Interview: Laurie Krauz Talks SETS_V3 at Don't Tell Mama

On Wednesday, June 17 at 7 pm, Laurie Krauz and Daryl Kojak return to Don’t Tell Mama with SETS…v3. Following in the footsteps of their previous two successful DTM shows, SETS_v3 will include an entirely new list of songs the love performing in their 30-plus years of collaboration. BroadwayWorld’s Remy Block called the duo’s last NYC show “magnificent” (read the full review here).

 We spoke with Laurie about the show, and the pair’s long history of working together.

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What are you looking forward to about SETS_v3 at Don’t Tell Mama?

The SETS series is a residency we’re doing at Don’t Tell Mama where Daryl Kojak and I are bringing back music we’ve performed over our 35-year collaboration (and counting!). Each show is completely different and SETS_v3 has been a special blast for us because we’re bringing back a few tunes we haven’t performed since 1994 (and one or two originals!). We are very, very excited to share this one!

How do you and Daryl normally work together?

For all of those 35 years, Daryl and I simply play with music. We explore tunes from just about all genres (although we lean toward jazz/theatre). Daryl is a genius with arrangements. Together we feel music and in particular the stories the songs tell and we find new ways to tell these stories in the inspired arrangements he comes up with.

What keeps you coming back to jazz?

I consider myself to be a kind of jazz/theatre hybrid. I would say I’m first and foremost a storyteller. And sometimes I need to scat - to tell a story; to make a point. I love the freedom of expression and creativity that is jazz but (and) it always needs to explore the story. I love it when a new arrangement creates a story with a known tune that completely reimagines what is being said.

Aside from getting this show together, what have you been filling your time with lately?

For many years we have been working on a reimagining of Carole King’s “Tapestry.” We call it "Tapestry Rewoven" and we are currently in the process of recording (should be out early next year). We won a Bistro Award for the show when we performed it live and are very excited to share the recording-the arrangements will knock your socks off and it’s a large band: piano, bass, drums, sax/flute, guitar, three backup vocalists and me!

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I feel incredibly grateful to be able to continue to make music. I am one who feels live music is essential to the soul. It certainly fills mine.

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Learn more about Laurie at www.lauriekrauz.com  

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