WHO
IS THE BEST FEMALE SINGER IN AMERICA?
WHO IS THE GREATEST DIVA OF
JAZZ AND CABARET? ASK MAXIMILLIEN DE LAFAYETTE
"Entertainment Divas Cabaret
Jazz Then and Now"; an international best-seller material!
Inga Schuller, Globe Weekly News Staff
writer.
Marlene Verplanck on the cover of the
book.
This is an authoritative book on Jazz and cabaret, but also it is a parade of
the gorgeous women of America! Glamour, style, elegance, drama are part of
this fascinating book!
From left to right: Karmyn Tyler, Cynthia
Basinet, , The Vixen Band.
In his new book Entertainment Divas
Cabaret Jazz Then And Now, Maximillien de Lafayette dissects every known
and unknown genre and facet of Jazz and cabaret. He writes in depth about 13
different kinds of cabaret and 12 genres of Jazz. He walks an extra mile to
describe the criteria of an authentic chanteuse, and what transmutes a singer
into a shining star on world stage. In addition, and with meticulous
observation and authoritative analysis, de Lafayette tells the story of
entertainment from its beginning, and its early days to the 21st century. This
most revealing and comprehensive work encompasses the whole universe of
singers, on and off stage. Although, the author focuses on the historical
development of Jazz and cabaret throughout the centuries, the most
interesting and grasping part of the book is a chapter solely devoted to the
character and psyche of female singers. Another provocative but highly
entertaining part of the book begins on page 45 where de Lafayette furiously
jokes about lack of authenticity and savoire faire of major American stars who
desperately try to imitate Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel.
From left to right: Quinn Lemley, Laurie
Krauz, Jamie deRoy, Caroline Nin.
According to de Lafayette, the problem
arises from the fact that American chanteuses who are very fond of Piaf and
Brel do not bother at all to learn even basic French. And the results are
catastrophic. The author wrote: "Please madam, learn how to pronounce "E" in
French. "E" is pronounced "EU", not EH or EE!" He continues" if you are not a
French-born singer, and you want to sing in French, please observe the
following: 1-Perfect your French accent. Bad pronunciation of intimate and
romantic French words will kill your cabaret act; 2-Avoid cliché and
over-exposed, over-used, over-consumed French cabaret songs like "La Vie En
Rose"; 3-Learn new French songs from the old Parisian repertoire, songs like
"Tout Fout L'Camp", "La Guingette" by Damia; 4-Never wear boots and extremely
high heels on stage, and so on...However, he admits that many American Cabaret
Divas in New York and Los Angeles are as good as their French counterparts, if
not better in some instances, especially when they improvise and take the
liberty of adding a glitzy and sensual American touch to half-dead French
songs. Female singers and personalities of the world of American entertainment
who are highly admired by de Lafayette and who were written-up in a glorious
way are: Marlene Verplanck (her elegant photo appeared on the cover of
the book), Janis Mann, Blossom Dearie, Paulette Attie, the stunning singer
and actress Cynthia Basinet, the fabulous Toni Morrell, Linda Ciofalo, Maye
Cavallaro, Lauren Field, Ayelet Rose Gottlieb, Karmyn Tyler (Former Miss
Louisiana) Vixen, Laurie Krauz, Patti Wicks, Caroline Nin, Jamie deRoy, Wesla
Whitfield, Raquel Biton, Donna Byrne, Amanda McBroom, to name a few.
The book is large, voluminous and full with
tips, list of resources, almost 5,000 names, CDs reviews, personal histories,
biographies, ratings and categories of artists ranging from the best to the
worst. And for all those who love beauty...they will not be disappointed,
because the huge book glitters with photos of breathtaking and gorgeous women,
noticeably Hilary Kole, Quinn Lemley, Ana Held, Paulette Attie, Caroline
Nin, Claire Martin, and the Vixen girls. And now the 36 million
Dollar question. Who is the best singer in America? De Lafayette uses
diplomacy. He does not say. But Marlene VerPlanck's name appears on the top of
his list.
ONE OF THE WORLD'S 25 MOST POPULAR ITEMS
Entertainment Divas Cabaret Jazz Then And
Now is a monumental undertaking. A most impressive work. A fabulous book.
A product of wisdom, knowledge, expertise and great sense of humour. Just a
few days ago, AmazonUK listed it on their website as one of the world's 25
most popular items, in other words, an international best-seller. It is highly
recommended. Five stars out of five. Buy it.
Paperback: 722 pages. ISBN: 0595408575.
Available in bookstores and online at barnesandnoble.com
