Readers’ Choice
ERICA SODERHOLM, Syndicated Column (WACJ)
Photo: Barbara Lea
Dear Editor: One of the most
appealing aspects of your journal is the
freedom
you give your readers to freely express their opinion; a noble commodity and
opportunity rarely given to readers. I am very fond of cabaret music. My taste
is eclectic and demanding, meaning the personality of performers should be at
the level of their performance. Great singers are usually great from within.
Their character and personality add to the quality of their performance. We like
artists who are down to earth and humble. I read your magazine with joy and
excitement because it is unbiased and comprehensive in all its news coverage and
feature articles. Having said this, I would like to go one step further if I may
and ask you to grant me the opportunity to express my opinion about a first
class singers who are the personification of excellence in cabaret music. Some
of them are not as famous as Bette Middler and Liza Minelli, however, their
artistic quality and musical resonance match those of the best in the business.
Among those quite and superior divas who are of a first class quality are:
Photo, above: Julie Reyburn
1.
Barbara Lea
who has been highly acclaimed by the media. The New Yorker magazine wrote about
Ms. Lea “Barbara Lea has no superior among popular singers.
www.barbaralea.com
2.
Julie Reyburn,
always creative and
unique on stage. She mixes comedy and drama with a lot of personal warmth. You
did not include her name in the World Who’s Who of Best American Female Singers.
What a shame. You should have. She is dynamite.
3.
Raven Snook.
Terrific, brilliant all the
way. Powerful stage presence and truly funny. I remember one of your articles on
cabaret
clearly explained that cabaret is a continuity of acts of different genres
ranging from stand up coming to juggling, to dancing and singing, including drag
queens acts. Well? Here she is. Raven Snook in person. She did it all. How come
you never wrote about her?
Photo: Raven Snook
I would like to add two more
if I may? You can always throw my letter in the trash if you do not agree with
me but I think you are going to love it.
4. Angela Edwards. You missed Angela too. She was not on your list. What are you doing? Did you get a copy of her recent CD? Out of this world. Honestly, she is something. Write to her. Here is her email address angelaedwards@eudoramail.com. Otherwise listen to her music at her website http://arrow_4.tripod.com/angel/angel.htm.
5.
The
last diva is Susan Carlisle who is an English super duper singer. She
sings in England at the best places and clubs.
Her style is very
rich and classy. She mixes all the great tunes of Dean Martin, Doris Day and
latest trends in modern music. You can reach her at enquiries@spotonentertainment.co.uk
. Gee I hope I did not take too much liberty in doing this. It would mean a lot
to me if you print this. I appreciate what you are doing. Thanks for everything.
6.
Giles Hutherland, Bristol, England
Photo: Angela Edwards