Sing Books with Emily, the Blog

I am beside myself with excitement to begin working on the songs for “Sing Books with Emily, the Cabaret.”

My wonderful director Judy Simmons and I have created a song list (always subject to change, however…the nature of the beast!) and song order for the show.  This can be a painful process, having to leave out so much beloved material.  We started from a stack of about 200 Singable Picture Book candidates and have arrived at a list of about 20.

Sing Books with Emily gatherings, open mics, and song performance/cabaret classes and private coaching sessions provide wonderful opportunities to work the songs on their feet.

MORRISON HOUSE, ALEXANDRIA VA, 9/14/2010
My friends Michael Miyazaki and Ron Rqueri invited me to the delightful Tuesday Night open mic held at the Morrison House in Alexandria, VA.  The evening is hosted by Bob Smith who also gorgeously plays the piano in a fabulously skilled jazz/improvisational style.  At his side is Bob Vetter who fills in the improvised arrangements by amazingly playing guitar, trumpet and melodica (WOW!!) and it is such a treat to sing when the sound is so skillfully set by Mr. Smith’s son Ed Smith.  The room is elegant and the clientele is sophisticated.  It was a wonderful night and I’m grateful to Michael and Ron for such a TREAT.  I can’t wait to go again!  It was especially fun to share a duet of “Thanks for the Memory” with Michael and a few Singable Picture Books:

New York State of Mind
Words and Music by Bill Joel
Illustrated by IZAK

Inch by Inch (The Garden Song)
Words and Music by David Mallett
Illustrated by Ora Eitan

Summertime (from Porgy and Bess)
Words by DuBose Heyward
Music by George Gershwin
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer

Bob Smith has a fabulous website: http://www.bobsmithmusic.com/

Bob Smith and his son Ed Smith create a wonderful online radio show called InTune.  You can hear their banter, recap of singers they host at the Morrison House and Serbian Crown restaurants and album reviews.  It’s terrific.  A recap of the outing to the Morrison House 9/14/2010 can be heard, here: http://bobsmithmusic.com/intune.html.  Just scroll down to find 9/14/2010.

THEATRE LAB, WASHINGTON, DC, 9/15/2010, Song Performance Class taught by Judy Simmons
I take classes whenever I get the chance.  Judy Simmons is a fabulous cabaret artist, teacher and coach.  Last night began a 6 week “Song Performance” class.  It’s fun to work with Judy because she works with each person on their own level, so everyone gets the coaching they need.  I’m thrilled to be in the class and get the opportunity for extra coaching time with my show’s director (and dear friend).

Last night, I stood up with Inch by Inch (The Garden Song) and New York State of Mind (above) and pulled out Late for School
 for its first outing up in front of actual people!

Late for School
Words and Music by Steve Martin
Illustrated by C.F. Payne