Historians have long viewed George M. Cohan as one of the most important figures in the evolution of the American musical theater. Yet his successes as a performer and impresario have greatly overshadowed his equally impressive influence as a composer of some of this country's most popular music; to date, little research has been presented regarding Cohan's work as a composer and lyricist. His songs such as "Over There," "You're A Grand Old Rag," and "Give My Regards to Broadway" are still so widely known that there is a general assumption that Cohan's artistic output and cultural significance has been thoroughly documented. But it has not. While his Broadway contemporaries stuck with the formulas of European operetta, Cohan blazed the path for modern American musical comedy using syncopation to advance his stories. His raggy tunes and slangy lyrics injected a new sense of vitality, brashness, and informality to the American stage, creating a stylistic model adopted (and amplified) by later "Golden Age" figures such as Kern and Gershwin. This recording presents a fresh and compelling look at the music of Cohan using original period orchestrations (most of which have never before been recorded), played with authentic style on vintage instruments. Its intent is to sweep away the commonly held (and largely incorrect) "perceptions" of Cohan's work by presenting it exactly as his contemporaries first heard in the early 1900s. The program comprises a mixture of songs: "That Haunting Melody," "The Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Give My Regards to Broadway," "Eyes of Youth," "Harrigan," and "Over There,"; and selected instrumentals: "Geo. M. Cohan's Rag," "You're a Grand Old Rag," "There's Only One Little Girl for Me," "Popularity"; and the overtures to The Talk of New York, The Man Who Owns Broadway, and Little Nellie Kelly. Included is a forty page booklet with history, analysis, photos, and newly surfaced first-hand accounts by Cohan's orchestrator and conductor, Mayhew Lake.
Label: New World Records
Video: Ann Hampton Callaway Duets with Liz Callaway on New Album, Finding Beauty
by Nicole Rosky
- October 02, 2023
Just last week, cabaret favorite Ann Hampton Callaway released her very first album of all original songs. Finding Beauty: Originals, Volume 1 includes collaborations with Melissa Manchester, Alan Bergman, and Amanda McBroom, and duets with Melissa, Tierney Sutton, Kurt Elling, and of course, her sister Liz Callaway. Listen as the two duet on 'Wherever You Are'.
Olivia Newton-John's 'Totally Hot' Celebrates 45th Anniversary With a Return to Vinyl and CD
by Michael Major
- September 22, 2023
MCA/UMe is set to release both vinyl and CD editions of Dame Olivia Newton-John’s smash-hit, tenth studio album, 1978’s Totally Hot, a record that further reinforced her status as a surefire international superstar. In celebration of Newton-John’s first-ever platinum-certified album’s 45th anniversary, Totally Hot returns to vinyl.
Kevin Davis' ONE IN A MILLION MUSICAL To Be Published By Next Stage Press
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- September 20, 2023
Discover the journey of Kevin Davis' One in a Million Musical as it finds a publisher in Next Stage Press. With its lively and faith-full storyline, this musical has gained acclaim through workshops, showcases, and even a film documentary. Get the inside scoop and learn how this exciting new musical is making waves in the industry.
Guillermo Marigliano Releases New Book TANGO GUITAR METHOD
by Blair Ingenthron
- September 17, 2023
Guillermo Marigliano, the renowned Argentine musician, educator, and composer, has announced the release of his latest masterpiece, the Tango Guitar Method. Published independently and available now, this book is set to revolutionize the way individuals learn to play the enchanting rhythms of Argentinian Tango music.
New Translation of SOPHOCLES - THREE PLAYS Released
by Blair Ingenthron
- September 17, 2023
Discover 'Sophocles - Three Plays', a collection of two tragic and one comedic play by Sophocles, translated and directed by Gary Beck. Immerse yourself in the world of classic theater with Antigone, Electra, and the hilarious 'Searching Satyrs'.
Gail Merrifield Papp Will Discuss Her New Book with George C. Wolfe at Joe's Pub
by Nicole Rosky
- September 12, 2023
More than half a century after the Public Theater opened its doors with Hair, Gail Merrifield Papp will speak for the first time about her vivid and fascinating behind-the scenes memoir, Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at The Public Theater. The event will be held on Monday, September 18 at 6pm at Joe’s Pub – the Public Theater venue named for Joseph Papp.
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