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Phoebe Snow Would Have Been Amazed by Today’s Attention

Roger Friedman
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Phoebe Snow Would Have Been Amazed by Today’s Attention

I do think that Phoebe Snow, who I first met in the early 80s, would be gobsmacked by all the attention she’s received since news of her death broke earlier today. In real life, Phoebe had enormous struggles with her career. She did have a very devoted following, though. When I produced shows for her at the Cutting Room in 2002, fans drove long distances, some even flew, to hear her gorgeous voice. We were constantly amazed. Unfortunately, as with many older acts, packed clubs didn’t always translate into CD sales.

In the fall of 2001, I convinced Phoebe it was time to make a new record; it had been quite a while since her last. After spending a great afternoon with Nile Rodgers and friends like Patti Labelle and Diana Ross recording a charity version of “We Are Family,” Phoebe agreed to try again. We spent weeks going through shoe boxes she’d squirreled away in her Fort Lee apartment, looking for cassettes of songs she’d written but never recorded.

The songs were amazing, too. “I’m Your Girl,” “Sahara,” “The Other Girlfriend,” were just these gems that Phoebe had attempted and abandoned on demos. We scooped them up and brought them to my friend Bryan Lurie’s studio, and transferred them all to CD. This was all during the winter of 2002. One of the shows at the Cutting Room took place in early May. My friend, Bob Salpeter, a talented graphic designer, did the beautiful posters. Garland Jeffreys came and rooted for Phoebe from the audience. Among the musicians who played on those gigs were Mike Mancini, who’d played with Bruce Springsteen and Jon Herrington, from Steely Dan. Phoebe had always had a close relationship with both Bruce, and with Donald Fagen of Steely Dan and his wife, Libby Titus.

A huge– I mean, huge–floral display arrived, personally sent by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa. A few months earlier, in mid October 2001, Phoebe had performed at a memorable show at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey. It was for families of the firefighters who were killed in the World Trade Center disaster. The show was organized by the E Street Band’s Garry Tallent, and featured Bruce and Patti, Jon Bon Jovi, Felix Cavaliere (an old friend of Phoebe), among others. Phoebe rocked the house that night, as she always did, and left a lasting impression. In other words, she stole the show.A few weeks later, at Christmas, she joined Sam Moore on stage at B.B. King’s for “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” and blew every one away.

The Cutting Room shows would ultimately turn into albums, but not for many years. Later that summer, with the help of music lawyer Fred Davis, we secured a deal for a live album and a studio album from Bob Frank at Koch Records. But in August 2002, Phoebe got cold feet at the contract signing, and backed out. She wound up recording the albums exactly as we planned them, but not for about five years, and for a label–Eagle Vision–that had previously rejected her.

PS Somewhere in there I took Phoebe to meet Wyclef Jean at his studio on the West Side of Manhattan. They hit it off right away, and Wyclef even laid down some tracks for Phoebe to “vibe” to. I wish I still had those CDs. The project never came together, but it wasn’t for lack of trying, And Wyclef was a mensch. He “got” Phoebe from the minute he met her. A couple of other things: this was also a time when Phoebe didn’t want to be thought of as a jazz or R&B singer. She was in love with the rock group Staind. Go figure.

Track to download: Phoebe’s version of “At Last,” from the New York Rock And Soul Revue’s Live at the Beacon CD. It’s on amazon.com’s MP3 service. As good as, if not better, than Etta James. http://tinyurl.com/4xkpxoy

c2011 Showbiz411/Roger Friedman

also read http://donshewey.com/music_articles/phoebe_snow.html

John Cossette, 54, Grammy Awards Producer

Roger Friedman
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Today ends as it began, with the announcement that someone I knew has died. John Cossette, 54, was the son of legendary producer Pierre Cossette. John worked with his father for years producing the Grammys, then took the reins when Pierre was too ill to work. Pierre passed away last year, and now John, way too early, has followed him. I had dinner with John last fall, ironically, at Elaine’s with Elaine Kaufman. John was very excited that his first Broadway musical, “Million Dollar Quartet,” had done so well. He had a lot of plans for more shows, and to follow in the footsteps of Pierre, who’d received a Tony Award for “The Will Rogers Follies.” What a shame. Condolences to John’s wife and daughters. As for the Grammys, I suppose they will now fall entirely to Ken Ehrlich, who was Pierre’s protege.

Katie Couric Hooks Exit Announcement to Book Promotion

Roger Friedman
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Katie Couric Hooks Exit Announcement to Book Promotion

Katie Couric has announced she’s leaving the anchor job at the CBS Evening News. She gave the exclusive announcement to People magazine as part of a deal to promote her new book, “The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives.” She told People: “I have decided to step down from the CBS Evening News. I’m really proud of the talented team on the CBS Evening News and the award-winning work we’ve been able to do in the past five years in addition to the reporting I’ve done for 60 Minutes and CBS Sunday Morning. In making the decision to move on, I know the Evening News will be in great hands, but I am excited about the future.” In a couple of weeks Couric will announce her next move, which could be to stay at CBS and do a syndicated show, or go to ABC and do the same thing. Can you imagine Katie, Barbara Walters, and Diane Sawyer all in the same place? Duck!

Broadway Outer Critics Go For “Sister Act,” “Mormon,” “War Horse” Puppeteers

Roger Friedman
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Broadway Outer Critics Go For “Sister Act,” “Mormon,” “War Horse” Puppeteers

The Outer Critics Circle announced its nominations today for Broadway and Off Broadway. Some surprises: many of the star names now playing on Broadway from Hollywood didn’t make the cut including Robin Williams and Ben Stiller. The revivals of Tom Stoppard’s “Arcadia” and Alfred Uhry’s “Driving Miss Daisy” were totally snubbed as was the musical “The People in the Picture” which only yielded an actress nomination for Donna Murphy. But there are lots of great choices, and the Handspring Puppet Company, which is the real star of “War Horse,” got a special citation. The final awards will be announced on May 16, with a ceremony at Sardi’s following on May 26th. This website sponsored today’s announcements, which were made by Tyne Daly and Brian D’Arcy James, at the Algonquin Hotel in memory of our great pal, Elaine Kaufman.

 

OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY PLAY
Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Good People
The Motherf**ker With the Hat
War Horse

OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL
The Book of Mormon
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Sister Act
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
Blood From a Stone
Kin
Other Desert Cities
The Other Place

OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
Freckleface Strawberry
In Transit
The Kid
Tomorrow Morning

OUTSTANDING NEW SCORE
(Broadway or Off-Broadway)
The Book of Mormon
Catch Me If You Can
Sister Act
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A PLAY
(Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Born Yesterday
The Importance of Being Earnest
The Merchant of Venice
The Normal Heart

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL
(Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Anything Goes
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Hello Again
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A PLAY
Marianne Elliott & Tom Morris, War Horse
Emma Rice, Brief Encounter
Anna D. Shapiro, The Motherf**cker With the Hat
Daniel Sullivan, Good People

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL
Rob Ashford, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Kathleen Marshall, Anything Goes
Casey Nicholaw & Trey Parker, The Book of Mormon
Jerry Zaks, Sister Act

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER
Rob Ashford, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Ross Coleman, Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Kathleen Marshall, Anything Goes
Casey Nicholaw, The Book of Mormon

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN
(Play or Musical)
Desmond Heeley, The Importance of Being Earnest
Derek McLane, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Neil Murray, Brief Encounter
Todd Rosenthal, The Motherf**ker With the Hat

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
(Play or Musical)
Lez Brotherston, Sister Act
Tim Chappel & Lizzie Gardiner, Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Desmond Heeley, The Importance of Being Earnest
Lizz Wolf, Baby It’s You!

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN
(Play or Musical)
Paule Constable, War Horse
Natasha Katz, Sister Act
David Lander, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Malcolm Rippeth, Brief Encounter

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Reed Birney, The Dream of the Burning Boy
Bobby Cannavale, The Motherf**ker With the Hat
Joe Mantello, The Normal Heart
Al Pacino, The Merchant of Venice
Mark Rylance, Jerusalem

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Nina Arianda, Born Yesterday
Edie Falco, The House of Blue Leaves
Judith Light, Lombardi
Frances McDormand, Good People
Laurie Metcalf, The Other Place

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Norbert Leo Butz, Catch Me If You Can
Josh Gad, The Book of Mormon
Daniel Radcliffe, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Tony Sheldon, Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Aaron Tveit, Catch Me If You Can

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Victoria Clark, Sister Act
Sutton Foster, Anything Goes
Beth Leavel, Baby It’s You!
Patina Miller, Sister Act
Donna Murphy, The People in the Picture

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY
Brian Bedford, The Importance of Being Earnest
Evan Jonigkeit, High
Stacy Keach, Other Desert Cities
Seth Numrich, War Horse
Yul Vázquez, The Motherf**ker With the Hat

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Renée Elise Goldsberry, Good People
Linda Lavin, Other Desert Cities
Estelle Parsons, Good People
Alison Pill, The House of Blue Leaves
Elizabeth Rodriguez, The Motherf**ker With the Hat

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Colin Donnell, Anything Goes
Adam Godley, Anything Goes
Chester Gregory, Sister Act
John Larroquette, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
John McMartin, Anything Goes

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Laura Benanti, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Nikki M. James, The Book of Mormon
Patti LuPone, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Marla Mindelle, Sister Act
Laura Osnes, Anything Goes

OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE
Daniel Beaty, Through the Night
Mike Birbiglia, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend
John Leguizamo, Ghetto Klown
Michael Shannon, Mistakes Were Made

JOHN GASSNER AWARD
(Presented for an American play, preferably by a new playwright)
Amy Herzog, After the Revolution
Matthew Lopez, The Whipping Man
David West Read, The Dream of the Burning Boy
Kim Rosenstock, Tigers Be Still

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Ellen Barkin for her Outstanding Broadway Debut in The Normal Heart

Adrian Kohler with Basil Jones for Handspring Puppet Company
Puppet Design, Fabrication and Direction for
War Horse

Phoebe Snow, the Greatest Voice of Her Generation, Dies at 60

Roger Friedman
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Phoebe Snow, the Greatest Voice of Her Generation, Dies at 60

Phoebe Snow–nee Laub–  has passed away at age 60. Since January 19, 2010 she’s been in a coma after suffering a brain hemorrhage. It’s sort of unreal for people who actually knew Phoebe; she was a friend of mine and I, hers, for almost 30 years. Her life from the mid 1970s was consumed with the care of her daughter, Valerie, who’d been massively injured at birth. Instead of placing her in a home or hospital, Phoebe determined to care for Valerie at home. Doing this gave her the most love and pleasure in a world. But it also destroyed Phoebe’s career. She owed Columbia Records albums, wound up declaring bankruptcy and never recovered after the most promising start: the hit, “Poetry Man,” several terrific albums, and a voice that was rich with love and humanity. She had, I thought, and still do, the single best voice of her generation. But by the late 1980s she was singing the Bloomingdales jingle on TV. Music producer Charles Koppelman heard the commercial, and helped put out her album, ‘Something Real” in 1989. It was a huge comeback for Phoebe, but shortlived. Every time she started something new, there was a crisis with Valerie, who eventually passed away a few years ago. She had only been expected to live a few months, and because of Phoebe, she’d made it past 30 years old. When Valerie passed away, Phoebe was too. That she is now gone, at such a young age, is just the worst tragedy. Phoebe, RIP. I’ll write more later about this troubled, magnificent woman.

PS The picture on her website is retouched beyond recognition. In her last couple of years, Phoebe, as usual, worked with a lot of questionable associates who may have misrepresented her. FYI.

Orlando Bloom Happy His New Films Have No Fencing or Sword Play

Roger Friedman
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Orlando Bloom Happy His New Films Have No Fencing or Sword Play

Orlando Bloom — we do think him as a modern day swashbuckler, whether it’s from the “Lord of the Rings” series or “Pirates of the Caribbean.” He told me last night that he’s very happy his new indie films, “Sympathy for Delicious” and “The Good Doctor” feature no fencing or sword play. In “Delicious” he plays a punk rock star who performs mostly shirtless, albeit covered in tattoos. His band becomes the vehicle for a deejay who suddenly discovers he can heal people by laying on hands. Juliette Lewis is sort of the band’s Chrissie Hynde. Actor Mark Ruffalo, in his directing debut, also plays a local priest who tries to help the film’s central character, played by real life paraplegic actor Christopher Thornton. Last night, at the party following the screening, though, Bloom and wife Miranda Kerr were the object of the panting paparazzi, along with the film’s other star, Laura Linney.

Ruffalo dedicates “Delicious,” to his brother Scott, who was brutally murdered in late 2008 while Mark was shooting his film.  Now at last the film hits theatres in New York and Los Angeles this Friday after debuting at Sundance in 2010. This strangely wonderful, original indie film will need Scott Ruffalo as an angel to watch over it. Distributors didn’t want “Sympathy” when it was first available.

The shot it’s getting on Friday may not last long because it’s also going on Video on Demand. But if you love good films, “Sympathy for Delicious” is a must see. Ruffalo’s best friend, Christopher Thornton, a paraplegic actor (from a rock climbing accident), wrote this unique script for himself ten years ago. The pair have been working on it since then. The hard work paid off. Ruffalo directs this story about a paraplegic homeless guy/parttime DJ, who suddenly has the ability to heal with his hands.

Thornton is sort of mesmerizing as Delicious D aka Dean O’Dwyer in what is alternately a physical and spiritual role. Thornton and Ruffalo just about take up the whole movie, except that Bloom’s rock star is a hoot. And of course nearly stealing the film from everyone is Laura Linney as the rock band’s manager, Nina. Linney is one of those handful of actors who can be plopped down in almost any situation and succeed. It’s worth seeing “Delicious” just for her big scene with Ruffalo. And yes, they played brother and sister memorably in the hit “You Can Count on Me.” At the premiere, Ruffalo admitted to the audience and Linney, “Laura, I always wanted you yo be my sister in real life.”

In New York and LA this weekend, see “Sympathy for Delicious.” Tell your friends.

PS Also at the party at the Soho Mondrian: Griffin Dunne, Aidan Quinn, Gina Gershon, Josh Hamilton, Darren Criss from “Glee,” and the sensational Ewa da Cruz, who’s just shooting a new film. This Audrey Hepburn lookalike is a knockout and great at comedy. Hollywood, are you listening?

“House of Blue Leaves” A Triumph For Stiller, Falco

Roger Friedman
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“House of Blue Leaves” A Triumph For Stiller, Falco

So: Ben Stiller played the teenage son in John Guare’s “The House of Blue Leaves” in 1986. Twenty five years later he steps into the main role of Artie. Talk about coming full circle. Ben’s mother, Anne Meara, starred in the original 1971 production. She’s going to be happy tonight, because Ben turns out to be quite the serious stage actor.

After years of inspired silliness with movies like “Tropic Thunder” and “There’s Something About Mary,” Stiller got serious last year with a small but well done film called “Greenberg.” You could tell something had changed in his acting. Now as Artie he’s terrific–sad, confused, earnest and yearning for acceptance from his childhood friend, Billy Einhorn (Thomas Sadowski) now a Hollywood filmmaker.

But Artie is trapped in Queens with his crazy wife, Bananas, played with poignancy by Edie Falco. And he’s got a girlfriend, the seemingly hapless Bunny (Jennifer Jason Leigh). And then there’s Ronnie, Artie and Bananas’ equally crazy teenage son, who’s planning to blow up the Pope during his visit to New York.

Remember this is 1971, and the Vietnam War is raging. A lot of things were being blown up and there was a general sense of confusion and violence in the culture. All the characters in “House of Blue Leaves” are hoping for something, including a deaf Hollywood starlet (Alison Pill) who pays the Shaughnessy’s a tragic visit. And then of course there are the nuns (headed up here by Mary Beth Hurt). They’re an odd unlikable bunch, maybe the worst nuns who ever set foot on a stage. They are also hilariously wacky.

No revival will ever be as good as something we saw the first time. I can remember clearly John Mahoney and Swoozie Kurtz as Artie and Bananas from 1986. They were revelatory. And yet, Ben Stiller has given Artie a new sense of desperation, Edie Falco has toned Bananas down to a human level, and Jennifer Jason Leigh brings new laughs to Bunny’s weird world. John Guare’s play gets more interesting under David Cromer’s restrained direction. And who knew Ben Stiller could play the piano and sing?

Katie Couric’s Announcement Will Come Late Tuesday

Roger Friedman
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Katie Couric’s Announcement Will Come Late Tuesday

Katie Couric’s announcement that she’s stepping down from The CBS Evening News will come on late Tuesday. The announcement itself, I am told, will be very low key and emanate from an unexpected place. It’s a purposeful move. Couric is heading to London for the Royal Wedding, and to interview British Prime Minister David Cameron. She’s still working for CBS News and doesn’t want to be upstaged by her own news. In all likelihood, Couric will soon announce a deal — as I first reported exclusively– to stay with CBS, have a syndicated talk show, and to keep her hand in with CBS News through the elections and with “60 Minutes.” Scott Pelley will replace her on the Evening News. While Pelley is solid and conventional, he’s also not exactly a shot of adrenalin for CBS in the race against Brian Williams and Diane Sawyer. Maybe he’ll surprise everyone. As for Katie, she’s in a win win situation.

“The Office” Thumbs Its Nose at the Golden Globes

Roger Friedman
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“The Office” Thumbs Its Nose at the Golden Globes

Last Thursday night’s episode of “The Office” was really, brilliant. I just got a chance to catch up with it on Sunday night. Mindy Kaling wrote “Michael’s Last Dundies,” which was essentially a parody of the Golden Globes combined with a send up of “The King’s Speech.” This was also Will Ferrell’s second episode and a huge improvement from the first, when he was introduced as Michael Scott’s successor, DeAngelo Vickers.

I liked that Kaling accomplished a few things here: she had Kelly break up with Gabe (who I’m not fond of). She also continued the thread of Dwight (Rainn Wilson) being angry about being passed over for Michael’s job. Then, after seven years, there were the visits to many of the Dunder Mifflin staff’s homes. Egging Toby’s house was priceless. And then, for some reason, without any dialogue, Jack Coleman, who was once on “Dynasty” and doesn’t seem to age, is sitting at the Dundies. He play Angela’s boyfriend, but what is he doing there?

A few other character bits: after all this time no one knows still what Ryan (BJ Novak) does in the office. In an usual exchange, Kaling threw in a little cat-hiss between him and Pam (Jenna Fischer). Will it mean anything?

But the main thrust of “Michael’s Last Dundies” were the office in house awards, only referenced before several seasons ago. There’s an inside-baseball reference to Ricky Gervais (who created The Office) when Michael says the Dundies are “like the Golden Globes but not as mean.” Indeed, they are just like the Golden Globes with their ridiculous categories and winners. Note: “The Office” loses every year to “30 Rock.” They probably figure what the hell at this point? Then there’s the “King’s Speech” satire–Ferrell with a giant 80s cassette tape Walkman on, volume turned all the way up in the headphones, screaming out his practice lines as co-host of the Dundies. This is Ferrell beyond compare.

And then there’s the ending: the entire cast singing a rewritten version of “Seasons of Love” from “Rent” to Steve Carell aka Michael. If you didn’t know it was TV show, you’d swear they’d surprised him. Carell is genuinely moved. As with the candle scene in “Garage Sale,” this moment is gorgeous without being sentimental or schmaltzy. Kaling nails it.

Now I’ll have to watch Thursday night’s show when it airs.  Michael leaves “The Office” for Holly and Colorado. And no, it’s not The Sunshine State (as mentioned in the prior episode). That would be Florida. Colorado, DeAngelo, is the Centennial State.

Oh, also: Ed Helms can do anything.

Aretha Franklin Sensational New Album May 3rd: Track Listing

Roger Friedman
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Aretha Franklin Sensational New Album May 3rd: Track Listing

Last summer I had the great honor of Aretha Franklin playing me several tracks from a new album called “A Woman Falling Out of Love.” They were wonderful. Out in East Hampton, Aretha and her sister in law Earline made us a lunch of “Aretha’s Chili” with cornbread, and we got to hear the songs on Miss Franklin’s laptop. Now the album is ready. It drops May 3rd at Wal Mart and on walmart.com. The track listing follows. The first single, “How Long I’ve Waited,” was written by Aretha herself. So was “This You Should Know.” I am happy to say that a couple of tracks were written by Norman West, a sort of unsung hero of classic R&B. First he was with the Del Rios, and then co-founded The Soul Children at Stax Records. Also featured on this album are gospel star Karen Clark and Aretha’s famous arranger, H.B. Barnum. The CD is classic Aretha, and feels like she reached back to her early 70s sound–no artifice. This is the genuine article. Hooray!

PS Aretha says this is an album for the ladies. She writes: “OK ladies take a good look at the photo of me on this album; this is how you’re supposed to look when you’re a woman falling out of love.  Don’t sit by the phone waiting for him to call you, girlfriend; I want you to listen very closely to the lyrics of the songs on this album and you’ll hear a few good tips. Go out and have a ball!” – Love always, Ree Ree

1. How Long I’ve Waited – Written and Produced by Aretha Franklin
2. Sweet Sixteen – Written by Riley B. King and Joe Bihari, Produced by Aretha Franklin
3. This You Should Know – Written and Produced by Aretha Franklin
4. U Can’t See Me – Written and produced by Curtis Boone
5. Theme From A Summer Place – Lyrics by Mack Discant, Music by Max Steiner, Produced by Aretha Franklin.
6. The Way We Were – Written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Marvin Hamlisch, Produced and Arranged by Marty Paich
7. New Day – Written Kecalf Franklin Cunningham and Norman West, Produced by Brian Garrett and Joseph Hall
8. Put It Back Together Again – Written by Norman West
9. Faithful (featuring Karen Clark-Sheard) – Produced by Sanchez G. Harley and Co-Produced by Jacqui Whittman
10. His Eye Is On The Sparrow (Performed by Eddie Franklin) – Written by Charles H. Gabriel and Civilla H. Martin, Produced by Aretha Franklin
11. When Two Become One – Written by Curtis Boone
Bonus Track:
12. My Country ‘Tis of Thee – Lyrics by Samuel Francis Smith, Music from Thesaurus Musicus, 1744, Arrangement by Aretha Franklin and H.B. Barnum

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