AMYBLOG: Writing, performing, traveling...
taking back my music career, one grey hair at a time!
GENESIS(if you've read this part, skip to next section for my most recent blog post)
I've played music all over the place. Jazz, blues, piano bar, cabarets, concerts, you name it. LA; New York; Bermuda; San Juan; and my hometown, Binghamton, where I came up on the bandstand with a bunch of old dudes who treated me like their own daughter... solo or singing backup for people so good I don't want to name them, lest you think I'm bragging.
Whether it's a circle of singers and guitars; an intimate setting with candelabra atop the baby grand (or ME atop the baby grand), or a full-tilt boogie, it's good to have it recorded. And other than a few mp3s hanging out in cyberspace and a cassette from the 80s, I had nothing I could hand to you and say, "Listen." Or better yet, "Wanna buy one?" Because this is IT. This is my 401K, invested in a major project.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 ATTICA: Starting to gear up for the spring. Will be getting in touch with Binghamton and Owego stages soon, getting both gospel and jazz performances lined up. I'm a bit hesitant to book recording at the moment for various reasons... the snow still piles up here, just south and east of Buffalo. Lake Erie haunts us with spectres of lake effect snow, which could indeed deluge us at any given moment. So I'm cautious... The Great White Monster could strike any time in Western New York, snowing me in and forcing me to break promises to clubs in the Southern Tier, and that's just not Amy.
On the positive side, I'm going to hook up a second site on Facebook, focusing on poetry and inviting feedback. Will let you know as soon as that is online, the address, etc. I've discovered Facebook can be heaven or hell. Friends try to entice me with Farmville and other such games, but I"m strictly about networking and the free flow of ideas. My current Facebook page can be found by searching "Amy Barlow Liberatore," and all sorts of political views and heartfelt sharing can be found there. I just don't do the games. So if you want me to buy you a pig or help you harvest imaginary turnips, sorry. I'm a fulltime songwriter, singer, musician, and poet.
More later, and I'm changing the homepage song today, as I often do. Will try to find a good demo for the next project... Peace and music, music, music, Amy
Monday, November 28, 2009 ATTICA: Back home after whirlwind month. Played at Samson's Coffeehouse at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Endwell, NY. What an amazing crowd - real listeners, ready to sing along or clap as the song required. Having once been that church's worship leader for their praise service, I saw a lot of old and dear friends. Mike Senft, whose band, CrossFire, played on the last number, kept in touch and was instrumental (!) in getting this gig together. Bob (I'm sorry, can't remember his last name) did ALL the sound and even dragged in a keyboard for me. I recorded some of it on my little Zoom digital gizmo, so hopefully, some snippets will appear.
Great fun being reunited with the Good News Band singers (Corrine, Kathy, Karen, Roger, and Kevin), who remembered all the songs I wrote for them over the years. They even got to "rock out" on the final tune with CrossFire, "Light The Fire Again." Pastor Jim Walck, another old friend as well as musical/spiritual colleague, played a slammin' solo on "Light the Fire." I miss the entire OSLC family. The faith offering, which will go toward my gospel CD, was over $250! Thanks, friends.
Now comes the long winter... a challenge for "me and my shadow," seasonal affective disorder and depression. But I'm writing, arranging, and keeping in touch with all my peeps. While in Binghamton, I saw Gene Cothran, Rob Weinberger and Donna Dajnowski (hosts for two nights), Nan Tittler and Alex Feingold (only had to put up with me for one night), Frank Guistiani... and I left wishing we lived closer to Binghamton. I hope to begin performing there again after the snow flies...
NOTE TO CHRISTIANS: If you are Christian and this season of "ravage the stores in search of bargains while Rudolph is blaring from the speakers" has you down, you are NOT ALONE. Try to find a "Blue Christmas" or "Longest Night" service in your area. They traditionally happen around the third week in December. Whether you've faced unemployment, the illness or death of someone you love (this year or ANY year), have problems staying sober during the "holly jolly" parties, have been rejected by family over gender issues, have painful memories of childhood holidays (me, it was the alcoholic family), or just plain HATE TINSEL, you will find comfort there.
TO ALL: Whatever you celebrate this year, Christmas, Hanukkah, the Solstice, or if you have just finished Ramadan, however you find your link to the Creator, the Divine... be safe, be happy, and know that on this blog you will always find a follower of Jesus who loves you, no matter what! Love, Amy
Monday, October 26, 2009 BINGHAMTON: In town, readying myself for tonight's gig at Tranquil here in my old stomping grounds. Just off a weekend of ministry (as I've mentioned before, being a jazz singer and a music minister/pastor's wife can be a juggle, but I'm able to have best of both worlds, thanks to my wonderful and supportive husband, "The Rev," Lex.
I participated in a Casting Your Nets retreat at Newark Valley First Congregational Church, UCC. The folks could NOT have been nicer or more hospitable. Food was excellent, meeting rooms were perfect, and there is a "tunnel" running underground between the dining room and the sanctuary, so we didn't have to get rained on!
I was privileged to help create a worship service with Maren Tirabassi, a creative, wonderful person whose writings are legend, not only in the UCC but all over the nation. We fashioned a blended worship, old favorite hymns combined with contemporary material of mine that had folks clapping along - on the "2 and the 4," no less! Lex was unable to come with me to Binghamton because one of our dear church members died late last week and he is planning the memorial service. June Frew now joins the Cloud of Witnesses who surround our church with love and grace.
As for me, well, I am in full-tilt jazz mode, including FIRE-ENGINE RED PUMPS purchased just for a dress my sister-in-law Laurie Liberatore gave me. The dress has a vintage look and yeah, the curves are all there. Look out, Tranquil, here I come! (If you live in Binghamton and received an email about the show and do not come, I will expect a doctor's note from each of you!!!) Peace to all who enter my website... Amy Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009 BUFFALO: While right-wing pundits used Sept. 11 to mercilessly skewer Pres. Obama (and the Dems started to get wussy on the Public Option... I have phone calls to make, butts to kick and names to take), I was busy playing not one, but TWO venues at CURTAIN UP!
This is the official kickoff of the Fall season on Theater Row in downtown Buffalo. Two sides of Main Street, bisected by train tracks (electric train, I might add, and a thoroughly nice ride). The Irish Classical Theatre was my main bailywick, but I also had the privilege of entertaining the pre-Gala crowd in front of the historic Shea's Theater. Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds in canyons of steel... well, it might as well have been Autumn in New York! Played my little butt off from 5-6 and 10-1, then drove back to Attica.
Mary Kate O'Connell (herself) treated me to the Gala dinner, which was my first time inside that event. Sat with Elaine Todd and Mary Craig, fellow DIVAs (see www.oconnellandcompany.com for the full O'Connell legacy). Later, had to compete for sound with the Marcella's drag show. Hey, I'm down with the queens, but must the VOLUME be as high as the heels? I mean, I'm just sayin'!!
Saw other DIVAs, Mary Mobieus and Sheila Connor (who performs with Alison Pepitone and other bands), plus more I cannot remember at the moment. THANKS to the Erie County Arts Council for inviting me, especially Jerry Burgin, who booked me good and proper, and to both Jerry and Bret, who lent me musical and sound equipment for the evening.
BINGHAMTON: Previous weekend was LABOR DAY, and I played my second Monday at Tranquil - small crowd, but Rob Weinberger and Dave Marsland showed up to provide sax and guitar support, plus my buddy Carol Ackley was persuaded to join me on a soulful version of "Since I Fell For You." (It was mostly Carol - I had forgotten what a velvet voice the girl has. Really lovely to hear her sing again.) She and George Bezushko (AKA Citizen Of The World) brought two friends from Carol's old neighborhood in England. She actually lived near Kate Bush! Next time, maybe George will bring a 12-string?! Whattaya say, George?
Thanks to all who were able to make my birthday (Labor Day) special by coming - and don't worry, check out the home page - I'm n Binghamton for two gigs the last weekend in September, plus Tranquil the final Monday of October. I'm bookin' and cookin'!
MEXICO: Yeah, sounds weird, but I have friends all over. My old buddy Leslie Sahlen (she and I used to perform with the D.J. Lynne Band and with our dear friend, the late, great cult icon Michael Greer, as well as work the Great American Good & Beverage Co in Sta. Monica together) sent me a package of CDs - everything from The Sahlens (Leslie and husband Bobby) to a 60s tribute featuring Chris Montez and some great groups and soloists- this was a benefit to honor the Hurricane Heroes who helped clean up after the devastation of San Carlos in 2003. Check out Leslie and Bobby's website HERE. August 20, 2009 and previous - click HERE
