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Interview with Ms Anne Kerry Ford. Cont'd.
Photo:
"Something Wonderful", Ms Kerry Ford recently released CD.
Produced
by Robben Ford & John Boswell,
M.B. Gordy:
percussion, Nico Abondolo: bass, Gianna Abondolo: cello,
Brian
Mann: accordion, Joyce Kelley: oboe, Robben Ford: guitar. John Boswell:
piano and synthesizers. All arrangements by John Boswell.
"Something
Wonderful" is a splendid musical and vocal accomplishment. Ms Kerry Ford was
at her best. With grace and lyricism, she delivered well crafted, elegantly
arranged and superbly sang melodies, ballades and innovative tunes. This CD is
fist class. Two thumbs up."
- Do you really think an
American female artist can project the authentic persona and image of a
traditional French or European Cabaret singer?
AKF: I think that cultural boundaries can be dissolved. Just because
someone like myself grew up American doesn't mean that I am not able to sing
great European songs, if that is what I am most passionate about. There is a
wonderful classical singer, Angelina Reaux, who grew up in Texas (as I did),
and she has been a great interpreter of Kurt Weill's music. I think the main
thing for any singer is to be true to yourself and not try to imitate any
else's style. Sing the music that turns you on and project the image that is
100 per cent authentically YOU.
-What differences do you find between a traditional Parisian cabaret singer
and a contemporary American cabaret singer?
AKF: I think a contemporary American cabaret singer may be more
inclined to sing contemporary songs, but I can't say that for sure. That
doesn't hold true for myself; I am more drawn to music from the thirties and
forties, but I think some of the American cabaret singers feel like those
songs are washed up, too old fashioned, so they sing more current selections.
A traditional Parisian cabaret singer is just singing her guts, not caring if
the song is 100 years old or written yesterday!
-Nowadays, French and Europeans are not looked upon with high esteem in
the United States. Does this unfavorable American reaction toward the French
affect your Cabaret performances and perhaps your future?
AKF: Personally, I think this " ill-regard for the French" is utterly
ridiculous, although I have only read about it; I don't have any friends or
acquaintances that have thought at all unfavorably of the French.
Actually, I am in complete agreement with the French that Mr Bush is making
huge mistakes. (Perhaps I will need to move to France!) And French fries are a
fabulous food! I would never call them "freedom fries"! How silly!
Silly, it is! And this wraps up our interview with Ms Kerry Ford. It was enjoyable. Ms Kerry Ford is certainly on her way to catch the flashing lights and humming headlines of the American entertainment business, sooner than we expect, or at least we hope. Adios! until we meet again in London. Meanwhile pay a visit to Ms Kerry Ford at her website: www.annekerryford.com
Article and Interview by David Nye. London, Monthly Herald, April Issue, 2004
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