Dave Dreyer

For her 4th CD release, vocalist/violinist Calabria Foti wanted to do an album like her vocal heroes did back in the day; that is, with a big orchestra and legendary arrangers on the podium in an iconic Hollywood recording studio. Ms. Foti says, “This is the most expansive project I have ever done, and at the same time, it's the most intimate and personal. I recorded at Capitol Records with a full orchestra, singing some of the most endearing, sentimental songs ever written, all for my loved ones. This album is a full-production tear-jerker!”

In conjunction with the Peggy Lee Estate, Capitol/UMe will release Is That All There Is? 50th anniversary digital-only edition on November 15. The remastered edition features three previously unreleased tracks: a remixed version and alternate take of the title track, and an alternate version of “Me and My Shadow.”  A full track list is below.

Lauren Stanford (who won the MetroStar Singing Competition at the Metropolitan Room in 2013) has convincingly done herself up to look like the legendary Helen Morgan in her new show, More Than You Know, which she introduced at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in late October and brought to 54 Below this past Friday night. Stanford's presentation is 2/3 singing and 1/3 biography. Research is evident; specific adds color. The use of framed photographs and several conjectured telephone calls is effective (the actress listens). Vocals don't emulate Morgan's controlled vibrato, but Stanford has sufficient musical feel for the period to make mimicry unnecessary. Her uneven contralto can add feeling to a song rather than diminishing it. There are, however, other issues.

Kimberly Faye Greenberg, again playing the legendary Fanny Brice, released FABULOUS FANNY: THE SONGS & STORIES OF FANNY BRICE last summer. With deft skill, she brings Fanny Brice back to life on the recording, allowing modern audiences a chance to enjoy a taste of the woman who inspired the hit musical FUNNY GIRL.

'The Leading Men IV,' a benefit concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, was held Monday, May 11, at 7pm at Birdland, 315 W. 44th St. As part of the long-running Broadway at Birdland series, it featured top singers from Broadway and cabaret. John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, Shrek The Musical) once again hosted, and Emmy-nominated writer, host and comic Seth Rudetsky returned as musical director, along with director Alan Muraoka (NAATCO's Falsettoland).

Ghostlight Records will release six bonus tracks from Patti LuPone's CD 'The Lady with the Torch,' available beginning Tuesday, November 21 on iTunes and other digital media

Patti LuPone's latest solo CD, The Lady with the Torch, will be released by Ghostlight Records in April