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A Dying Breed of Crooners

Submitted by GW, Feb 28, 2008 17:27

I am very sad to read about the closing of Cafe Pierre, just as I was angered when The Carlyle abrupty sacked Barbara Carroll (praise be to the Alqonquin for giving her a stage!). This article reminds us of the depressing trend that has been growing for some time now. I was based in London for a few years and things there are even worse; in fact, London's Pizza on the Park recently decided to end their live music programme, marking the end of a venue that introduced Brits to Steve Ross, Andrea Marcovicci, Joyce Breach and other wonderful artists. The bottom line now reigns supreme, and if a business can save a few dollars by axing the entertainment, they'll do it (or, in the case of Ms Carroll, they will casually dismiss an artist of tremendous stature in what I suspect is an effort to appeal to a "younger" crowd).

In an interview with Whitney Balliett, the great Julie Wilson posed the question of when and where the Great American Songbook would continue to be performed. The closure of cherished venues and careless management's handling of genuine talent makes one dread the answer. The art of cabaret as defined by these artists has always fought for its life - its battles in the 21st Century will be daunting indeed, as corporate ignorance suffocates artistry and passion.

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A Dying Breed of Crooners

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A Dying Breed of Crooners