Episode 11: "Raise your voice in harmony," with guest Janis Siegel!
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IN THIS EPISODE:
We reminisce about the first three years of #girlongirlharmony! Yes, that's right: we recorded this podcast right around our 3rd birthday, and took a little trip down memory lane. We recall how we managed to put on a great show even when Amy was in the throes of laryngitis, the time we "opened" for the Roots in Ottawa, and the joy of singing together. Then, we head to Greenwich Village for a fascinating and hilarious chat with our friend and mentor, Janis Siegel.
Janis is a founding member of Manhattan Transfer (they've won 10, count em, 10 Grammys!) and enjoys an eclectic, exciting solo career in her own right. She's highly collaborative, passionate about all kinds of music, a fabulous cook, and a huge inspiration to us. We always love spending time with Janis.
We close out this episode with a new game, in which we put ourselves to the test: "Who said that?" Amy comes up with a handful of one-liners from our stage patter over the past few years...and we take turns guessing who said what. (It's funnier than it sounds. Trust us.)
JANIS' TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN SINGING--AND LIFE:
Ensemble singing is a "mini society," and here are a few pieces of advice from Janis, who knows more about harmony than anyone we know!
- Do your work. Come in prepared, knowing your part.
- If you can't hear the melody, you're singing too loud (i.e., it's not always about YOU!)
- Know your part in the chord--how does your part relate to the people around you?
- Know your strengths and weakness. Know your collaborators' strengths and weaknesses.
- Music--especially singing--creates healing vibrations. It's physics.
"To raise your voice in harmony with other people is one of the greatest thrills on the planet."
-Janis Siegel
A publicity still from the early days of the Manhattan Transfer.
"Back in Business," written by Stephen Sondheim, arranged by Janis Seigel, and performed by Janis, Cheryl Bentyne, and Lorraine Feather for the 1990 smash hit film "Dick Tracy."
The Manhattan Transfer's 1992 guest appearance on the ABC sitcom "Home Improvement," in a episode called "I'm scheming of a White Christmas"
How fun is THIS!? The Manhattan Transfer & Take 6 have been touring together in recent years, and they're joined by basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for this rendition of "Straighten Up and Fly Right."
Janis suggested this song for Duchess. Hey, we DO have ukuleles already!