FEDERATION OF AMERICAN MUSICIANS, SINGERS AND PERFORMING ARTISTS, INCORPORATED (FAMSPA), USA

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WORLD WHO'S WHO IN JAZZ, CABARET, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT: A Tour de Force on an International Scale!

Photo: Maureen McGovern, diva of all divas was written-up in depth in the World Who's Who and listed in 4 different categories, ranging from the best of the best to the "legendary divas of American entertainment and theater."

Maximillien de Lafayette, author extraordinaire did it again! He just finished the last chapter of a formidable book. Should I say an encyclopedia?! A massive 4 volume set exceeding 4,000 pages and incorporating 400 chapters and 30,000 entries is en route. And this impressive work is the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment", 1st edition. Available to the public and world music lovers by early February 2007. Needless to say, this overwhelming accomplishment is the most comprehensive and authoritative book ever written about music and the giants who sing and make music. But there is an other fascinating dimension to this book: A sort of un-chartered musical territory encompassing the biographical history of artists, tips on how and where to book a show, how to deal with venues' owners and the tour de force chapter on the best of the best in the business. It is a  documented work and a well crafted chronological analysis of contemporary performing arts. However, there is a juicy and controversial chapter in the Who's Who that might infuriate some entertainers. Especially those who were not listed in that chapter, an "audaciously labeled chapter" by the author as Roster of the Legitimate Cabaret-Jazz Singers in America. But de Lafayette fears no beast and no man as a critic once wrote in the International Herald Daily News. The chapter on the best of the best is equally engaging, entertaining and a coup de grace piece of work. Below, is an excerpt:

Photo: Blossom Dearie described as an immortal legend.

JAZZ ARTISTS’ PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY: Best Jazz artists’ promoter: Mr. Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services (USA). MUSIC: The giants:1-Dr. Anthony Brown (USA). 2-Sir Richard Rodney Bennett (UK). 3-Sir George Martin (UK).4-Quincy Jones (USA).5-Andrew Lloyd Weber (UK). JAZZ: Best International Jazz Singer: Ms. Claire Martin (UK). Best International Smooth Jazz Singer: Ms. Carol Welsman (Canada). Best American Female Jazz Singer: Ms. Donna Byrne (USA). Life Achievement Award and Best Radio Jazz Program Creator/Host/Producer: Marian McPartland (USA). Best Publisher of a Jazz Publication: Michael Ricci. Best Jazz Publication: AllAboutJazz.com. World Best Music and Music Resources Publication: Billboard. Best monthly free jazz guide in New York: HotHouseJazz.com. Distinguished Jazz Guide Publisher: Gwen Calvier. Best Editor of a Monthly Jazz Guide: Paul Blair. Pioneering Jazz Writer and Visionary Founder: Gene Kalbacher. AMERICAN CLASSICS AND AMERICAN STANDARDS: Best Male Singers: 1-Tony Bennett. 2-Mark Murphy. Best Female Singers:1-Marlene VerPlanck. 2-Barbara Cook. 3-Maureen McGovern.  4-Blossom Dearie. CABARET: Best International Cabaret Singers: 1-Ute Lemper (Germany). 2-Barb Jungr (UK). Best International Cabaret Concert-Recital: Raquel Bitton (USA). Best American Cabaret Singer: Andrea Marcovicci. Best American Cabaret Singers-Songwriters-Entertainers: 1-Amanda McBroom. 2-Ann Hampton Callaway. Best Cabaret Publications: Cabaret Scenes (USA). Cabaret Hotline Online (USA). Best Publishers of a Cabaret Publication: 1-Stu Hamstra (USA). 2-Keith Meritz (USA). Best Editors-in-Chief of a Cabaret Publication: 1-Frank Dain (USA). 2-Stu Hamstra (USA). Best Cabaret Writer: Elizabeth Ahlfors (USA).

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Photo: The fabulous and classy  Jill Corey graced the cover of Volume III of the World Who's Who. De Lafayette said: "Ms. Corey is the essence of vocal virtuosity,  the aroma of sophistication and the signature of entertainment perfection."

SHOWS, MUSIC, CDs: THE BEST OF THE BEST: Best one-woman-show: The Toni Morrell Show: Salute To The Legendary Ladies,  by Toni Morrell, Las Vegas. Best jazz pianist: Sarah Jane Cion. Winner of the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition. Best new American standards CD/Album: My Impetuous Heart by Marlene VerPlanck. Vocal: Marlene VerPlanck, piano: Hank Jones, bass: Gary Mazzaroppi, drums: Joe Cocuzzo, guitar: Bucky Pizzarelli. Special guest appearances: Marian McPartland, George Shearing. Composition-arrangements: Billy VerPlanck.  Best world music CD/Album: Unexpected by Erika Luckett. (Also chosen “Album of the Year” by Just Plain Folks, and Best “International Music CD of the Year” by the World Arts Celebrities Journal.) Best contemporary jazz CD/Album: Fair Warning by Rebecca Spencer. Vocal: Rebecca Spencer, piano: Philip Fortenberry, cello: Moonlight Tran, cello orchestrations: Keith Thompson. Best smooth jazz CD/Album: All The Lonely People by Donna Byrne. Vocal: Donna Byrne, piano: Tim Ray, bass: Marshall Wood, tenor sax:  Harry Allen, guitars: Jon Wheatley, Jack Pearson, drums: Jim Gwin. Best original compositions (Words and music) CD/Album: That…Which Is Real by Maria Gentile. Artists: Various artists for each track. So many to list. One of the tracks of the album, "I'd Rather Never Know" was nominated for 2005 MAC Song of the Year, and another, "Kindness Makes Me Cry", was named 2004 MAC song of the year! Another composition, "If I Was a Boy" (co-written with Caren Cole), was nominated for 2003 MAC song of the year.

Photo: Ms. Marlene Verplanck is on the cover of Volume II of the World Who's Who. In the book, Ms. Verplanck is described as the best singer and interpreter of American Standards. De Lafayette told CabaretVille: "Marlene is a national treasure...she is la crème de la crème."

WORLD WHO’S WHO AWARDS: Best international jazz-swing CD/Album: What'cha Got Cookin by Carol Welsman, winner of the 2006 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Keyboardist-Pianist of the Year, Nominated for Best Original Composition “You take me away”, and for Best Female Vocalist, 2005 Smooth Jazz Awards (Canada), Four Juno Award nominations (Canadian Grammys) for her five CDs. Best cabaret organizations in the United States:1-Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs (MAC).2-Boston Association of Cabaret Artists.3-International Cabaret Association (Cabaret Hotline Online)4-Chicago Cabaret Professionals.5-Cabaret West.6-Mabel Mercer Foundation.7-Cabaret Artists Association.8-DC Cabaret Network. Pioneers of cabaret in the United States:1-Donald Smith. 2-James Keating. 3-Kevin Luey. 4-Suzanne Petri. 5-Amanda McBroom. 6-Andrea Marcovicci. 7-Stu Hamstra. 8-Daryl Nitz. 9-Cameron Silver. 10-Tom Grounds. 11-Linda K. Leonard. 12-Ricky Pope. 13-Judy Simmons. 14-George Fulginiti-Shakar. 15-Sally Martin. 16-Wendy Lane Bailey. 17-Erv Raible. The ultimate divas of cabaret, jazz and American standards.1-Maureen McGovern. 2-Barbara Cook. 3-Donna Byrne. 4-Toni Morrell. 5-Rebecca Spencer. 6-Amanda McBroom. 7-Marlene Verplanck. 8-Carol Welsman. 9-Wesla Whitfield. 10-Eartha Kitt. Best writer/editor of a global music guide: Dave Nathan.

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Photo: Irene Soderberg got a glowing review from Maximillien de Lafayette. He wrote: "Irene Soderberg is larger than life on and off stage. A bursting super talent with a mesmerizing stage presence, artistic originality, and vibrant love for life, all are part of her craft and the fabric of her soul. This artist is something else! A unique blend of a world-class artistry and bubbly femme fatale aura. Irene Soderberg is pure magic. Don’t ever miss her show."

Are you a performer? Do you know how and where to book your show? How to protect your interests, get the best deal and promote your show? Think again. You better read what Maximillien de Lafayette wrote about strategies, techniques you must use and demands you must insist on getting before choosing a venue and booking a live performance. Here is an excerpt taken from the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment:

Ms. Karmyn Tyler, Jazz new sensation. De Lafayette wrote: "One of the most delightful, talented and sparkling new rising stars. Ms. Tyler is phenomenal...Ms. Tyler is one of the most delightful finds of 2006. This woman can sing like a dream. A sweet, luxurious voice blended with elegance, truthful emotions and vocal beauty..."

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Maximillien de Lafayette wrote:

Photo: Suzanne Petri,  president and a founding member of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals  is highly admired by the author. De Lafayette wrote: " Ms. Petri  is a fundamental pillar of America’s cabaret...Ms. Petri is a major and influential presence in the world of cabaret..."

"Where and how to book your show:

A music venue is a place or an establishment  that specializes in hosting live music events and offering live entertainment. There are many different types, categories, sizes and styles of music venues, ranging  from small joints, bars, ethnic restaurants, 5 star restaurants, bistros,  indie rock clubs to legendary concert halls. Thus, it is extremely important to know some basic facts about those venues. It is highly recommended to do a little research before hand when booking your show. Very important advice and tips to consider when booking your show at venues:

1-AMBIANCE, REPUTATION, CLIENTELE: The clientele of an establishment dictates and shapes up its whole ambiance, status, and reputation. Learn who frequents this or that venue. Ask questions and inquire about who goes to that establishment. Students, professionals, diplomats, high class, low class, ethnic groups, blue color class, sport fans, educated people, gigolos? Choose venues that enjoy a good reputation.  2-EXPOSURE AND VENUES’ SUCCESS: Successful venues increase your visibility and offer you a wider exposure. Talk to colleagues, associates, peers, and other artists, singers, performers and ask them  which venues have been successful for them. 3-GOOD SOUND SYSTEM: You got to sound good. That means that the venue must  have a good sound system. A poor sound system quality will kill your performance. It is a suicide. 4-PATRONS’ AND GUESTS’ LISTS: It is extremely helpful to learn whether the venues have a list of their repeated customers, patrons and guests. Ask the manager if you can use those lists. This could increase the size and volume of attendance, and of course…the revenues. 5-CONTRACTS AND PAYMENT: Understand all the terms of the agreement and/or contract you sign with venues. Do not rush to accept their terms. Negotiate. Take your time. Consult with a professional, so you can avoid paying a lawyer’s fee. Put everything in writing. 6-THE COVER CHARGE: The cover charge could be a killer. Meaning, small or low cover charge does not bring enough money. High or expensive cover charge will bring fewer people. You have to assess the situation. Ask about your cut and your share. 7-CAPACITY: How many seats, small bar, large bar, spacious areas, setting, stage size, allowed crowd capacity by the fire department? Those are very important questions you must ask and get direct and honest answers from the venue’s manager. 8-THE COMPS: Very important issue. Your guests list is a trampoline and sometime a necessity. Consider inviting critics, syndicated journalists, reviewers, and other high profile people in the industry, especially if your performance is a debut or a premiere. Discuss the comps issue with the venue’s manager. How many people are you allowed to comp? Drinks? Food? 9-SPECIAL SEATING AREAS FOR HONORED GUESTS AND V.I.P.:  Your VIP guests are important. Especially industry’s executives, records’ producers, studios’ directors and the CRITICS! Inquire whether the venue can arrange a special seating area for these important people. 10-ONLINE RESERVATION AND ANNOUNCING YOUR PERFORMANCE: Ask the venue’s manager whether the venue has an online reservation. This could boost attendance and revenues. Demand that your performance will be listed and posted on the website of the venue. 11-SELLING YOUR CD ON THE PREMISES: Make sure you have the right to sell your CDs at the venues during your performance. Get the consent of the venue’s manager in writing.  And insist! This is an opportunity to sell your CD to customers, old and new fans and those who might enjoy your show. Some hustling and greedy managers try to get a piece of the cake. Meaning, they will ask you to pay them a commission, a share of the sale. REFUSE ! This is your CD, your baby. Your very personal property. Your hard work. Your talent. Probably you had to make lots of sacrifices for that CD…and pay a bundle. Don’t give the manager a penny. Eventually, he/she will cave in and agree. 12-YOUR POSTER: Very important. Make sure that you have the right to have your poster posted and or exhibited at the entrance of the venue, if such facility exists. Attract the public, and people passing by the venue. This is free publicity and a wide exposure opportunity. Grab it and use it if you can. Ever penny you have invested in your show must pay off! "

The World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment is a monumental work. This is a gold mine. One of the best books on entertainment in a decade.