Songs that make the whole world sing
So what if there actually was a great American songbook? What would be in it? Chord charts for Van Halen’s ‘Hot For Teacher?’ Lyrics to ‘Me So Horny’ by Too Live Crew? No matter how ambivalent a person is about U.S. intervention abroad or about the policies of our nation’s government, it’s difficult not to be patriotic when considering the great contribution made to the world by American composers and songwriters. Even if one citizen’s songbook would look a little different from another’s, it’s hard to argue with the fact that great singers find great source material when they turn to our national musical heritage.
Saturday, Hawaii Public Radio presents, ‘The Great American Songbook,’ a concert featuring pianist Les Peetz, vocalist Rachel Gonzales and bassist Lou Benanto. ‘We have at least one song by Charles Ives, a couple of classical Brubeck tunes, some reharmonized Civil War tunes, and some originals,’ Peetz offers, ‘plus tunes by Cole Porter, Cy Coleman, Miles Davis, Gershwin and David Crosby.’ Each member of the trio lives and works in Hawai’i, and has played music in various venues across the state and the nation. Rachel Gonzales has been a featured performer at the Hawai’i International Jazz Festival where one writer described her as ‘Hawai’i’s best jazz vocalist.’ Songs will be performed in a variety of arrangements, which allow the performers to feature their virtuosity. ‘The theme,’ notes Peetz, ‘is American composers of all stripes and persuasions.’ All stripes and persuasions are invited to attend.
Atherton Performing Arts Studio, 738 Kaheka St., Sat. 1/6, 7:30pm, $17.50 general, $15 HPR members, $10 students, reservations at 955-8821
