Comments from readers

Thank you so much for all of your jazz briefs, I hope this letter finds you well. I have actually moved to Europe, so will not be able to attend any of these performances in the near future. Enjoy the music! And all the best,

Thanks so much for passing along that fascinating letter from the student in the UK. You can see how I answered, below, if you care to. But first: You have my very best wishes for continued success, both for this season and for the year in general.
Be well! Jimmy

<<Dear Kelly-

Roberta Zlokower forwarded to me your interesting question about Always a Bridesmaid. I'm the composer of music (she's a friend of mine) and she assumed I'd have some pointers for you, and indeed I do. Just a few. First, thanks for caring and being interested enough in how the song works enough to ask such a question!

1) It didn't hurt -- in the actual production -- that the actress was wearing a hideous, flouncey, primary-colored (red or pink or blue or yellow!) dress, with big bows, etc. so that as soon as we see her--- even before she sings a note -- we feel for her -- she looks like a nice, normal person (that's why we relate) who has had to put on a horrible article of clothing! She looks at us, during the introduction, and she is helpless and hapless.

In the show -- she also spoke some words first -- after catching the bridal bouquet, then she's congratulating the bride and groom whose wedding she has just attended -- she says something like, "No, I just LOVE my dress! I'm sure I'll wear it again!" (I think the words can be heard on the CD) -- at that point (she's been standing sideways) she reveals the full dress to the audience. Then the song intro starts.

Please know that this whole song is based on the American tradition of matching -- and usually tasteless -- dresses for all the bridesmaids at an American wedding.

I think of the song as a "lament" -- which she's sharing with the audience. She's been through some "bad times" at the weddings of some of her friends. But it gradually becomes clear to her that her girlfriends, the ones who got married, went through WORSE times! Their husbands either cheated on them -- or died on them! And by the end, in spite of a little loneliness, she is sincerely thanking God for being just who she is. So we start with a lament -- but we end with an AFFIRMATION.

2) The Singing Style: Yes, the music is Country style, for sure. But we found it works best when the singer herself plays it pretty straight. There can be a "hint" of Country -- but this should NOT be a parody of a country song, where the singer uses a strong Southern accent. Many people make that mistake. The singer must come off as a real person, a friend of ours, someone we might know. Basically, a person with a problem (not a Country Singer with a problem!). If you listen to the CD, you'll hear that the accompaniment is Country, but the actress is really not.

So to summarize: the woman has been through tough times at weddings, she tells us ALL about it, every hideous detail--but then, after letting it all out, she has a realization about herself -- and then ends the song, not with a complaint, but with a little sense of triumph.

Hope that helps. And good luck!

Yours truly,

Jimmy Roberts (composer, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change")>>

Ciao Roberta
I read now your review and I am very happy for your words!!!
Thank you very much! It's very nice to hear that you, great expert of music, like our new work with our new compositions.
For us is the first time that we recorded our compositions so we are very very proud and happy!
I'll put the review in our web site!
Our dream, me dream is to play in USA, Roberta, I ask you to help me to find places, we want absolutely do this experience and we want to bring our music in Usa hoping that people likes it! I hope that you, till again, can help us!
Thanks thanks thanks
Pasquale

Dear Roberta thanks of heart alot for your beautiful article on my cd Be my Love, thanks also to Marco Losavio it is a true friend, it is beautiful that the people of New York know this job of mine, you are very kind, I am honorable.
To New York I have sung in 2004 however pop music, hopes to return with my music jazz.
I have included your article in my site web www.mariorosini.com in the Italian and English page.
Best regards from Italy
Ciao
Mario Rosini

Dear Roberta: I thought you would like to know that we have completed a
feature film of the off-Broadway play Chekhov & Maria by Jovanka
Bach, done as a memorial tribute to her. She was my wife and passed away
recently after a long battle with cancer. Your review, after seeing it at the Barrow Group Theatre, was such a positive analysis of Jovanka's work, that Eric Till, the
well known Canadian director decided he would film it. And now it has been
accepted by the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival
which opens in Hollywood in July then New York in September. For film clips
and your review go to: (www.johnstarkproductions.com).
Regards. John Stark Producer.

Dear Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower, My name is Arsen Serov.

I found some information regarding this ballet and I still have questions.  I would be appreciated if you can assist me.  I am looking for ballet itself (VHS or DVD) and music separately (CD)- What’s the best place you advise me. I did already my search on the web and not too much luck. Thanks in advance.

Arsen

Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower,

Je désire m' entretenir avec Mr. Jean-Jaques de Saint Adrieu au sujet de >la fondation Air France au Togo et de projet de biocarburant  où j'a>imerais avoir Air France comme investeur. Je souhaiterais également renco>ntrer Mme Nathalie au sujet de l'offre de la formation de togolais.  J' avais rencontré Mr. De Saint Andrieu l'année derniere dans >;leurs bureaux à NYC. Je réside au Togo.  Pourriez-vous me mettre en contact ou lui transmettre mon message? Je vous >contacte car je sais qu'il est très influent à NYC et qu'il intervient >dans les oeuvres sociales.

Cordialement,
Kwadjo Vidja

I was wondering if there is a CD of DVD of this tribute to Paquito? Thank
you in advance for your cooperation. Luis Gamboa

Hope you are doing well.  I work for a non-profit organization in New York and we were hoping to hold a fundraiser at a jazz club.  I was wondering if I could speak to someone more about our group to see if you'd be interested in donating your space for a weeknight for a few hours. Please let me know, I look forward to hearing from you.  You can call me at the number below.

Thanks,
Angela Rastegar
The Monitor Group

Hi, I just saw your review on Woody Allen at The Carlyle. Any tips on how to get a place at the bar? TM

Hi Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower,
My name is Kareem Sanjaghi.  I'm a jazz drummer from Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  I always enjoy regarding you testimonials and reviews of Harry Allen and his quartet.  I play with a lot of older jazz musicians (Lou Colombo and Dick Johnson) who Harry used to sit in with when he was a young kid.
The reason for my email, is that I am a huge fan of Chuck Rigg's playing.  I was wondering if possibly you could send me his email, or forward this message to him.  I just would like to talk music with him and learn from such a great musician.
Thank you very much and hope to talk to you soon.

Thanks a lot,
Kareem Sanjaghi

Hi,
I came across your website when searching for the CD 'Cole Plays Gershwin', and noticed someone else had asked you about that same CD. I can't see where that person got an answer, so I'm wondering if you can just email me the answer to that question.

Thanks so much,
Jan Felton, Director
Springfield Jazz Singers
www.springfieldjazzsingers.org

Roberta,
I hope your week is off to a nice start. Thank you for sharing these with me. I’ll look forward to reading them through and sharing with our team. I appreciate you taking the time to send my way! Have a great day, Roberta.
Best,
Theresa (Jazz Standard)

Hi Roberta

Thanks for those two terrific, beautifully done reviews for both Pedro (Giraudo) and Hector (Del Curto)!  (And of course all the nice photos!)

Best regards,
Ellen
Ellen Azorin, President
Cantaloupe Music Productions, Inc.

Hi Roberta, How are you?
 
I just wanted to thank you very much for a WONDERFUL review, I love it.
Nackgeschmack is actually about a lost relationship, it is GREAT to know that it comes across! I'll add a link on my website ASAP.
All the best and thank you very much,
Pedro (Giraudo) 
PS: I also loved Hector's review ;)

Thanks for the wonderful comments on Skyla Schreter's performance as Young Mabel in your recent review, Skyla's (proud) mom.

I have readand enjoyed many of your reviews and to see you mention my daughter in this one was great. She just finished Mozartiana and will reprise Double Feature in the Spring. Thanks again. Sena

Dear Roberta-

What a marvelously comprehensive review of what went on at the historic Merkin Hall marathon. I think you're the only one who covered the entire day, or at least mentioned every artist that performed. Bravo!

And thank you, in particular, for understanding musically what I set out to do in my own arrangements/compositions. It's nice to be acknowledged by one who truly gets it.
With all best wishes,
Jimmy (Roberts)

Dear Dr. Zlokower:I found you via the website with your review of Tony May’s San Domenico NY where you lunched with Frank Daykin. I was his babysitter when he was in grade school and he lived next door with his father and step-mother, Virginia. I would love to say hello to Frank and, with his permission, would like an email address.  Can you help?
Thanks,
Coleen Anderson

Thank you, Roberta!  I also appreciate your glowing comments.
It was nice to meet you and Marco (JazzItalia.net).
Hope to see you next time we play in NY--or wherever.

Warmly,
John (Clayton)

AN AFFINITY WITH GUSTAV MAHLER
 
I published a book about the composer Gustav Mahler back in 1999. 
The book is made up of 14 essays written by 13 contributors (one of whom has written two chapters) they tell the reader how they became Mahlerians through the purchase of their favourite symphony. All the chapters relating to Mahler’s symphonies are in chronological order.
 
It is important to stress that this publication is not an academic work, although to be fair, there is a little bit of academia in it. Mostly, it is a book supportive of the composer. It is because of this, the publication is able to give the reader a sense of understanding as to how the composer works, and to take the stuffiness out of the atmosphere to which classical music has become inextricably linked
 
Yours faithfully,
Donald Knox-Richards.
Elius Books Internet Limited.

Dear Roberta:
 
My name is Jessica.  I am doing research on Lucille Ball.  I am contacting you because of (your interview with Lucie Arnaz).  I was hoping you might be able to take a few moments of your time to answer some questions and provide me with works or sources you feel would be integral to my research.  Thank you so much for your time.
What have you learned about Lucie Arnaz that I will not be able to find on the Internet? What is something interesting you have learned about her that would be interesting in my research?
Sincerely,
Jessica 

Hi Roberta,
I watched "Music of the Heart" this afternoon and enjoyed it. I was looking for more information about the Opus 118 school and Google included the "Fiddlefest at Carnegie" page from your web site in its search results.

I enjoyed looking at your site. I started looking at the CD reviews but I didn't have time to finish reading them so I'll be back.
Hal Tessmann

Dear Dr. Zlokower, 

My name is Alicia Sable, I met you several years ago when you attended performance of Twenty Fingers, Twenty Toes at the York Theater as part of the “Mufti” series.  You wrote such a beautiful review on your website and I wanted to invite you to my current show Hells Bells. It is playing at the West End Theater through Sunday. I know this may be to short of a notice, but the idea to invite you hit me tonight as I was riding the train home after the show!   It is funny how ideas just pop into your head at very random times! The show has been well received and I think you may enjoy it!  It is very short an hour and twenty minutes without an intermission.
After the show closes, I start rehearsals for Gypsy! With the fabulous Patti Lupone!! I will be playing Marjorie May and I am very excited as this will be my first Broadway show!!!
Thank you,
Alicia Sable

Hi Roberta
 
I just want to thank you for your kind reviewing of my work during the Martha Graham Co. season at the Joyce. I feel the responsibility of carrying on such great work with spontaneity and passion.
 
One thing I want to say about the Saturday horse’s mouth. I have never done anything like that before so .... I agree with the horses sound, we have so many great scores..... But I think it was the intent to have something very casual, Family Style if you want, the only thing is it should have been a private event with no ticket charge. For the "family members", and yes a lot of great dancers and friends missing.
 
Thank you again,
Maurizio Nardi

That's a great picture Roberta; thanks so much for taking the time to send it to me. It will be a vivid souvenir of a very special chapter in my musical life!

And I'm delighted to learn you were there in the audience that day/evening for all those marvelous and inspiring pianists.

Hoping you're well..
Thanks again.

Jimmy (Roberts)

Hi Roberta,
Sorry for the forgetfulness! These days I would need three brains and 40 hour days! Thanks for your review of Refugee!!!! My wife’s name is Amparo.
All the best and keep up your great work!
Hector (Martignon)

Many thanks. You are amazing! Gale
Gale A. Brewer
DISTRICT OFFICE
Hon. Gale A. Brewer
City Council, 6th District

Wow Roberta, you've done it again!  What a surprise, I might add. I forwarded the article (YAGP/ABT) to Franco who seemed really pleased.  Thank you so much for giving the event such wonderful coverage.  Warmly, Barbara (Brandt)

Hello Roberta,

I am looking to find the music and a recording and the music for "The Return of the Great Mother", a choral piece written by Roberta Kosse with the text by Jenny Malniquist. A friend of mine is very sick with breast cancer and will die quite soon. This is a piece she has always wanted to sing and hear, so I am trying to make it happen for her. Any information to help me out would be great. Thank you so much. This would mean a lot.

Sincerely,
Cathy Swanson

Hi Roberta:
Have been meaning to reach out and email you for days, so sorry my wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Rewarding 2008 come late. Nevertheless, hope you're off to a fabulous start, and that we can meet again sometime this year.

You were so generous in your praise of THE STREET last summer, I find myself returning to re-read your review often (particularly after a 'bad' day)... I'm not sure I properly thanked you for it.
So, thank you -- again -- for your support
and have a wonderful New Year.
Best,
Ronnie

Dear Roberta,

Thanks so much for that beautiful review! I will be proud to add it to my website, and add a link to your webpage.

All the best,
Melody

Dear Roberta -

Thank you so much for your wonderfully written and positive review. I was so pleased that you could be there that day and I will proudly direct people to your site to read your fine words.

Since I plan to continue this traditional concert and have already begun to perform the program in other States, I am very pleased to have this press to support my efforts. I also received a full-page article in "America Oggi" the largest Italian paper in the U.S. which will be quite useful.

If there is ever anything I can be of help with, Roberta, please don't hesitate to call on me.

All best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year and thank you again.

Cristina Fontanelli

Dear Roberta,
Thank you, for adding me to your review.
I’m honored.
Hill sent me the link.
Respectfully,
-Ptah Brown
www.PtahBrown.com

Whatever happened to Kevin Cole (Cole Plays Gershwin) recorded at Ravinia? I am not able to locate any information on him and really want the c.d. he made in 2004? Can you direct me to a place I can buy it online? I have already exhausted Amazon, Half.com and Ebay.

wow roberta....who knew you would be putting such a gigantic smile on my face all the way in india!!!!!!!!! wow again!!!!!! Barbara (Brandt)

ROBERTA -- Thanks! I am wishing for you a most
successful, healthy, and Happy New Year!! Warm
regards, LARRY (Newcomb)

Yes, I still dance everyday. These days, as in the past several years, I only dance tango. I am so addicted and so in love with it, I can't tell you.
B (Batt Johnson)

Hi Roberta,

I am in NY right now, but will be leaving Thursday. I had an amazing year taking my band to performances all over the world, incl. Istanbul, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico City, Portugal, and other numerous Europe trips, etc.

I will be back in NY on Jan. 14th. I have a few more projects going right now, incl. a project with Gino from Cameroon....I am doing a lot of writing for that right now.

I hope to see you soon in 2008....:)

Vana (Gierig)

My son, Towa was born in August. Kuni (Mikami)

Dear Roberta,

Happy Holidays for you too, and a great 2008!

Luiz Simas

Dear Roberta,
We wish you a very happy New Year, with love, health and Peace.
Pablo Ziegler and family

Hi Roberta - my mother loved the event...and she loves you! You are indeed a warm and generous person.

We and our friends would love another evening at The Terrace - so surely keep us posted.
Fondest regards and continued success in all your ventures!
Sandy

Thanks so much!
Both links are looking very good!
I am sorry that I will not be able to enjoy the Dec
19th event at Patelson...I play that night in another
part of town.

Have a nice day.

Yael (Acher)

Dear Roberta,

Thanks for your reply. Yes I am. I have put NY plans, such as living there on hold. I am at Sigmund Freud University in the MA program (Psychoanalysis), finishing something I have started almost 20 years ago. The Unconscious and the Arts go well together indeed!

Lots of warm wishes Roberta, you are doing wonderful things for the Arts, including supporting those who have something to say yet haven't made it to mass public awareness yet. I thank you for this. There should be more people like you out there.

Thomas (Barth)

I'm looking to purchase any Buttikofer piano or for any information on them. The Buttikofer piano business was started by my great-great-great-grandfather in NY City sometime around the mid 1800s. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance,
 Raya Hanlon

San Jose, CR
25 Oct 2007

Hello Roberta,
I have a song/tune, "Cuban Fantasy", which has garnered accolades from an ever-growing list of top names in the jazz and Latin scenes, and I think it might appeal to Dave.  Though the song has words - originally in English and now in Spanish (about a lovely young Cuban woman whom I met many years ago in Puerto Rico while playing aboard a Miami-based cruise ship), it doesn't seem to need lyrics in either or any language, as the melody (widely-acclaimed as beautiful - and the Spanish version is even more so, IMO!), is very logical and lyrical, and tells the story.  However, I can well imagine Jose Feliciano making a great job of the vocal version.

Mr. Robin Blakeman
(Saxophonist, flutist and clarinetist.)

Dear Ms. Zlokower

My name is Daniel Hendricks Simon. I was the actor in Soheil Nasseri and Haskell Small’s premier of ‘Lullaby of War’.

I just wanted to send my regards and thanks for wonderfully written, incredibly thorough review. As I’m sure you know these things don’t come together out of thin air.

Theater director Stephan Morrow, a collaborator and long time family friend, coached me on the performance of those poems, and the work you saw that evening was greatly influenced by his direction. He was not credited of course, but it was important to me that I bring his fine work to your awareness.

I have worked twice before with Mr. Morrow, one time as fellow actors in the Shakespeare showcase Bard at Bar, another being a New York City premier of Tennessee Williams Pieces of Paradise, which Mr. Morrow directed. If either of us put together a theatrical event or screening in the near future I hope that you will consider attending.

Thank you for your fine contribution to the Arts in New York City.

Sincerely,

Daniel Hendricks Simon

http://www.simonstudio.com

Dear Roberta:
I am the travel editor of The Kansas City Star newspaper in Kansas City, Mo. In this Sunday's (Oct. 14) travel section, we are publishing a story about different depictions of David in Italy. I am trying to give our readers some idea about what one of Donatello's David statues look like. Unfortunately, I don't have access to images of the real thing or a budget to pay for pictures of it.
I see on your site pictures of a small Donatello/David statue that was given to Gina Lollobrigida in 1955. Do you have a picture of that small statue you could send me for publication? I would be happy to say where the picture came from. We don't have space to run it very large, but if you have an image that's higher-resolution than the attached picture, it would be very helpful.
I also can send you a copy of our Sunday Travel section after it is published.
Unfortunately, I am on deadline. We finish production on the section early Thursday afternoon, Oct. 11.
Thanks for your help.
Allen Holder
Travel editor
The Kansas City Star

Dear Roberta,
Thanks so much for your review of The Abstract Impulse and for placing so many of the images on your site.  We will keep you
On our email list for future exhibition and public program announcements.
Best, Christine
Christine P. Williams
Director of Communications
National Academy Museum
& School of Fine Arts

Hi Roberta,

Thank you so much for the lovely review of our gig at Enzo's. Thank you also for your kind words about me as a player and composer. May I quote you on my website? Speaking of which, it has been redesigned and the new version is now up: http://www.jovitra.com Please have a look and a listen.

All the Best,

Joe (Tranchina)

Dear Roberta,

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful review. I did not know you were in the audience last Friday night, but I'm sure glad you were, and equally glad that you enjoyed the show.

I will endeavor to patronize the restaurants and businesses that sponsor your website, and will let them know that you are the reason.

Thanks again!
Cheers,
Trey Sandusky

Hi Roberta,

Thanks so much for the wonderful review and
photos! Hope all goes well for you. Playing at
Patelson's feels just right for what we do. Best to
you, River Alexander

Thank you so much, Roberta. It is a fantastic review!
Big kiss,
Enzo

Hi Roberta
Thank you so much for coming to our gig and for the wonderful review
and the great photos. They are really excellent.
I hope we will see each other again soon.
Gabriele (Tranchina)

Thanks very much for the review. The cast and I really appreciated it. Having retired from the active practice of the law after 41 years as a trial lawyer, I found being evil came naturally. (Myron Cohen)

Thank you, Roberta! Thank you for being there. We'll run it again at the lambs club this Thursday at 7. Don't miss my experimental musical theater play, TentagatneT, at La Mama... The press is most welcome there. Please keep in touch. Peter (Dizozza)

Dear Roberta,
I appreciate very much the generous words and the lovely spread on your site.
Thanks again for your support.
All best,
Don (Donald Friedman, The Writer’s Brush)

Thanks so much, Roberta! I appreciate that you almost always come to my concerts-- and thanks so much for these thoughtful words on the program. Your description of the Schumann as "waves" was a fantastic comparison!!

Best
Soheil

Yes, I see that you have reviewed quite a number (of CD’s). The support you have offered is priceless.
Thank you!
Ayman

Dear Dr. Roberta,

I just want to thank you for the good things you wrote about me during my time with the "Graham Ensemble". I am moving to Washington DC to join "City Dance Ensemble" this winter. I hope this letter finds you in good health. I'm currently in NYC doing a showcase musical "Traumnovela". www.traumnovela.com

Best wishes,
Jason Garcia Ignacio

I hope you are well.

I represent saxophonist David Sanchez, and I was told by Edward
Palmieri II that you might have reviewed the performance that he and
Eddie Palmieri I did at the Iridium in June of this year. If so, would
it be possible for you to send me a copy of your piece? I would like
to add to Mr. Sanchez's press clip portfolio.

Thank you.
Sincerely,
Monica
Monica De Leon
Business Representative / Educational Booking for David Sánchez

Dear Dr. Zlokower,

I did a google search for Romeo and Juliet pictures for a project I'm doing for my English class. I came across yours from the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and would really like to use a few of them on my poster board. If you would allow me to use a few of these pictures I'd greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Shane Bugajinsky

Hi, Roberta --

I wanted to write to thank you for your very complementary review of "The Conjugality Test" and particularly of my work in it as Baba. It's lovely to read a good review and to be called an "artist to watch"! You've made my day.

Thanks again, and looking forward to seeing you again on one or another side of the footlights!

All the best,
Amanda Sayle

I have fallen in love with the textile design by Joseph Hoffman, number 6015. I was wondering if you knew anywhere that reproduced it. I understand that there is a copyright on it, but I wanted a print of it. Do you know if there is such a thing? Thanks for you help.

Lauren Brabson

Dear Roberta,
I have long been a fan of vintage film and music of the “jazz age.”  In my quest I often pursue biographical information about the personalities.  One “lost” figure is an early film figure, Donald Keith, who was the male lead opposite Clara Bow in several films and appeared in dozens more; including some sound films…do you know anything about him?  He was such a stunning juvenile, who had a good voice, yet disappeared from the screen by the mid thirties.  If you can be of any help it would be much appreciated.
I have also been a great fan of Vince Giordano and his early jazz renditions…I will be in New York in mid October any chance you know of he having a gig, or can you give me a tip on where I might find some classic jazz being performed live on the weekend of October 12?
 Sincerely,
 Frank Genovese
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hi! I am a French pianist living in Costa Rica, and I am looking for information about a piece (San Francisco el Grande) by Ernesto Lecuona. As I understand, the one who studied very seriously this music is Thomas Tirino and I wonder how I can reach him to see if he can help me. Searching in Internet, I saw your page about him and thought that perhaps you can help me to be in touch with him. Thank you very much for what you can do. I hope you'll forgive my interruption in your space.
Regards,
Scarlett Brebion

Thanks, Roberta. Very gracious and supportive reviews (MITF) (although the dwarf's accent was supposed to be Australian, I believe).
Best wishes,
Bob (Ost)

Greetings again Roberta, Hope all is well with you. I simply thought you might find this of interest - I'm the son of 31 season Philadelphia Orchestra viola section member Irving Segall. As part of a multi-pronged effort to preserve my father's memory and that of important work he did, including being one of the founders of ICSOM, I've launched the web site www.irvingsegall.com . Please find a related Press Release attached to this email which is going out today nationally.
Very genuinely, -- Ira Norman Segall
UNIPHEYE MUSIC, LLC www.unipheyemusic.com

Good Day: I am researching an oil painting I have done by American/Mexican Pablo O'Higgins (1904-1983) Perhaps you may know someone who has knowledge of the artist? I'd be glad to forward some pics if you're interested or perhaps you can point me in the right direction?

Thanks very much for your help.

Gratefully,

Adam Gay

For more information, contact Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower at zlokower@bestweb.net