cover of "BEST MUSICIANS, SINGERS, ALBUMS AND ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITIES OF THE 19^th, 20^th AND 21^st CENTURIES" (Volume V of the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment) published by FAMSPA and TimesSquarePress.

The Book: Volume V is a massive book containing 7,000 names and entries, 60 chapters and 600 photos of stars and legends who made their mark on the world of music, showbiz and entertainment in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. It covers a wide array of subjects and themes including, the golden age of the brass bands, America's most famous instrumentalists and soloists, the history of recordings and live entertainment during the early days of radio, charts of the biggest hits and popular songs from 1880 to the present, international survey/poll on the 500 best and most famous singers of our time, history and stars biographies of the ragtime, cakewalk, Doo Wop and Jazz. A strong emphasis was placed on the contributions of great American women composers throughout the ages, and particularly those prolific female songwriters who were not allowed by a male dominated industry, to use their full names in the credits and on sheet music. Instead, only their initials were used.  Equally interesting is the chapter on the  life and unusual characters of colorful personalities and tycoons of the era who shaped and influenced music, recordings and the career of singers and musicians in America from 1880 to the present; influential people like Thomas Edison, P.T. Barnum, F. Ziegfeld. Even Houdini, Paul Gauguin, Anna Held and Mata Hari are included. Amusing and astonishing stories about the secret lives of the greatest singers and stars of the era as told by the legendary Tallulah Bankhead, creator of the NBC "BIG SHOW."

HEART-FELT STORIES THAT TOUCH OUR HEARTS

There are also heart-felt stories that touch our hearts, for instance, the author writes about "HELLO CENTRAL GIVE ME HEAVEN"; a 1901 song about a little child who used the phone to call her deceased mother. A sad song written by A. P. Carter and sang by the Carter Family. The tears, the pain and betrayal expressed in the music and lyrics written by the deposed and jailed Queen of Hawaii, who wrote 500 songs, and who is considered to be one of the earliest and most prolific songwriters in this country. But also the book contains entertaining stories about stars never told before, such as how impresarios and publicists in New York created so much extravagant and untrue events and gossip to promote their stars and clients, all the gossips, rumors and scandals of the era, starting with Barnum, Ziegfeld, Thomas Edison, Bette Davis, Walter Matthau, Cole Porter,  and ending with the top notch agents in Manhattan, on Broadway and Wall Street. It is a fabulous chronicle of great men and women who created memorable ballads, musicals, singers who were once upon a time,  the toast of the town, and died in absolute poverty...their great accomplishments, lives and adventures. It also includes the biographies of  the 2,000 best contemporary and modern singers and musicians...and how much they are worth today on the market! WOW!!

ABOUT PATRICE FERRIS: Carol Lexter associate editor of the World Who's Who said" Ms. Ferris was chosen to grace the front cover, because she has all the ingredients of a super duper diva. She has warmth, class and originality." Ms. Ferris was born in Honolulu Hawaii. She began her musical career by studying piano and flute at a young age but always loved to just sing.  As vocalist for the Satin Doll Trio Patrice has appeared on the stages of the John F. Kennedy Centers’ KC Jazz Club, the Corcoran Gallery's Armand Hammer Auditorium, Washington’s prestigious Cosmos Club, and has made television appearances on the BET Jazz programs "Jazz Central", "Impressions", and on News Channel 8 WJLA Washington D.C. Patrice was recently featured on the cover of Washington Flyer magazine as the magazines pick for "Best In Show" in the Washington D.C. area. And most recently, Patrice Ferris was selected by FAMSPA as the best trio singer of 2007.