Posted on February 12, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Or at least Stephen Holden does.
Julien Jourdes, the photographer from the New York Times, also took this photograph and posted it on his blog. (I know I should have made it smaller for this page, but it’s too beautiful to shrink down.)
It was a very emotional and draining concert. Benanti sang gorgeously, and Rozz was unbelievable at bringing “Stars and the Moon” and “Mr. Hopalong Heartbreak” to life in a very new way. We all sang “Hear My Song” at the end, which I dedicated to all of us onstage who had lost a loved one in the past year, a dedication which included myself, Rozz, Randy, and a number of people in the audience and the choir.
It was also a blast to sing with the Juilliard Choral Union – I brought them into the Wall-To-Wall Sondheim thing two years ago and had a wonderful time working with Judy Clurman, the conductor, so we decided to try bringing them on board for this concert at the Allen Room. It was truly gratifying to see all these classically trained musicians having the time of their lives gettin’ funky with the Caucasian Rhythm Kings. Also, as I mentioned at the show, there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing that twenty years after Juilliard rejected my application, their choir is singing backup for me.
I’ll be back in New York in April for Birdland (April 4-8), and then we start putting together the Strathmore “Songs for a New World” concert. I was just at Strathmore yesterday, and oh my God, that venue. It’s an amazing hall. We’re going to make sure we fill it with some awesome noise.
11 comments
What a picture!!! — I listened to “Someone Else’s Clothes” on the L.I. Expressway today, and forgot all about being on the L.I. Expressway. Thanks for that.
Your new fan (where was I all this time?), Jamie.
That picture is BEAUTIFUL, and the venue is fantastic. I was at the concert on Friday night, and I had an absolute blast, it was SO much fun. Thank you so much for coming to New York and doing this concert!
Hey Jason,
I was at the concert on Friday and it was an absolutely AMAZING experience, one of the best in my life in all honesty. I’m left without words when people ask me for a review. Thank you so much for a night of fabulous music. I will definitely be at at least one of the Birdland concerts and I’m really excited. That picture is absolutely stunning. Everything about Friday was just…indescribable. I wish I could relive it over and over. It was such a thrill to watch you perform along with Laura and Rozz and the choir, who were all fantastic. Thank you once again.
-Julia
Thank you so much for a beautiful concert Friday. I had never been to a concert of yours but I love your work so it was so fantastic to see you, Laura, Rozz and the choir live. It was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. I will never forget it.
I can’t believe Julliard was so stupid. Well, I can. Goodness knows how many brilliant people are not recognized until it’s way past time for that.
I’m glad the concert went so well. I’ve already sent some friends in DC scurrying for tickets before that sells out. I know they’ll enjoy it.
But I must ask again: When will you do a big concert like this in LA? Wouldn’t the USC choir do backup for you? (Not that they’re as good as Julliard’s, but hey, neither are the ears of most people in Los Angeles!)
Ahh! I was there front row and center and it was THE concert of my life! I had the most amazing time listening to some of my favorite songs in the world in that incredible room with a view. Thanks for being awesome.
FYI – another review, from Theater Addict:
The author says he (she?) will post more later re: this concert.
If anyone should feel like a popular kid, it’s JRB. Does he not know how many people out there, the really cool crowd, love his music, lyrics, emotional awareness, and his rockin’ playin’ and singin’?
You’re the new leader of the cool crowd, Jason. Enjoy it!
I had the privilege of attending last week’s concert and it was a truly wonderful experience. The soloists were phenomenal and it was such great fun to hear some new material. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard at a concert. It’s inspiring to see a composer making such great art and I hope to attend another concert soon!
Got my reservation in to see JRB on March 11. Caaaaaaan’t wait! Finally, I get to hear the Maestro in person!
As a writer (not a songwriter – the other kind) I can’t wait to hear more re the process, choices, etc. Should be utterly fascinating. Anyone else here going?
My cup runneth over; for JRB’s music has always overwhelmed me with its beauty and power; the wit and wisdom on JRB’s blog has always enchanted me, and now here’s this impossibly gorgeous visual of it all coming together. The “Hear My Song” dedication has special resonance for me since I only recently learned you lost your father last year; my own father is a photographer, from whom learned some things about espying beauty.
Thank you for everything you share with us.
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