ADVICE FROM MOTHER

A QUEEN AND HER CONSORTS

An essay/review by Jared Kenwood

Featuring interviews with Billy Stritch and  Ross Konikoff

After twenty-one years, the legendary Liza Minnelli returned to the Broward Center For The Performing Arts in FT. Lauderdale, Florida on February 16th. This time kicking off a brand new tour called Simply Liza, A show devoted to songs that have been most requested by her fans. It’s an hour and a half of just Liza, and her band of seven, in a very intimate show.  

One could only feel a wave of exhilaration and anticipation sweeping over them as the band played the overture. Then Liza walked out onto the stage, sending the sold-out house into rapturous applause. Dressed in all black, draped with a red scarf around her neck, and looking absolutely stunning, she greeted the audience, “Wow! Hi Guys!” And immediately launched into her opening number, “Teach Me Tonight”. A reminiscence of her Radio City days, despite the voice having changed since, she sounds strong and determined to give it her all. And boy, does she deliver.  

Being the daughter of Hollywood’s greatest director, Vincente Minnelli, and legendary entertainer, Judy Garland, it was only natural that talent would be in Liza’s DNA. Lets not get carried away though because success was something that she had achieved all on her own. For years it has been over emphasized that Liza is the daughter of two famous people, and that paved a way for a show biz career. But for Liza, it only meant that she had to work twice as hard. Minnelli is a star in her own right. In 1965 Liza landed the title role in Flora, The Red Menace, and at 19 years old she was the first young person to win a Tony award for Best Actress in a musical for her performance. Not long after was she releasing albums and performing in nightclubs.  By 1973, Liza Minnelli reached legendary status, receiving an Oscar for the 1972 film Cabaret and later an Emmy Award for her first television concert, Liza with a “Z”. 

Liza then sits down and goes right into her second number, a beautiful medley of “Here I’ll Stay”/ “Our Love Is Hear To Stay”, it’s touching lyrics cause Liza to choke up, “I get emotional,” she admits to the Broward audience, who respond with cheers of empathy. 

“Listen, do you mind if I just keep sitting down?” Liza asks the audience, and explains about her injured foot, a consequence resulting from trying to get a handsome man’s attention at the pool.  Not even an injured foot could keep her from the stage. Having already sacrificed both knees and hips from a lifetime of extensive dance numbers, what’s a sprained ankle? Nothing seems to stop her. 

The next number she performs is a quaint and rather jaunty number, written especially for her by Fred Ebb and John Kander, “Liza with a “Z”.  The song serves as a reminder that its Liza and not Lisa. There is a moment of Minnelli on Minnelli as Liza sings a beautiful song, “What Did I Have That I Don’t Have?” from her Father’s film, On A Clear Day You Can See Forever. As she sings the song, she jokingly throws in her own lyric, “What did I have that I don’t have? ‘Balance’ ” The audience roars with laughter. 
The set-list continues with two Charles Aznavour songs,  “You’ve Let Yourself Go” and “What Makes A Man a Man”. 

Then comes the beautiful ballad, “Maybe This Time” more famously known from the film Cabaret, she is singing it more beautiful then ever. There is a solo behind the voice, while she sings “Everybody, oh they love a winner, so nobody loved me,” Ross Konikoff on trumpet creates the most lovely bit of music to fill in her phrases. “I love playing big, beautiful solos,” says Konikoff, “ always aspiring to play the way Harry James used to, soaring into the sky with his incredible, emotional sound and style, and the fact that Liza lets me do that is reason alone to love her forever.” 

And love her forever is what her fans will continue to do, and so comes the next song, the title song from the film Cabaret where she can only love her fans in return by reassuring them that when she goes, “I’m NOT going like Elsie.” 

Liza then decides to take a break and hands over the mic to another singing talent on the stage. “Ladies and Gentlemen, it should say, the show is ‘Liza Minnelli with Billy Stritch, my wonderful arranger and composer. Wait until you hear this. Oh Billy, I’m crazy about you.”

 Billy Stritch, a talented singer and pianist, croons “No Moon At All”.  Originally recorded in the 1940s by Nat “King” Cole, “No Moon At All” is a perfect song for Stritch’s unique vocals, his ability to scat and play piano. He sings like the singers of the 40s but better and with a modern day twist. 

“It has been in my repertoire for a long time,” says Stritch, explaining why he chose to sing this particular number. “ It’s a great chance for me to scat sing and improvise, and it’s a song that’s not done by many people, so I like doing it.” To hear more from Billy Stritch look for his albums, especially Billy Stritch Sings Mel Torme which is overwhelmingly breathtaking. His talents have no limits. 

The two entertainers, Liza and Billy then come together and perform a beautiful duet of “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” dedicating it anyone who has a birthday in the audience. 

“Singing “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” with Liza is one of my favorite parts of the show,” says Billy, “I think it’s a nice moment in the show, not only for me but for Liza as well. It shows our collaboration and affection onstage and the audience seems to enjoy when we harmonize and sing together. We’re always thinking of new songs to do and perhaps there might be another duet or a different one in the show at some point. People seem to love when Liza sings the old standards and we always get a great response for “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”. 

Billy has been with Liza for almost a quarter of a century. He had been working for nine years prior to that with his vocal group, Montgomery, Plant and Stritch. 

"We had already made a splash in New York,” Says Stritch. “having worked many engagements at the Algonquin Hotel Oak Room as well as concerts at Town Hall and Carnegie Hall, so I had somewhat of a following in New York by then.” Then one night he was playing the piano in a restaurant and in walks Liza Minnelli, who was immediately drawn to him. 

“Liza was beginning rehearsals for her show "Stepping Out At Radio City Music Hall" and she invited me to be part of the creative team, crafting vocal arrangement for her and the twelve women who co-starred in the show. That was the beginning of my collaboration with Liza and the rest as they say is history. I've learned so much from this collaboration and I think Liza would say the same. She's made it possible for me to work all over the world and has certainly promoted me in ways that I never dreamed possible. She is unfailingly generous and kind and it has certainly been the most important professional relationship in my life. Twenty three years and counting....”

Liza continues her show with the song “Ring Them Bells” and three songs from her 2010 album Confessions. Proudly, Liza introduces her Band, “I love them so much and I’ve been with them so long. They are really the best. There’s not a lot them up here but we make quite a sound”.  The gentlemen in her band, dressed in white tuxedos, each play a very crucial role in creating this beautiful show. Some of these men have been with Liza for practically her whole career. Ross Konikoff first started out with Liza back in 1977 as a trumpet player for the Broadway musical The Act. 

“In the summer of 1977 I was called for a Broadway show called The Act, starring Liza Minnelli. I had certainly known of Liza, but until that point I had been primarily a jazz trumpet player.” Konikoff left Berklee College of Music in 1971 and moved to New York City and began performing with Show Bands. In 1973 he toured with Kiss Me Kate and in 1974 No No Nannette. Then from 1975 to 1977, Konikoff joined the Buddy Rich band, being offered the Jazz soloist position.

“The Act was great fun to play, “ Konikoff recalls. “The large orchestra was lined up against the back wall of the stage, all dressed in tuxedos, in full view for the entire show. I was seated next to Jay Leonhart, Liza's first bass player, and Bill Lavorgna, who had already been Liza's drummer for a few years. Liza was a ball to work with every night, looking back at the band or doing something to make us laugh.” 

Konikoff reflects on how he permanently joined Liza’s band, “When they announced the closing, Bill Lavorgna had a little talk with some of us and told us that Liza was taking her night club act on the road and that she wanted twelve of us to go with her to be her permanent band. I loved Liza and I loved traveling, so I accepted happily.” 

The places they traveled to have been all around the world, and it’s been quite an extraordinary journey, one that Ross Konikoff is very proud to be a part of. 

“I love traveling, and with Liza, it has always been absolutely first class. Nobody is more loving and respectful to her musicians than Liza. She let's me stand up and play my heart out on a few tunes and that makes me very happy. Then of course, playing for her as she sings has always been exciting and rewarding. We make music history every night. Who could ask for more? I am 50 times the trumpet player I might have been had I not met Liza and played in front of millions of people over these past 35 years.” 

In the 70s Konikoff had the privilege of being Liza’s dancing partner in a number “Everybody Gets The Blues”. “I was scared to death. I had never danced anything with anybody prior to that routine. Fred Ebb told me I could do it, and that he would make me a star! Everybody Gets The Blues started with me playing some soulful, bluesy licks all alone, indicating that I was feeling very sad. Then Liza turned around and asked me what was wrong. We had a little back and forth, then I walked down next to her and she sang as we danced this routine. I played at her, she sang at me and by the end I was all cheered up and ran back to my chair.” 

Simply Liza draws to a close with Liza singing her two highly anticipated songs “But The World Goes Round” and of course,  “New York, New York.” She then encores with an emotional rendition of, “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye”, leaving the audience wanting more. There is simply no other performer like Liza Minnelli. 

For those who missed this One-night only performance at the Broward Center, perhaps in the near future Liza Minnelli will bring her Simply Liza show back to South Florida. The Broward show was most certainly a success. 

“I love Florida,” says Konikoff, “Getting my life batteries recharged by that beautiful, pure sunlight is the best thing there is to keep one alive and healthy. Any time I have the opportunity to go to Florida, I am thrilled. In addition, the Broward Center theater is a fantastic place to perform. The whole group looks forward to performing there at every opportunity.” 

Liza Minnelli and Jared Kenwood

Special Thanks to Ross Konikoff and Billy Stritch for allowing me an unforgettable interview. I want to also thank Daniel at The Judy Garland Experience and Steve Rothaus for helping me to share my story. This article is dedicated to my Grandmother, Beverly Yablonka who passed away a few days prior to the concert. I’ll love you forever. 

Liza Minnelli knows there isn't anything quite like a hug from your mom...

THE JUDY AND LIZA DUETS

NEW AUDIO FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP for the week of may 12, 2013

Homepage by Robin D'Amato

Here is a rundown of the new files posted over at the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience.

To access the files click HERE

A JUDY MOMENT

Judy sparkles in Las Vegas

DUET OF THE WEEK

For Mother's Day, a touching mother-daughter duet from Judy Garland and Lorna Luft.

ENCORE

In a rare live performance recording, Ruth Brown tells Mama all about it.

I REMEMBER MAMA

Joe Luft and Liza Minnelli share their memories of Judy Garland on Mike Wallace's At Large program, 1976.

JUDY BEING A MOM

Without batting an eye or missing a beat, Judy Garland shifts focus with ease when a young Lorna lift interrupts a radio broadcast. Nightline, April 30, 1957.

JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT

World premiere of a newly found version of Judy's Back Bay concert, recorded in Boston on May 24, 1968. This is a much clearer recording than the commonly known version. Judy's voice seems to be more in the forefront as well. Sadly the batteries ran out and the last few songs were not recorded. But what a treat to hear what we can!

LADY ESTHER BLODGETT THEATER

Presents BETTE DAVIS, and members of the original cast, in the radio adaptation of 

THE LITTLE FOXES.

MARCH 7, 1951

Here is the rarely heard original broadcast of Bing Crosby's radio show from this date, with extra special guest star, Judy Garland.

MAY 5, 1938

The Good News program starring Judy Garland, Clark Gable Fanny Brice, and many more. Judy's performance of How Deep Is The Ocean is dedicated to mothers everywhere.

SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL

Aretha Franklin meets Johnny Mercer on early 60's television.

WHERE JUDY PLAYED

Abbey Lincoln at Lincoln Center, 2005.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

TINA NINA AND LIZA MINNELLI COME OUT FOR BAB'S

Liza Minnelli brought her youngest sister, Tina Nina Minnelli, to walk the red carpet with her at the recent Chaplin Award Gala honoring Barbra Streisand.

NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP for the week of march 24, 2013

Homepage by Robin D'Amato

Here is a rundown of the new audio files posted to the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience. To access the files click HERE.

A JUDY MOMENT

This week our AJM is dedicated with care, concern, and respect to the talented and inspirational Lorna Luft. May she have a speedy and complication free recovery!

A MOMENT IN TIME

Sid Luft appears on the At Large program, 1974.

ALL STAR SHOW AT THE PALLADIUM

Judy Garland, Mario Lanza, Gracie Fields, Max Bygraves and a host of others in a BBC broadcast of a Royal Command Performance at the Palladium, November 18, 1957.

AUDIO UPGRADE

Judy Garland's set from the November, 1968 Harold Arlen tribute at Lincoln Center. These files come directly from the original reel to reel mini tapes used to record the performance.

DUET OF THE WEEK

Judy gets the low down on Zina Bethune

ENCORE

Judy's last ever performance of this Gershwin classic?

MAXWELL HOUSE PRESENTS

Good news Of 1938. originally broadcast November 14, 1938. Starring Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, and more stars than there are in the heavens.

SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL

Lorna Luft, excerpts from the "morning" concert. Lorna is captured at a rare A.M. concert in West Palm Beach, March 20, 2013.

WHERE JUDY PLAYED

Liza Minnelli visits Jack Paar in 1972. Jack gets Liza to open up about Judy and prompts her into singing a stunning version of Shine On Harvest Moon, accompanied by a solo piano. And just like her mother did on the same program, Liza name drops Jeannette Spanier. Also heard are Peggy Cass and Desi Arnaz Jr.

NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP for the week of march 17, 2013

Homepage by Allen Morris

Here is the rundown of the new audio files posted to the Yahoo version of

The Judy Garland Experience.

To access the files click HERE

	A JUDY MOMENT
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
	A MOMENT IN TIME
Joe Luft appears on the At Large program, 1974.
	AUDIO UPGRADE
Thanks to this sound upgraded recording, we can now actually HEAR Judy bring down the house with Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart and out croon Sinatra on Embraceable You when she perfumed on Sinatra's Vimm's Vitamins sponsored radio program. Also heard are Jerry Lester Joe Pasternak, Walter Pidgeon, and George Sidney. Originally broadcast on May 24, 1944.
	DOUBLE TAKE
Somebody recently donated an upgraded copy of the bootleg recording of Judy's 1967 Palace opening night to TJGE library and it struck me that the bootleg reveals a richness and body to Judy's singing voice that is missing from the professional recording of the concert. Here are two versions of I Feel A Song Coming On, both recorded at the same time and in the same venue, but dang if they don't have completely different feels.
	DUET OF THE WEEK
Annie Ross and Jon Hendricks casually reunite.
	ENCORE
Mark Murphy is looking behind him for his future.
	JUDY AND KUP '65
Judy Garland's first appearance on legendary Chicago newsman Irv Kupcinet's television program, Kup's Show.
	JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT
Per a request, Judy Garland live at Chicago's Arie Crown Theater. May, 1965.
	JUDY GIVES BACK 1940
Judy sings and makes a plea for social service programs that benefit the community. Today she would probably be accused of trying to promote socialism and entitlements....I love how Judy is introduced as "Academy Award winner..."
	RADIO DAYS
Judy Garland is the special guest star on NBC's Chase & Sanborn Hour, hosted by Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. Also featuring Abbot And Costello, and Ray Noble. Originally broadcast on May 3, 1942.
	SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL
Chet Baker, the 1965 "big band" vocalist sides.
	WARNER BROTHERS RADIO SPOTS
Vintage radio commercials for A Star Is Born and Gay Puree. The Gay Puree commercial hasn't been heard in 50 years!
	WHERE JUDY PLAYED
Liza Minnelli in a Vincente Minnelli film. Liza sings highlights from the Nina/A Matter Of Time soundtrack.

Rundown Of New Files Posted To The Yahoo Group for the week of february 24, 2013

Homepage by Allen Morris

Here is the rundown of the new audio files posted to the Yahoo version of 

The Judy Garland Experience

To access the files click HERE.

A JUDY MOMENT

Love's Sweet Song. Judy appears on Silver Theatre and performs a song co-written by her and David Rose. Also heard is a brief bit of a scene starring Judy in a storyline she supplied to the producers. 1941.

A MOMENT IN TIME

Peggy Lee at the 1973 Academy Awards. Barbra Streisand was first asked to sing TWWW at the function but declined, so producers turned to Peggy Lee. Streisand then changed her mind but producers refused to bump Miss Peggy Lee. Stresand ended up sitting in the audience with Liza Minnelli while Lee performed.

COMMAND PERFORMANCE

Hosted by William Powell and starring Judy Garland, Gene Autry, Martha Tilton, George Jessel, and others. Originally broadcast on June 18, 1942.

DUET OF THE WEEK

Liza's back and Tony's got her!

ENCORE

Judy Garland sings her Academy Award winning theme song.

I REMEMBER JUDY

Sid Luft is interviewed by Tom Snyder, 1986.

JUDY AT THE ACADEMY AWARDS

Three appearances at the Oscars, 1940-1965.

JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT

Judy Garland and friends live at the Hollywood Bowl, July 20, 1946. An all star salute to Jeroeme Kern hosted by Robert Walker.. Judy doesn't only sing her scheduled songs, but the numbers originally planned and rehearsed for an indisposed Lena Horne. Other performers include Frank Sinatra and Kathryn Grayson.

LADY ESTHER BLODGETT THEATER

JUDY GARLAND in MORNING GLORY. Also starring John Payne and Aldolphe Menjou. Originally broadcast on October 12, 1942.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK!

It's Anita O'Day at Fat Tuesday's!

RADIO DAYS

Radio performances of songs Judy never made commercial recordings of. Part 1.

REQUESTS AND RARITIES

Liza and Sammy join up for one of Judy's all time classics.

SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL

Billie Holiday live at the Uptown House, 1941.

WHERE JUDY PLAYED

Liza at the Palladium, 1972. Royal Variety Show performance.

Homepage by Buzz Stephens and Robin D'Amato

NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP for the week of February 3, 2013

Homepage by Allen Morris

Here is a rundown of the new audio files posted to the 

Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience.

To access the files click HERE.

A JUDY MOMENT

Accompanied by Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra, Judy Garland sings her theme song. August 13, 1944.

A MOMENT IN TIME

Michael Jackson declares his innocence the first time around, 1993.

DOUBLE TAKE

Judy tackles a Billy Rose classic in two different settings. First on television, and then in a more casual atmosphere. Joining Judy on the informal recording are Kay Thompson and Liza Minnelli. Kay takes the lead while Judy and Liza make like the Williams Brothers. The trio proceed to build the song to a level of excitement that is roof raising! An amazing rarity making it's public debut here and on our Youtube channel.

DUET OF THE WEEK

Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli with a rare duet of "their" song.

ENCORE

Lorna Luft schools Oakland on vaudeville, talent, and longevity.

FLOUNDER'S FOLLY

From 1963, Dinah Washington's final appearance on television.

JUDY AND FRANK PABST REDUX

Just in case you missed it, here once again is that miraculously upgraded and expanded version of Judy and Sinatra filling in for Danny Kaye on October 5, 1945.

JUDY AND THE BOYS 1962

I know this is yet another recent posting of Judy's 1962 television special, but folks these upgrades keep getting better and better. And this network feed version is the best one yet! Judy Garland with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Also featuring Dick Stark direct from New York. Includes original network commercials.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK

It's Lorna Luft! More never before heard recordings of Lorna and company performing at The Grand Finale on October 21, 1978.

PROMO RECORDINGS

Here, making their FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE IN 50 YEARS, are three radio promo spots for Gay Puree (we'll bring you another batch of these radio spots next month).

REQUESTS AND RARITIES

Anything and everything

SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL

Be a fly on the wall as Liza and her trio work out some head arrangements on a selection of Jazz standards and a beloved Barbra Streisand song. Circa mid seventies.

WHERE JUDY PLAYED

Another recording making it's internet debut is Liza Minnelli's appearance at a fundraiser for the Tappen Zee Playhouse. Recorded at Carnegie Hall on April 25, 1982. Liza sings an eclectic bunch of movie songs, and gives a nod to one of Broadway's all time classics.

RARE FOOTAGE OF JUDY GARLAND AT THE PALACE 1967 (SILENT)

FAMILY PHOTO MONTAGE

This video was made by Lorna and Joe Luft's former nanny, Anita Ortengren.

NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP (for the week of November 11, 2012)

 

 Homepage by Robin D'Amato

                                  Here is the rundown of this week's new files posted to 

the Yahoo version of  The Judy Garland Experience™.

To access the files click HERE.

A JUDY MOMENT

The heart of a woman.

DUET OF THE WEEK

Charles Brown get s a little flirtatious with Etta Jones in this playful romp 

through one of Judy Garland's early Decca hits.

ENCORE

Judy Garland tears a page out of her father's songbook, folds it up, 

puts it in her pocket, and takes it home.

ENCORE 2

In Memorium

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS

Judy Garland host's the Merv Griffin show, December 23, 1968. Featuring Judy's sidekick, Arthur Treacher, and guests Margaret Hamilton, Moms Mabley, Van Johnson, Rex Reed, and The Ohio Express.

JUDY IN CONCERT

Per a request, here is Judy Garland's May 7, 1965 concert 

at Chicago's Arie Crown Theatre.

LIVE FROM NEW YORK!

Featuring a double bill of Frances Faye and Lorna Luft. Frances is heard with a complete set recorded at NYC's Cameo Room in 1956, and Lorna is heard via a recording of her October 21, 1978 engagement at the city's Grand Finale night club. Unfortunately due to time constraints we can only present two of Lorna's songs here (but no worries, Luft's act, in its entirety, will be posted in the not too distant future.).

LYONS LION 1967

INTERNET DEBUT. From September, 1967, The Herb Lyons show with Myron Cohen, Ruth Roman, Don DeFore, Howard Keel, and Miss Judy Garland. Judy appears on tape to promote her show at the Civic Opera House. Is it me, or does Herb Lyons directness with his questions seem a bit rude at times?

REQUESTS AND RARITIES

Everything but the kitchen sink.

SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL

A few moments with Frankie Laine.

WHERE JUDY PLAYED

Liza Minnelli at Carnegie Hall, 1979.