Putting it together

Bit By Bit

Yep, we're putting it together. Showtime is tomorrow so I thought I'd give a little glimpse of what's behind the curtain. Putting together a concert isn't exactly easy but it's so much fun when you have a collaborator like Drew Wutke. Drew and I met 6 years ago when I was developing my first cabaret, "Old French Whore", and I've been obsessed with working with him since.

There's something magical about the first planning session when I come into the room with a proposed set list and we just bounce ideas of off one another. Ultimately, much of my list ends up crossed out and I have a long list of choices sparked by our conversation that I can't believe I didn't think of. Back when we started it might take 6 months or more to move a show from the notes app on my iPad to the stage, but over the years we have developed a lovely rhythm and shorthand. I know immediately after running a song once if it's not going to make the cut and we are pretty merciless. But the real magic is when the unexpected happens. Some of my favorite arrangements have been spontaneous rehearsal room creations like our uptempo "Another Winter In a Summer Town", our swinging take on "The Miller's Son", and crazy mash up of "Life of the Party" and "Movie in My Mind".

This weekend you'll get to hear some more arrangements we've never done before, including "There Will Be A Miracle" by the brilliant Michael John LaChiusa. Originally a moderate tempo'd tune in 4/4, Drew thought out loud "What if we did this with an Aretha "Natural Woman" feel?". I immediately knew what he meant and we transformed the piece. The tempo slowed, time signature changed to 3/4, and we added a gospel feel. Nothing like the original. But you may not know that. I realize that sometimes the arrangements you hear us do may be your first time hearing these songs. So I wanted to do something special and share the original version, sung by the glorious Mary Testa , and a small rehearsal clip for a glimpse at the arrangement you will hear on Saturday.

Hope to see you there!

Love and music,

Byron