An Interview with Betty Buckley

To start things off, everyone's very excited about your upcoming shows at the Blue Note Jazz Club - what can you tell us about them?

To my mind, the Blue Note is the most prestigious jazz room in New York City. I will be working with my quintet. We finally named our group "Quintessence." I have worked with Billy Drewes, Tony Marino and Todd Reynolds for many years. This is my first time to play with Dan Weiss, a great young drummer - and of course I am celebrating over 16 years with my collaborator and pianist Kenny Werner.

Given the nature of the jazz room, what sort of material can audiences expect versus your normal concerts?

Kenny and I have picked some new songs for me - like "Get Here" by Brenda Russell, "So Many Stars" by Marilyn and Alan Bergman. We're also reapproaching several pieces from classic Broadway shows with some really out there arrangements and of course some fresh takes on several standards. It should be a very dynamic show.

How often do you get back to New York when you're not performing:

I visit New York City now several times a year.

How do you approach performing at what's a new venue for you?

The arrangements are tailored for a jazz quintet and an audience there to listen to fun, innovative and beautiful music.

How big a part of your life is Jazz music?

My earliest musical influences were jazz instrumentalists - I dreamed of an ensemble like this one for many years before I finally found them. I love these guys - there is nothing quite like being a girl singer in the center of the music these guys create.

What's in your ipod/CD player at the moment?

I've been listening to Jill Scott, Kelly Clarkson, Dori Cayami, Led Zepplin and Keith Jarrett. Oh, and Tony Bennett.

Through the years, you've been giving a lot of Song Interpretation classes around the country. What's some of what you help to teach at those classes?

I teach what I've been taught by great teachers and great masters. I have been so fortunate to have studied with some awesome people. For one thing, I teach my students what my teacher for twenty years, Paul Gavert, told me, "The voice follows...the voice follows everything about you...who you are." And I teach meditation as a means for focusing the mind. Good performance is about the capacity to focus and concentrate. I currently study with Joan Lader - who is fantastic.

Who are some performers that you learned from, or that influenced you over the years?

I loved Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse when I was young and was thrilled to meet them and then get to work with Fosse on Broadway in the musical "Pippin." A lot of people have moved me and inspired me. Victoria Mallory's singing (original company of "A Little Night Music") brought me to Paul Gavert. She sang so effortlessly and I wanted to learn how she did that. Rebecca Luker's inspiration ("Showboat") brought me to Joan. I love Patti Cohenour's singing ("Edwin Drood"). I love Michael McDonald and Steely Dan. And of course Keith Jarrett was one of my biggest musical influences.

Many shows that you've appeared in over the years have been brought back in revivals, such as The Threepenny Opera. Do you see or avoid them?

I would love to see them all. I love good theater - and the musical theater especially.

How do you look at the way that Broadway itself has evolved over the years that you've been a part of it?

Broadway has changed tremendously from the early days when the shows were referred to as musical comedies. Musical Theater is now a more expanded art form. Back then, singer/actors were not the norm. From the 60's to now, it is necessary to do it all to be a consummate Broadway performer. These days too, it seems there is a harkening back to simpler forms than the recent era of the spectacle musical.

You've done a lot of work for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, what does that cause mean to you?

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is a cause dear to all our hearts in that so many of our dear ones in our community have died of this plague. So of course it is our pledge to assist our colleagues who are ill and suffering.

Are you interested in coming back to Broadway should the right project come along?

Of course. Just gotta find the right part in the right project. I hope one comes soon...I miss New York City so very much.

Are you more interested in new shows or revivals?

New show or revival - whatever is a fun project with a great creative team. It is only possible to achieve a level of excellence with great collaborators. That's the beauty of the musical theater. It takes so many people to achieve one perfect moment. I have been so fortunate to have played on so many winning teams.

Looking past your Blue Note performances, I see that you're listed as a special guest along with Michael Crawford for the start of the Cerritos Performing Arts Center in California. Will you be performing at all with Michael or separate sets?

I will be performing my own set in the evening with Mr. Crawford. So far, no duets, but what a good idea - he's wonderful.

Betty Buckley and QUINTESSENCE will play twelve shows Tuesday through Sunday (May 30 through June 4) with sets at 8PM and 10:30PM. There is a $40 cover charge at the tables ($10 minimum) and a $30 music charge at the bar (no minimum). The Blue Note is located at 131 West 3rd Street - just off 6th Avenue. Reservations may be made by calling (212) 475-8592 or online at www.bluenote.net.

Lower Right Photo by Scogin Mayo