Earlier today I got to see a concert given by a very famous opera singer. What was most remarkable about the concert was Cliff Jackson, the accompanist. Most of the program was spirituals and gospel arrangements of Christmas songs--not his normal repertoire. Plus, the very famous opera singer did her share of conducting and tapping the piano during the performance. Through it all Mr. Jackson remained unflappable and cheerful. Not only that, his playing in these styles was thoroughly convincing.
The very famous opera singer received nine and a half pages of bio in the program; Mr. Jackson, nothing. By not mentioning the very famous opera singer by name, I am doing what I can to make up for it.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, opera a cappella now available at Albany Records
Unfortunately, it's easy to guess who this "persona non grata" (at least in the opera world) is. Is Cliff Jackson at UK now? Did you know him at Miami?
ReplyDeleteFrom Chautauqua and he is indeed at UK.
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