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A Dying Breed of Crooners

Submitted by GW, Feb 28, 2008 17:27

I am very sad to read about the closing of Cafe Pierre, just as I was angered when The Carlyle abrupty sacked Barbara Carroll (praise be to the Alqonquin for giving her a stage!). This article reminds us of the depressing trend that has been growing for some time now. I was based in London for a few years and things there are even worse; in fact, London's Pizza on the Park recently decided to end their live music programme, marking the end of a venue that introduced Brits to Steve Ross, Andrea Marcovicci, Joyce Breach and other wonderful artists. The bottom line now reigns supreme, and if a business can save a few dollars by axing the entertainment, they'll do it (or, in the case of Ms Carroll, they will casually dismiss an artist of tremendous stature in what I suspect is an effort to appeal to a "younger" crowd).

In an interview with Whitney Balliett, the great Julie Wilson posed the question of when and where the Great American Songbook would continue to be performed. The closure of cherished venues and careless management's handling of genuine talent makes one dread the answer. The art of cabaret as defined by these artists has always fought for its life - its battles in the 21st Century will be daunting indeed, as corporate ignorance suffocates artistry and passion.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
I am very sad to read about the closing of Cafe Pierre, just as I was angered when The Carlyle...	GW	Feb 28, 2008 17:27
I really enjoyed your December 26, 2007 New York Sun article "A Dying Breed of Crooners", and enjoyed reading the... [MORE]	Bill Kessler	Jan 8, 2008 20:51
I have tried for days to respond to the article "A dying Breed of Crooners", but everytime I do, I... [MORE]	Helen Qualls	Jan 8, 2008 14:50
One of my delights of recent years has been the luxury of dropping into the bar at the Pierre of... [MORE]	David Bowerman (from England)	Jan 1, 2008 07:22
Whenever we came to NYC, Kathleen and The Cafe Pierre were always a vital part of our visits. She will... [MORE]	Barbara Rhinehart	Feb 2, 2008 16:35
Kathleen ...I spotted kathleen at the keys at Peacock Alley in the Waldorf Astoria ...on 2/1... Check the hotel for... [MORE]	Jim	Feb 2, 2008 20:21
There is nothing to say! except..."what a shame" I will miss my idol Kathleen Landis. But , thankfully, I still... [MORE]	Julio C. Cruet	Dec 30, 2007 11:45
My first reaction is that someone has taste to write about the wonderful music Kathleen Landis has brought to New... [MORE]	judy lawne	Dec 29, 2007 19:22
This piece does highlight a larger truth about New York: it is being colonized by a sophist boorish bland suburban... [MORE]	Robert Sacco	Dec 29, 2007 09:26
Mr. Friedwald is a living legend and a fountain of knowledge on the American Songbook, and I appreciate his comments... [MORE]	Tony Procaccini	Dec 28, 2007 21:04
Although I am in my 20's and a New York student, I have come to appreciate the beautiful music of... [MORE]	Indera Singh	Jan 4, 2008 15:15
In addition to Miss Carroll, we very much miss the inimitable Peter Mintun at Bemelmans. Saloonkeepers who think the entire population... [MORE]	Olive Twist	Dec 26, 2007 16:23