Morgan State University

This past Thursday I journeyed to Baltimore's Morgan State University, where I had been engaged to conduct a vocal Master Class. I have been conducting Master Classes for many years at many different universities, but nothing could have prepared me for the warm and caring reception that I received at Morgan State.

The students were of superior vocal talent and gave themselves over emotionally and mentally with a wonderful sense of respect for their art and for me. From the moment I arrived I was afforded absolute care and love both in a most professional manner--a rarity in these times. I was met by Samuel Springer, Morgan State's musical director, whose gracious and gentlemanly attitude put me at total ease. We arrived at the Music School, which is one the most phenomenal state-of-the-art structures I've ever seen on a college campus, and it was beyond exciting. I noticed my picture was up all over the office doors, hallways, and bulletin boards. Sam, as he is called, showed me to the office of Vincent Dion Stringer, artistic director of the Fine Arts Program and my good friend. If you've followed my blogs you may remember when I blogged about Vincent's and my recent re-acquaintance. It was Vincent who invited me down to Morgan State, having known my work from past experience, and our reunion meeting was joyous!

Later, we were joined by Janice Chandler who now occupies a very special place in my heart. She is on Voice faculty and served as hostess for my class. To say that we hit it off is putting it mildly. She is, I'm told, a very fine soprano and, judging from our many conversations, shares some of the same standards as I. The Master Class went very well. The voices ranged from counter tenors (or male sopranist), to lovely lyric female voices, impassioned young male tenors, and baritones. I was very taken by a young man named Joseph Johnson whose rendition of Mean Ole Lion was just great. Another unusual gift was the counter tenor, Patrick--simply sensational. It is, of course, difficult to mention everyone, but I can't forget Raquel Jennings, whose star shone very brightly. I felt I was where I needed to be, giving back to those who are ready to receive.

I'll be back there during the summer on faculty for their Opera Workshop. I want to thank everyone who made it an experience never to be forgotten: Vincent Dion Stringer, Samuel Springer, Janice Chandler, Charles Hayes, Eric Conway, Dwight Cook, and Monica Lupton--all pillars of Morgan State University.

Lucia, Calleja, Dessay, and the Baby Boomers

I have spent many years attending The Metropolitan Opera productions, and yesterday my brother and his wife treated me to the season's final performance of Lucia di Lammermoor, one of my favorite opera's and the role of Edgardo, one I have studied thoroughly and on several occasions have had the good fortune to sing excerpts from.

The last time I saw Lucia was the final performance of this opera by Joan Sutherland in the title role. She was in her sixties but was a force to be reckoned with. In short, it was some of the most spectacular singing I've ever heard. In this production, Lucia was sung by Natalie Dessay, a current favorite at the house. I could not help remembering Sutherland but I understood the magnitude of what it means to share such a role with an icon whom we just lost. Dessay is to be commended.

However, the very brightest moment for me was Joseph Calleja. I had been wanting to hear him and he did not disappoint in any way. He was indeed reminiscent of the great tenors of the past.
His honesty, masculinity, beauty of tone, and forthright attitude was an obvious crowd pleaser. He and the male contingent, baritone Ludovic Tezier and bass Kwangchul Youn, were as solid as a rock.

I was pleased to be sitting in a box seat, which my sister-in-law's family has held for years. I was very aware of the audience which was primarily made up of Baby Boomers. There was a warm, sincere, and friendly atmosphere. A sense that the audience knew how important it is to champion excellence and beauty at a time when the country and the world are in need, and that we were, just for four hours, able to recharge and hopefully take away the spirit of this performance.

We ended our day by having dinner at Don Giovanni's, at 44th and 9th. It was a near perfect experience and to this very moment I still hear Mr. Calleja's gentle and heartfelt outpouring of ("Tu che a Dio"). As a fellow tenor and teacher he has my vote. BRAVO!!!!

"My Great Inspiration, Happy Birthday Leontyne Price"

February 10th marked the birthday of Miss Leontyne Price, the one artist who inspired me above all others.

Her birthday reminds us all of a phenomenal career that paved the the way for many African-American opera singers; Miss Price's bigger than life personality, regal bearing, beauty of tone, and commitment to her art are so appreciated by myself and opera lovers woldwide. I have a special connection with Miss Price in the fact that my father Leslie Scott sang Porgy to her Bess on tour of the opera houses of Europe. I was privileged as a boy to witness their performance in Porgy and Bess at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City in the 1950s.

Miss Price was also very supportive of my career, and, to put it in her words: "We have strong and deep memories, don't we?"

Her voice was a gift to the world and her standards an example to which we should aspire. Frequently I wrote to her. "To me you are the evidence there is God."

Happy Birthday, Leontyne Price.

Stars and Stripes and Super Bowl XLV

This past Sunday countless millions of Americans and viewers around the world witnessed one of the most horrific moments that a singer could experience: not to remember the words of her National Anthem. Christina Aguilera has long been an artist whose excitement and creative singing style infected the entire musical community. Like many, I have also championed her talent, but that kind of "flub" was hard to understand.

Recently, I posted about my student Wendy Gerbier who sang the Anthem for President Obama's mid-term campaign appearance in Connecticut. There's something to be said for having respect for the opportunity regardless of your own accomplishments, as I have had that honor twice in my career for the New York Mets.

I am a totally committed singer/entertainer and at something like Super Bowl XLV, the Anthem is part of the sermon, "Every performance should be like your first."

Update: Interesting that there are no Google images of Ms. Aguilera's Super Bowl performance.

2011, The Semester Begins

This semester starts with a bang!!!

All my students have returned improved, energized, and ready to move forward. I've also been blessed with new voices that are sure to succeed as professionals. The new voices are young singers who aspire to careers in opera, jazz, and musical theatre. I welcome the challenge of meeting their needs and watching them like those in past semesters excel as they achieve the goals they've set for themselves. They pay me the utmost honor.

It was with tremendous joy and excitement that I was able to share the news that I was being hired by Morgan State University to give a Master Class in Musical Theatre for vocalists during the coming semester. Later, they've invited me to participate in the Summer Opera Workshop alongside such luminaries as Denyce Graves and Donna Roll. Two extraordinary artists whose careers have instructed and inspired many. I'm honored to share as a faculty member and also that its director, Vincent Stringer, believed in my abilities to inspire and educate our next generation.

This semester also recognizes the return of Ms. Tamara Cashour as pianist for my opera classes at Mannes College and Mr. Nori Ochiai, my pianist for my cabaret class. A special welcome to Mr. Collin DeJoseph who will be the accompanist for this semester's class "Story, Song, and Stage" at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.

So we begin 2011.

"The Christmas Song"

The one version of co-writers Bob Wells and Mel Torme's classic holiday hit that for me must be heard at Christmas is that of Nat King Cole. As a child enjoying the wonders and magic of Christmas, it would not have been complete without hearing his rendition. What made this tiny tot's eyes all aglow was the fact that my now legendary uncle, Irving Ashby, was guitarist for the Nat King Cole trio. Talk about proud!

"Chestnuts roasting..." and The Nat King Cole Trio were synonymous in our household. Special in King's version of "The Christmas Song" was the simple guitar voicing. I spent many a time with the trio backstage at the RKO Theater in New York City as a young boy, where I was privileged to hear this and many other Nat King Cole classics.

Recently, my wife and I journeyed to my hometown of Boston to perform at the celebration of our friend and colleague Ellen Cantaro, whose birthday party was attended by friends and relatives, all who champion her tremendous accomplishments as a writer, jazz pianist, and teacher. Many fine artists performed that night. I first met Ellen when her love for beauty in all things brought her to my home in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts some ten years ago, beginning her exploration of the art of Bel Canto--my passion.

The entire event was truly memorable. We were even treated to a film documentary showing Ellen from infancy to the present, a very personal gift from her beloved husband, Jack. Among the artists was Angela Rossi a former student and native Italian, born & raised. Miss Rossi is an extraordinary young singer, watch for her!!!

No one sang "The Christmas Song,"but we all gave Ellen our very best. The banquet style service and the musical presentations ranging from Brazilian folk music, cabaret, and Jazz to European Classics made the evening a complete success.

Coming from a family of musicians and years of performing and teaching, the gift of Christmas was present in the bond we all shared: the precious years of learning
and giving.

Finally, my dear friends: Although it's been said, many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to You.

"Pegasus"

A few weeks ago my student Marlon Saunders--super singer, arranger, coach, teacher, and all around giant of a man of mythic proportions--got in touch with my wife and me, declaring too much time had elapsed since we were in each other's company in a social setting. We met in Manhattan and were treated to a lovely dinner and an evening of absolute joy.

Marlon's genius resonates for me like that of the other brilliant Black men of my era; a rarity in present day society. He affectionately refers to me as the "Guru," which always brings a smile to my face. Marlon knows that in my vocal direction as a teacher that I've chosen the road less traveled of the development and understanding of the myriad applications at hand with the Middle Way, Middle Falsetto, Voix Mixte, the Mezza Voce, all popular in the 18th century. However, it is Marlon's strength of character and his commitment to excellence that makes him soar like the legendary powerful winged horse: one who fights for goodness and, like Pegasus, will no doubt take his place in the firmament.

We Love you MARLON SAUNDERS.