Posted by Anya @ 11/15/2002 01:00 AM PST

Oh my but we are all up so early. It makes the weekend come more quickly.
If I could change anything in my life.....hmmm....I think there are some people I would have been nicer to - and others I wouldn't have been AS nice to. 8-D

I too enjoy Michel Legrand. There is a song in The Young Girls of Rochefort - I will have to find my LP to get the name right!

Chat on Sunday!!

Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/15/2002 02:30 AM PST

I've heard and enjoyed quite a bit of Michel Legrand music, but I have to admit that I just really enjoy the songs from "Yentl" (yes, the Barbra Streisand movie). I don't know why I like it as much as I do, I just do.

What is the one thing in my life that I would change for the better if I could (assuming that the generic "financial status" isn't an option)? I would like to be able to get out of situations (that I willingly get myself into in the first place) before I get to the point of thinking "Why the %$*! didn't I quit a long time ago?" I have a tendency to get involved in projects or activities that are fun (to begin with), but long after they get boring, I continue. For some reason I feel obigated to stay on just because everyone else still loves it. It's a curse.

Fortunately, this isn't the case with everything that I get involved with, it's just that it happens more often than not.

Posted by George @ 11/15/2002 02:52 AM PST

Guess I'm not the only Early Bird!
Actually in my case -- the Insomnia Bird!

Posted by Angela D. @ 11/15/2002 03:42 AM PST

I didn't post yesterday, mainly because while I have a story to tell about mysisterthebitch, I'm not sure how to tell it. However, today's question skews nicely with yesterdays, which should give a nice hint about that untold story.

I wish I had an older brother. I'm not sure if that translates as "I wish I had an older brother, instead of mysisterthebitch," or "I wish I had an older brother, with mysisterthebitch sandwiched in the middle." But it sure would have been great to have had an older brother.

As for favorite Michel Legrand song, what I'm partial to is his score for "Picasso Summer." Yeah, that obscure thing included on the LP supposedly for "Summer of '42," but most of the LP was for this other film. Wonderful music, evocative and mystifying. I didn't get to see the film until years later (hardly anyone saw it, due to a terrible release, as I recall), but it was such a great score.

I will tell the story of mysisterthebitch someday. Promise.

Posted by S. Woody White @ 11/15/2002 04:37 AM PST

"Watch What Happens", hauntingly beautiful melody.

I also love the very end of Les Parapluies de Cherbourg at the gas station in the snow, where the angelic voices are vocalizing the "I will wait for you" theme and they each go home to their respective spouses. Beautiful irony.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 11/15/2002 04:48 AM PST

Although I only heard it once, the opening of AMOUR with it's sung sounds (as opposed to words) is an instant favorite. I also love the entire scores for "Umbrellas" and "Young Girls". His American work for movies and Ms. Striesand is nice too but can't compare with what he wrote for those French films and play.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 11/15/2002 06:00 AM PST

Fargo, Water, Dawn (that is three wells) Today's heading is called "Whatnot" and I will tell you what is not. Not is exactly what you will find if you are to try and read Miss Donna's interview today. That's right dear readers - it's NOT there. It WILL be there later this evening and I shall post when it is so we may all do a jig of joy.

As for having a Legrand time with Michel - my guilty pleasure is the songs of Yentl...

Posted by Craig @ 11/15/2002 06:22 AM PST

Michel Legrand favorites:
"What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" from "Happy Ending";
"Summer Me, Winter Me" from Mr. White's favorite, "Picasso Summer";
"The Summer of '42" from the same-named motion picture; and
"Papa Can You Hear Me" from "Yentl".

Posted by steveg @ 11/15/2002 06:46 AM PST

My life is actually pretty damn wonderful, with the exception I could use more cash.

But who among us couldn't?

Favorite Legrand song: "You Must Believe in Spring" especially as sung by Dame Cleo Laine.

Posted by Philip Crosby @ 11/15/2002 06:53 AM PST

I'll go along with "Picasso Summer." There are parts of that just send me. I'm still a fan of "Summer of '42" also. And since we were discussing it a few weeks ago, "Pieces of Dreams" would have to be included.

As far as changing something in my life, hair. I wish I still had all my hair. If you're looking for someting deeper than that, I'm not sure. Maybe listen to instincts better.

Posted by Kerry @ 11/15/2002 06:59 AM PST

We did a revue in the Musical Theatre class I co-teach in San Mateo last year (High School) and we highlighted "French" people, namely Michel Legrand and Jaques Brel, while I love Jaques Brel, it gave me time to fall in love with Michel Legrand. One of my favorite's is "On My Way To You", which Ms. Maureen McGovern sings on one of her CD's, it's great. I also like "The Windmills of My Mind". It was a great revue finsihing with "If We Only Had Love". Have a great Friday, or a Freaky Friday.

Posted by Matthew @ 11/15/2002 07:19 AM PST

Legrand favs:

1. The Summer Knows
2. Watch What Happens (I saw Tony Bennett and Lena Horne open their show with this song. Mmmm...yummy!)
3. The Windmills of Your Mind
4. Summer Me, Winter Me (Frank Sinatra does a beautiful version of this song on his Trilogy album)

Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 11/15/2002 07:24 AM PST

I wish I could lose some frigging weight! I need buns (and other areas) of steel.

Legrand is one of those composers who simply cannot write something that is not a classic (my, that was convoluted). Keeping with my Brasil '66 obsession, I would say my faves include "Watch What Happens" and "Never Say Never Again." However, for those of you who love "Picasso Summer" (count me among them), Bruce's close personal friend, the wonderful late Julius Wechter recorded a rare version of that tune which can be found on a Collector's Choice compilation.

Posted by JMK @ 11/15/2002 07:32 AM PST

Michel Legrand songs: "On My Way to You", and "Watch What Happens" - especially the version sung by the jazz vocal quartet Rare Silk - whatever happened to them? There are a couple other ones I like too, but my still-clouded head/sinus cavity is preventing me from recalling them right now. Ah, well... Oh, BK already made that Sondheim reference.

As for something I'd like to change in my life... I'd like to get to know the people that are close to me a whole lot better - especially my parents. I'm finally truly feeling like a grown-up, and we're just starting to to treat each other as grown-ups as well as still parent and child. Thankfully, I currently have the time and opportunity to do so. Carpe diem.

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 11/15/2002 07:32 AM PST

*yawn* good morning to one
and all.
Just had to add in my vote for
the Yentl stuff, especially Papa
Can You Hear Me. And of
course What Are You Doing
The Rest Of Your Life...brings
back fond memories of high
school jazz choir.
Last night I forgot to post the
one thing I would change if I
could. Many answers to that
question...and most of them
involve going back into the
womb and trying to hang out
there a bit longer this time...but
currently, if I could choose one
thing it would be to no longer
have to deal with stuttering.
Yes Virgina, I've got a stutter,
and a rather nasty one at that.
Oh the joy my life would be if I
could just talk like normal
people...
*sigh*
Off to school I go...

Posted by Anya @ 11/15/2002 08:09 AM PST

If I could change one thing in my life... I'd like to be RICH, FAMOUS, AND POWERFUL. Other than that, it's pretty damn good.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 11/15/2002 09:39 AM PST

Re Michel Legrand - there's very little I DON'T like by him, but I especially love the whole of Les Parapluies de Cherbourg and also the music to The Go-Between. In common with others, I'm also a guilty fan of Yentl, especially The Way He Makes Me Feel.
Other songs - How Do You Keep the Music Playing, and Martina.

Posted by Allan @ 11/15/2002 09:56 AM PST

I'd like to add six zeroes to the dollar amount currently in my savings account!

Oh! What a party would ensue. There would be chunks of special imported cheese, and medallions of pork and lots and lots of cakes and pies and cheesecakes and other delectable whatnots.

Or, I'd settle for perfect health the rest of my life! No allergies, no high blood pressure, not borderline cholesterol issues and absolutely no gaining of unnecessary pounds!

And I'd wish it for all of us, too!

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 11/15/2002 10:54 AM PST

All the LeGrand songs mentioned are ...well...Grand! But my favorite is near the end of The Young Girls of Rochefort and is called Always the Same Refrain.
Perfect in context - and lovely on its own. 8-D

Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/15/2002 11:06 AM PST

What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? No, not the question, but the song by Legrand and the Bergmans, especially as sung by the amazing Sarah Vaughn. Also, a couple of pieces already mentioned, Summer Me, Winter Me and The Windmills of Your Mind. Those are my favorite Legrand works.

Posted by Ben @ 11/15/2002 11:15 AM PST

I can't find the Donna Lynne Champlin interview, an older interview is still there. Can you please post a link?

Posted by Baker's Wife @ 11/15/2002 12:04 PM PST

I especially enjoy the opening number of AMOUR. I thought it was simple and brillant...yes...even simply brilliant.

If I could change something for the better in my life...I would change my financial situation...my relationship situation (or lack thereof--though there is a new possiblity in my life that I *might* go into later...) and I would change my inability to dance. Not too much to ask...right??

Is anyone else horribly disturbed by the large heading on AOL: "'Spectacular' Attack Feared?" Aren't we all scared enough as it is?

Posted by Jason @ 11/15/2002 12:15 PM PST

Mrs. Baker is correct. The Buddy Bregman is still the most recent interview posted as of 3:30 pm NY time (12:30 pm Kimmel time). Does Mr. Bakelor need a bitch slap or because he assumes we are all crazy does he think we won't notice? And when is he posting the picture of the NYC Hainsie/Kimlet party which he has had since the day after it took place?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 11/15/2002 12:27 PM PST

"Pieces Of Dreams", "Never Say Never Again", "Picasso Summer/ Summer of 42" album, "The Sea And The Sand" (Dusty Springfield).
Everthing in my past led to here I guess so no changes for me.

I don't why "Yentl" is a "Guilty" pleasure. It is just a pleasure. Forget the guilt.

Posted by Tom from OZ @ 11/15/2002 12:40 PM PST

Although the songs in "Yentl" are fine --- and done just before Ms. Streisand started over-producing most of her music --- I could never understand a musical co-starring Mandy Patinkin where he didn't sing a note, particularly in the early 80s when he was not so out of control. Was Ms. Streisand so afraid of someone stealing the picture from her? I hated her version of "A Bore Is Starred" but I often wonder what it would have been like if her original choice of leading man (Elvis) agreed to do it.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 11/15/2002 01:08 PM PST

I've received my Collector's DVD Gift Set of "Lord of the Rings" (Fellowship of the Rings) complete with 5 DVDs, a free movie ticket to see "The Two Towers" and a pair of The Lords of Argonath bookens (quite handsome). I'm looking forward to the extra footage (which Peter Jackson rightly refuses to have called a director's cut which is what he said was released to theaters).

The day is waning. Yes, thank goodness the weekend is waxing. it's the one time of the week a waning day has me excited about the next waxing to come about.

I encountered an askancierge when I went out to buy my lunch today. She was a middle-aged women who viewed me askance for half a block until I passed her by. I would have asked her if she got her eyes full, I would have, had I not reasoned that someone so askew in personal attire would not be someone who could insult me by looking askance. I felt rather sorry for her askewensemble and, possibly, a mild derangement. She's somebody's daughter and granddaughter and hopefully someone is watching over her.

Now I've done it! I've gotten all misty about an askancierge. is there no one I can be leery of without feeling sorry for them? Wait a minute. Yes. Yes, there is. : )

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 11/15/2002 01:26 PM PST

There will be NO bitch-slapping of Mr. Mark Bakalor! Especially since I have already posted first thing today that I am the one responsible! I have been out of town and got back in the wee hours of the morning and will have the interview up later tonight. I will post a link when it is up.

Send all bitch-slaps to me...

Posted by Craig @ 11/15/2002 01:37 PM PST

I suspect there will be a fair number of dear readers who will take great amusement from this item from the Advocate web-site:

http://www.advocate.com/html/stories/876/876_showtunes.asp

Posted by Jay @ 11/15/2002 01:54 PM PST

My favorite Michel Legrand song is "Pieces of Dreams"--but my all-time favorite Michel Legrand recording is Sarah Vaughan's album of his music. The word "luscious" applies. If you love Sassy and/or LeGrand, you won't be disappointed.

But I'm disappointed, for it appears I may have to miss the chat yet again. It's closing night of the Bolshoi. I'm looking forward to next sleep when I can reintroduce myself to the concepts of sleep and hot food (not necessarily simultaneously).

Posted by Pam @ 11/15/2002 01:57 PM PST

Oops! I meant next WEEK of course. (Does the sleep/food deprivation show?)

I guess that's what the Unseemly Preview button is for....

Posted by Pam @ 11/15/2002 01:59 PM PST

As soon as I read the topic of
Michel Legrand songs, I
instantly started singing
What Are You Doing the
Rest of Your Life. Just a
hauntingly beautiful song. I
will join the others in saying
that there are really very few
Legrand songs I don't find
simply wonderful. I've only
seen Umbrellas of
Cherbourg once and
greatly enjoyed it, but sadly it is
not to be found in this
fershluganah town of mine to
see again, so some day when
finances allow I will have to
add it to my collection. For the
same reason of my
fershluganah town, I have still
yet to see Young Girls of
Rochefort. Shameful, I
know.

Posted by Jed @ 11/15/2002 02:49 PM PST

"Summer Me, Winter Me"
"Pieces of Dreams"
"You Must Believe in Spring"
"Penny by Penny"
"Where is it Written?"
"A Piece of Sky"
(I'd add "Papa, Can You Hear Me?," but thinking about it reminds me of the filming, which looks more like the flame that threatened to burn Babs; much like the original theatrical poster of "The Rose," the one that looks like Audrey 2 is attacking Bette Midler).
"Watch What Happens"
"What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?"
"The Windmills of Your Mind"
"Theme from "Summer of '42'"

I, too, wanna be rich, famous and powerful.

Posted by td @ 11/15/2002 03:02 PM PST

This is totally off the subject... but I was visiting that "name we don't mention here" website today and in the newest round of notes... there is something curiously wrong about them, having to do with BK's recording "After the Fair", someone is taking credit for someone elses hard work. Check it out, you know the URL. Have a great day.

Posted by Matthew @ 11/15/2002 03:14 PM PST

Jay, I read the article. What a hoot. Well, I say to them all, I love show tunes! Say it loud, I love show tunes and I'm proud! I'm also a fig. For those of you scratching your head about the fig, you might wander back into the archives and give a read to the notes of September 16, 2002 (09/12/200) and you'll be filled in. "The weekend, you're both coming to me for the weekend" (a Blitztein reference, obscure though it might be). I have little to do this weekend other than visit the Target Boat docked at Chelsea Piers. Then we have a birthday party for a friend turning 40 and then chat on Sunday. Looks like a good time for me.

Posted by Ben @ 11/15/2002 03:25 PM PST

Jed---
Both "Umbrellas" and "Youing Girls" are available on VHS and DVD. If you can't find them in your town, try Amazon or some otherr website.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 11/15/2002 03:26 PM PST

Matthew---
I just checked that website and all it said was NAME OF LABEL worked with Jennifer on "AFTER THE FAIR" which is technically true even though the people there now were not the actual ones that worked with her. BK does get credit as producer when you search the title.

I hardly go there any more but was interested to note that the Brent Barrett sings AJL has still not been released. I beileve I posted on this here site at the time the original release date was announced don't place any bets on it actually coming out that date. It's only two months late!

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 11/15/2002 03:35 PM PST

What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life?
The Windmills of Your Mind
The Summer of '42 (The Summer Knows)
Summer Me, Winter Me

I believe all the lyrics are by the Bergmans. Who have written some of their best material with Legrand, Marvin Hamlisch and Johnny Mandel

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/15/2002 03:35 PM PST

Favorite Michel LeGrand song:

"Shortnin' Bread"
(Nelson Eddy version)

Posted by mark rothman @ 11/15/2002 03:35 PM PST

Don't know if anyone wants to comment on this one.

Got a catalogue in the mail today from FA. (That label) Interesting to point out that Guy Haines album is listed, but not available on FA's website. also interesting Michelle Nicastro's On My Own, The Stephen Sondheim Album, Forbidden Hollywood, Paul Simon Album, Beyond Therapy and Radio Gals are on the site but not in the catalog.

And missing from both places are Sally Mayes' Our Private World the only BK produced vocalist album not available!

Also, but not sure if BK chose the following titles to carry over, are also MIA: Bed Sofa, Das Barbeque, I Love You, Your Pefectnow Change, The Irish and How They Got that Way, Radio Gals, R & H A Grand Night For Singing, She Loves Me.

Little Me is out of stock!!

Also the address is a PO Box in Montrose, NY! I though FA was in Los Angeles!!!

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/15/2002 03:48 PM PST

Michael---
They moved to NY after BK "left". That now means New Yorkers have to pay tax on their crap (which I will never order again if I can get the few titles I want like BB sings AJL at Footlight).

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 11/15/2002 04:01 PM PST

Announcement:

Donna Lynne Champlin's unseemly interview is now up. I have to admit (although I am biased) this is one of the best interviews. Lots of dirt, funny stories, etc from an amazing talent. When you see the interview, you will, no doubt, understand why it took a little longer than usual to format...

Enjoy..

Posted by Craig @ 11/15/2002 04:10 PM PST

Just learned that Eddie Bracken has passed away.. very sad - I always found him a delight in whatever I saw him in...

Posted by Craig @ 11/15/2002 04:13 PM PST

Technically speaking, FA did not work with Miss Piech on After the Fair - Varese Sarabande did.

Posted by bk @ 11/15/2002 04:26 PM PST

"This plum is too ripe!"

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 11/15/2002 04:36 PM PST

I sure know that LITTLE ME is
out of stock !
I ordered it; they charged for it,
just to tell me a few days later
they were OUT of that title...

Will get it soon from another
RELIABLE provider !!!

Did you check "their" NOW,
SOON, LATER section ????
Brent Barrett AJL cd is NOW
!!!!!!! Yes, NOW !!!! While we
still have to wait for it, after SO
MANY WEEKS !!

I emailed them about the
LansDbury typo, and someone
nice wrote back that the
mistake was going to be
corrected "right away". "it's
human to make mistakes".... I
guess that site is TRES
human, then...
Well, the typo is still there,
NOW !!!... for all to see, and ,
yes, even Angela !
It might be another Angela
they're talking about.....
Who knows ?

What are you doing the rest of
your life ?
Oh, it's NOT a question,
though it was my last week's
question to BK, who gloriously
ignored it -- i know it didn't call
for an answer !! -- BUT it's --
IT'S is for IT IS; that's for
people working the other
site-that-should-not-be-named
!! -- it's one of my favorites
Michel Legrand songs.

Another one is "A Paris Quand
On S'Aime" which he recorded
with Nana Mouscouri, many
years ago, and "Paris Violons",
with a very soaring
melody.........

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 05:00 PM PST

I wish I had Michael Jackson's nose.

Posted by Tycho Brahe @ 11/15/2002 05:02 PM PST

GREAT INTERVIEW!!!! Applause and applesauce all around!

Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/15/2002 05:06 PM PST

Ah! Paris. It is a Francois day.(At Last). Nightingale in Berkeley Square! I thought it was Maschwitz/Sherwin.
I get to get correct myself. Legrand song mentioned earlier should be "Sea and Sky".

Posted by Tom from OZ @ 11/15/2002 06:04 PM PST

Thank you so much, BK, for a
great interview !

That Donna girl sure is a witty,
passionate, oh so articulate,
lively, spunky; -- please, stop
me -- person !

I do regret not being in NYC
cause I would love to see
Hollywood Arms, yessiree!

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 06:32 PM PST

Ah, Tycho...you CAN have Michael Jackson's nose. It's the Diana Ross model!

Anyone remember when he was doing all his surgery and he and Ross appeared on stage together and, except for her being in a dress, you couldn't tell a difference between them?

Michael appears, now, to have had his eyebrows tattooed onto his face...as well as the eye lining on both eyes.

What a travesty he has made of himself.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 11/15/2002 06:33 PM PST

Michael who ?

Michael Minnelli ?

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 06:58 PM PST

"We're going in !"

Michael J. as Captain Eo !

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 07:00 PM PST

"You find me... beautiful ?"

Anjelica Houston's character
in same 3d movie !

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 07:02 PM PST

"Where is everybody ?"

Me, lost in cyberspace !!

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 07:05 PM PST

Ron,

You could tell them apart when
"the dress" stood and
watched the other one....
DANCe and grab his "things".

Hey, who said this was a
"family" site anyway ???

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 07:12 PM PST

BK asked if Donna Lynne Champlin did any films and she said

"Well, I did a day player part in a certain Stephen King movie that shall remain nameless.."

My curiosity got the best of me so I looked it up.........

Donna Lynne Champlin was in Stephen King's The Dark Half.

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/15/2002 07:12 PM PST

"I'm Still Here".

Posted by Tom Guest (from OZ) @ 11/15/2002 07:48 PM PST

Can't believe Maureen
McGovern's my age !!

She sure doesn't look it !

Anybody saw her in Dear
World this past summer at
Sundance ?

Michael !!

The lady said " that shall
remain nameless" and you put
the name to it !!
That's not elegant !
Of all the great stuff she talks
about, that's the one thing that
triggered your curiosity ?

Thank God she did not
mention the nude spreads
she did for Penthouse !!

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 08:08 PM PST

The hotel guests must be quiet and undemanding this evening n'est pas?

Posted by Tom from OZ @ 11/15/2002 08:12 PM PST

Fellow Dear Readers.

Judge four yourselves and
READ Donna Lynne Chaplin's
interview !

There's MUCH more than the
Stephen King's work, of which
she doesn't talk about !

Good grief, Charlie Brown !
Come on, Snoopy ! Let's go
and see Luckie !

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 08:14 PM PST

Tom,

It's 5:15 am, and they -- the
guests -- all seem to be
sleeping like logs........ while
they ALL should be reading
Miss Chaplin's interview,
IMO!..... and that's why I can
come and bother you all on
this site !
There !

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 08:17 PM PST

Judge four or five or six, but
MAINLY judga FOR
yourselves..........

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 08:18 PM PST

To Francois.

Well as Steve Martin said in dubbed French

Excuse Moi!

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/15/2002 09:16 PM PST

No arm done.... and I'm sure
Donna would excuse you too.

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 09:42 PM PST

No arm... no leg either !!

sorry.... almost 7:00 am here
and I'm a little sleepy.

Posted by François @ 11/15/2002 09:43 PM PST

Francois:

If you were from Quebec you would say no 'arm done. Quebec Francais is the English Cockney of French :-)

Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/15/2002 10:25 PM PST

Come ON BK! It's 9:30 a.m. Arizona time, and I'm waiting for the sparkling answers to our excellent questions! This waiting is heinous (heinous, do you hear?)

Posted by Sandra @ 11/16/2002 08:29 AM PST

Still waiting. I am so bored that I may have to do something desperate for attention.

Posted by Sandra @ 11/16/2002 09:16 AM PST