Tag Archives for " Great American Songbook "

Michael Feinstein and Terry Gross On George and Ira Gershwin

By billalpert | Bill Alpert Journal , Reviews , voice

Ira Gershwin and Michael Feinstein

This fascinating interview from NPR’s Fresh Air, recounts singer Michael Feinstein’s years of working with the Gershwin family. Over this period Feinstein cataloged much of the Gershwin discography, and in the process unearthed a treasure trove of wonderful stories.

The interview coincides with the release of Feinstein’s new book: The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in Twelve Songs. Feinstein writes firsthand about the musical world of the American composers and brothers, George and Ira Gershwin. The book includes a CD of rare performance including “Strike Up the Band,” “‘S Wonderful,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “They All Laughed,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Embraceable You,” “Who Cares?,” “I Got Plenty of Nuthin’,” “They Can’t Take Than Away from Me,” “I Got Rhythm,” and “Love Is Here to Stay.”  The studio recommends it as a must-have collection for anyone who loves the Great American Songbook!

Alpert Studio Students at Great American Songbook Competition Finals

By billalpert | Events , Student News , voice

Direct from the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana here’s live performance video from Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Competition’s National finals. We’re very proud to share these performances of two Alpert Studio Students, Kelly Muller and Genevieve Ellis. This live concert represents the culmination of week long coaching and master class sessions led my local and national celebrities.

Both students are in the vocal studio of Melanie Alpert and also participated in studio acting workshops led by Brandon Alpert and Danny Gurwin.

The Great American Songbook Vocal Academy & Competition began in 2009, and is the only competition in the United States based solely on music from Broadway, Hollywood musicals and the Tin Pan Alley era of the early to mid-twentieth century.

Students from across the country participate in a competitive audition process for the chance to attend 2-day regional academies and competitions. Winners from these regional events will travel to the Indianapolis area for a five-day comprehensive “boot-camp” on interpreting and performing the music of the Great American Songbook. Led by local and national celebrity performers and professionals, workshops will cover topics ranging from breathing and microphone techniques to one-on-one coaching and master-classes. The classes are intended to prepare finalists for the Final Competition performance at the Palladium in Carmel, IN when each student performs two songs and the top three winners will be announced.

Congratulations to Genevieve and Kelly for representing the Western US Region, as well as the Studio, in such great style!

Alpert Studio at Great American Songbook Finals with Michael Feinstein

By billalpert | Reviews , Student News , Studio News

Congratulations to Genevieve Ellis and Kelly Muller who were recently honored to participate in the Great American Songbook Vocal Academy and Competition. Kelly and Genevieve were national finalists in the competition, and as such were guided in a master class by Michael Feinstein and Sandi Patty.

Excerpted from Examiner.com. Read full article here.

Taking center stage in front again to sing such songs as “Old Devil Moon” (Nick Angel), “All Right By Me” (Eleri Ward), “That’s Life” (Jared Wells), “The Nearness of You” (Tony Ponella), “Blue Skies” (Sage Melcher), “What a Wonderful World,” (Tori Anna), “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life “ (Jillian Slade), “All of Me” (Nick Ziobro), “But Not For Me” (Kelly Ward) and “You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun” (Genevieve Ellis), the vocalists were guided in a master class by Michael Feinstein and Sandi Patty.