KARRIN ALLYSON

CELEBRITIES OF THE YEAR: FROM THE MOST BORING TO THE MOST TALENTED

Alison is a divine sparkle on stage. She is a Femme Fatale with a heart. Quite a rarity! Her biography tells us that, SOPRANO ALISON ENGLAND has been in great demand since her 1991 operatic debut as Celia Wade in Carlisle Floyd’s The Passion of Jonathan Wade for the Miami Grand Opera. Hailed by critics as a powerful singer with a “chilling, velvety operatic voice” that fills up the theaters, England has performed with various companies across the country, including symphonies in Seattle, St. Louis, Honolulu and Miami; the Los Angeles Philharmonic and major concert halls such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. England has dazzled in leading roles in various operas and musicals such as The King and I, The Sound of Music, Carmen, Le nozze di Figaro and many others, including appearances in TV’s “Dharma and Greg.”While one newspaper critic has pegged her as “one of the hardest-working women in music,” it is perhaps one of the few categories in which England can be placed. Blending comedy, musical theater and opera is England’s signature—one she enjoys tremendously because it allows her to display her many dimensions. “ It’s like putting Maria Callas, Judy Garland and Carol Burnett all in one body—what do people do with that?” she said during a recent interview. England herself had no trouble finding a niche, however. For about 10 years she has been putting on solo shows, benefits and fund-raisers featuring her quirky twist on classics, and recently she performed her biggest show to date: a 70-city concert tour called “Opera, Broadway and Beyond.” From her Hollywood studio, England shared her tour experience. Alison England, according to Opera News, "has it all... the looks, the voice, the temperament." Her 1991 Greater Miami Opera debut as Celia Wade in Carlisle Floyd's The Passion of Jonathan Wade was hailed by critics and by Floyd. She was immediately engaged to repeat the role of Celia with the Seattle Opera and to appear in the title role of Floyd's Susannah at Kansas City Lyric Opera -- both directed by the composer. "A star in interpretation and musical skill" (Anaheim Bulletin). FEMME MAGAZINE called England "The Divine Diva...One of the world's best opera singers." Her credits include: Film & T.V.: "E" Television--Violetta, La Traviata, "E" TV. Dharma & Greg--Cio-Cio-san, Madame Butterfly, ABC Television. Dharma & Greg-- Marguerite, Faust, ABC Television. National TV Commercial (Viking)--Breünnehilde, Die Walkure, Skytel pagers.  Operetta & Musical Theater: Mabel, Pirates of Penzance with Donald Adams),   Dorothy Chandler Pavillion.    Eliza, The Zoo (with Angela Landsbury),  Ambasador Auditorium.  Casilda, The Gonoliers (with Donsld Adams), L.A. Master Chorale. Anna, The King & I,  Haugh Performing Arts Center.  Aldonza, Man of La Mancha,  Haugh Performing Arts Center.  Mrs. Claus, Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall .  Leading Roles Opera: Musetta,  La Boheme, Hawaii Opera Theatre. Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni, Connecticut Opera. Celia Wade, The Passion of Jonathan Wade,  Seattle Opera and Florida Grand Opera. Alice Ford, Falstaff, Juliard Opera Center. Tebaldo, Nozze Di Figaro, Los Angeles Opera Theater, etc.
 

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CLAIRE MARTIN: She reigns as the queen of romantic Jazz!

Biography Synopsis: She was born in Wimbledon, England, in 1967 and grew up amid the steamy rock n roll  fever of that era. She attended the  Doris Holford Stage School. Claire Martin was only six year old when she entered a theatrical school. By her early teens, Claire had been nominated and named twice as the Best Solo Vocalist by the British Arts Awards. And like all the other superstars, Claire Martin had to prove herself, suffer, question her future, meet life's ups and downs, work odd jobs, support herself as a secretary and as a singing waitress. But, one day, this hard working young girl and trooper will become United Kingdom's Queen of Jazz, the Best Jazz Singer of 1995 and the New Jazz Artist of 1994. In  1995, Claire performed for the first time in Washington, DC and received glowing reviews in The Washington Post. In October 1996, she made her debut in New York City. She took the audience, the Americans, New York and all its damned neon, lights and bridges by storm. And the rest is history. This woman is fascinating. She is blessed with an unsurpassed talent, a magnificent soaring and roaring voice, a mesmerizing beauty, a pure English humour and  warm personality. And on the top, she is humble. And this humility is frightening, for it is real and touching. Claire Martin reached instant success and became known as the "New Voice of the Decade" when she recorded her debut album "The Waiting Game", which was selected by the "Times" as one of the best albums of the year. In the same year, Claire Martin opened for Tony Bennet at the Glasgow Jazz Festival. And before the glory knocked at her door, Claire Martin worked for ten years as singer at QE2 and the Cunard Princess. She returned home and at 21, she created her first quarter featuring the legendary guitarist Jim Mullen and pianist virtuoso John Gee. How did she manage to make those two fabulous maestri join her band remains a mystery. In 1991, Claire Martin appeared at "Pizza On The Park" and mesmerized everybody.  Phill Hobbs, producer of "Linn Records" was there, in the audience. It did not take him  long before he offered Claire a record deal. Boom! Claire is  on! The Album is a huge success. A sparkling start to pave the way to three more highly successful albums. Everybody in her entourage and all those who heard Claire Martin knew de facto, this young and beautifully striking artist was on her way to world stardom.

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CELEBRITIES OF THE YEAR: FROM THE MOST BORING TO THE MOST TALENTED

SHERYL BAILEY                                                                                                                                                   

 Once Sheryl Bailey told the media "Man. Woman. Black. White. Jazz. Rock. These words only define forms, not experience. Playing jazz is an incredible human event. Art is about communicating the divine through human activity. We all possess the divine and the ability to express it and share it. "And this caught my attention and allowed me to better understand the noble spirit of this American genius and delightful human being! I am glad, Sheryl Bailey was courteous enough to send me a copy of her most recent releases "BULL'S EYE", for I enjoyed it tremendously.  This superb jazz guitarist does not need additional praises and accolades. She has already made her mark on the the world of jazz as a teacher, a composer and guitarist. To many critics, musicologists, students and fans, including myself, Sheryl Bailey is acknowledged as one of America's greatest guitarists. Perhaps, the world's best female jazz guitar player.

BIOGRAPHY SYNOPSIS: Music plays a major role in her life. At a very early age, she began to study piano. Around 13, Sheryl was already a performing musician at her high school where she joined the school's band and played the trumpet. But her first love was the guitar. She wanted to become a rock star, for she loved hard rock guitar and bands like Humble Pie and Deep Purple. A kid in Sheryl's neighborhood showed me how to play  a few barre chords and the guitar never left her hands, since... Her mother was a professional musician. She played here and there to pay the bills. No, she was not a hard-rock guitarist, but a classically trained pianist. The little Sheryl did not like much going to school. She loved to skip school and stay at home and learn rock solos from records. Her favorites were Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Yep! Heavy stuff. And she kept listening to their records day and night, and night and day. This little girl just adored the guitar. And her life  changed for ever, when John Maione, a music teacher opened her eyes on the records of Wes and Jimmy Raney. On the hands of her new teacher, the young Sheryl Bailey began to work on pieces by George Van Eps, Joe Pass, Charlie Christian and Carl Kress. Those giants were her first and major influence in her musical life and key to understanding the guitar. One day, the little Sheryl Bailey will  reach her childhood dream and create a small music band, a sort of trio. And her dreams came true. She created a formidable trio, and this is how she did it "I met drummer Ian Froman through the great tenor saxophonist, George Garzone. We did a series of trio gigs (no bass) at The Cornelia Street Cafe in NYC. Ian is amazing. He is really a master modern drummer. He has the deepest understanding of the style of Elvin Jones that I’ve ever heard, and the most unbelievable linear concept. I knew then that I wanted to do a project with him, but was missing the third person. Months later, I kept hearing about this great Hammond player, Gary Versace. I’ve worked a lot in the organ trio format and have always wanted to explore it from a freer 60’s perspective ala the Grant Green/Larry Young/Elvin Jones band. I’m particularly fond of the writing and improvising styles from the late 50’s to mid-70’s. Gary really knows the tradition of the Hammond B-3, but also is very fluent in modern harmony and time feels. After playing with him I knew I had the missing piece of the puzzle. I was supposed to leave on a 6-week tour on September 12, 2001. Well, that didn’t happen, so to fill the space and to try to find some sanity and healing from music, I called Gary and Ian for a session. It was pure magic and great fun. Everything has since fallen into place—tunes, gigs, recording and a special friendship.

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CELEBRITIES OF THE YEAR: FROM THE MOST BORING TO THE MOST TALENTED

JOANNA JORDAN: FIRST LADY OF THE ELECTRIC HARP. A GEM!

BIOGRAPHY SYNOPSIS: North America’s first classical/jazz/rock/comedian electric harpist, Joanna Jordan has been delighting and amazing audiences throughout the world. In concert, this award winning musician and accomplished comedian provides the best of both worlds, demonstrating that it is possible to perform difficult pieces without taking oneself too seriously, and still remain true to the highest standards of musical integrity. Trained in three disciplines, Joanna has a classical music degree from  the University of Toronto, study with Judy Loman, a jazz degree form Humber College,  study with Don Thompson, Reg Schwagger and Ted Quinlan and extensive training at Second City with Allan Guttman, Bruce Hunter and Rob Nickerson. In June, 1998 Joanna received the prestigious “Concert Artist Award” from the American Harp Society . Representing the 3,000 member organization as their Concert Artist for two years, Joanna did debut recitals in: Los Angeles, San Diego, Kansas City, Buffalo, Seattle, Minneapolis, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix and Houston. In both 1991 and 1997, Joanna Jordan was a prize winner at the International Jazz and Pop Harp Festival.  In 1996, Joanna Jordan received the “Gordon Delamont Award” for the excellence of her compositions.  On May 17, 2000, Joanna received the “Musician of the Year” Award from Mississauga Arts Council.  Joanna made her New York debut on June 8, 2000 at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Joanna Jordan has released four recordings. Two are with the  CLAZZ Trio of harp, bass and drums, entitled "Clazzic" and "A Little Bit of All". There is also  a  "CLAZZ Flute and Harp Duo" recordking  and a solo relaxation CD entitled, “The Romantic Harp”. Joanna Jordan's concert credits include various tours throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and appearances at the American Harp Society Conference, 1993, the Guelph Spring Festival, the Art Gallery of  Ontario, the Charlottetown Festival and the Chicago Blues  Festival. She has performed with the likes of Tony Bennett, Melissa Manchester, Harry Belafonte and has been chosen to play National Anthems at a number of Blue Jays baseball games. Having done more than 2,000 appearances, Joanna has toured and performed for many people, including performances for Her Majesty, The Queen Mother; Her Royal Highness, The Princess Margaret; Tina Turner; The Three Tenors;  Vatican Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Casaroli; The Raja of Punjab; Franklin Roosevelt Jr.; Pierre Elliot Trudeau; Ella  Fitzgerald; Oscar Peterson and Chuck Berry. Joanna has also appeared as "Harp Vader" in many children's concerts, representing the  Toronto Symphony Education Program. She has written and performed music for film and videos, done more than 2,000 private performance for Royalty, major corporations,  entertainment executives and cultural organizations and has made appearances on all of   Canada's National Television Networks. In 1993, Jordan imported the first electric harp into Canada . She is also the first harpist in the world to have recorded on the Lyon & Healy Electric Harp.  This harp captures the beautiful sound of an acoustic harp, improving upon its bass, making it sound rich, clear and distinct and the soprano section mellow.  Jordan has selected it as her harp of preference.

JOANNA JORDAN, THE PHENOMENON: Jordan is a world-class maestra of the harp. Absolutely superb. The elegance of her music, the virtuosity, the tempo, the intelligent variances and nuances, and above all, the multidimensional mastery of the musical cadence define the magnificent and unsurpassed talent of Joanna Jordan. True, it is an electric harp, but, the warmth of her musical interpretation, the rich choice of her repertoire, and the nostalgically delightful and sweet ambiance she creates, crown Jordan as the first lady of the contempo harp. This fine musician is a true gem; La crème de la crème.

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FANCY LIVING MAGAZINE. NOV. 2005. P.254

CELEBRITIES OF THE YEAR: FROM THE MOST BORING TO THE MOST TALENTED

MOST TALENTED AND LUCKIEST CELEBRITIES

PAULETTE ATTIE: A LIVING LEGEND

Photo: Paulette Attie with singer extraordinaire, Sue Matsuki.

BIOGRAPHY SYNOPSIS:  Paulette Attie made her singing debut in a talent show at age 3 (and refused to get off the stage). Since then, she has performed in over 1,000 concerts from Carnegie Hall, the Bruno Walter Auditorium, Lincoln Center Outdoors, and the Hollywood Bowl, venues in Japan, Mexico, and Canada, to over thirty cabarets.  Paulette graduated Phi Beta Kappa and number 1 in her class from UCLA and was a showgirl in Las Vegas one week later.  Paulette was selected California’s Sportswoman of the Year, for which she made numerous TV appearances.  TV roles followed on Love of Life, One Life to Live, All My Children, Mercy or Murder, General Hospital, Sesame Street, and the French nightclub singer in the TV movie The Yanks Are Coming (Silver Globe Award).  She produced and performed in a series of yearly concerts at New York's Lamb’s Theatre and was the inaugural performer at the New York and Riverbank State Parks.  Album: Paulette Performs Puccini to Porter. 

Off-Broadway shows saw Paulette as Lady Capulet in Sensations, Dorothy Parker in Dorothy Parker: A Montage, the Lady in The Lady Of Larkspur Lotion, and playing herself in her one woman show, About Time, including songs and poems which she wrote.  She has played the leading roles in the musicals Gypsy, Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, and Sensations, the operas and operettas The Bald Soprano, The Old Maid and the Thief, The Merry Widow, and La Vie Parisienne, and the plays Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf, Red Peppers, You Know I Can’t Hear You...., and The Perfect Party.  She is the only American to have appeared with Le Theatre de France, where she was directed by and performed with Jean Louis Barrault at New York City Center and toured with the company in the U.S. and Canada.  She played the voice of the French cat to Mel Blanc's skunk in the cartoon, Pepe le Pew.   Paulette Attie's Musical Playbill, 2 years on WNYC AM and FM had distinguished songwriters joining Paulette in song.  In 1979, Paulette founded the National Musical Theater.  She conceived of and wrote Encore, produced by NMT, with Columbia Artists presenting the national tour.  She’s the recipient of 5 consecutive ASCAP Plus Songwriter Awards 2000 – 2004 and the National Poetry Award, 1998.  Paulette became the first woman performer elected into the Friars Club in 1988.  She was the singer for Israel’s 50th Anniversary in Washington D.C. With numerous articles about show business to her credit, Paulette just completed writing her first book, The Seven Keys to Live a Masterful Life.

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