Matt Doyle: ROCKED IT! CONSTANT Release Concert at Bon Soir at the Pink Elephant

On June 11, 2012, I was very fortunate to have been invited to Matt Doyle's private release concert at Bon Soir at the Pink Elephant in NYC for his new EP "CONSTANT," releasing June 12. One of the reasons this event was so special is because Bon Soir is where Barbra Streisand was discovered in the 1960s. Bon Soir closed down in the 1960s, but its doors have recently reopened as one of NYC's invitation-only premiere cabaret spaces. Every Monday, those lucky enough to be invited, will get to see some of the best in entertainment perform!

The space of Bon Soir at The Pink Elephant is perfect for a private concert like this. This intimate venue really lends itself to the music world. It allows the audience to get very close and personal with the artist. The further seat from the stage might 20 feet. The space gives the artist room to perform, but also to really interact with their fans. I hope to have the chance to attend more events here! It's one of my new favorite places in NYC!

Matt's performance ROCKED! He performed a few songs from his debut EP "Daylight," and a few songs from his new EP "Constant," and a few cover songs as well. On CD Matt sounds amazing, but live, Matt kills it! He knows how to give the audience something to cheer about! His voice is powerful, controlled, and worth listening to!

Matt started off the night with "If Morning Can't Wait," from his debut EP "Daylight." Other songs from "Daylight" included "Home," a very touching song which he wrote at a time when he and his dad were not speaking. (Since that time, they have reconciled, so much so, that his dad created the artwork for Matt's new EP "Constant"), "Weigh Me Down," and a great cover of Sam Cooke's "Lost and Lookin'," one of Matt's big musical influences.

Matt Doyle at Bon Soir at The Pink Elephant in NYCSince the evening was a release for his new EP "Constant," Matt delighted the crowd with several tunes! "Can't Have You," is a beatitful song about unrequitted love, while "Can't Stay Here" is a song I easily identified with. The song is about trying to find yourself and the things that really matter and how one keeps moving until they find what they are looking for. "Don't Wait," was inspired by Matt and his first love's road trip from LA to San Francisco. While that relationship didn't work out as lovers, they are now good friends who will be starring in an upcoming project together this Fall. Ending the night, Matt performed a wonderful love song "What You Stole," about finding the love of your life. This song really touched me and gave me continued hope that one day I will find the love of my life.

Mixed in with songs from his two EPs, Matt covered a few of his favorite artists including Foy Vance's break-up song "First of July," Ottis Redding's "These Arms of Mine" and Adele's "One and Only."

The reason Matt's first EP "Daylight" debuted in the Top 40 of the iTunes Pop Charts is because Matt shows his connection to the music by his vocal power. He has one of the best voices I have heard in a long time! He wears his emotions in his songs. I love Matt's first EP, but "Constant" is a quick favorite of mine! I got an advanced copy at the show tonight and I have not stopped listening to it since I got home. "Constant" is surely going to continue to take Matt places! Pick up your copy today!

For more on Matt's music visit http://mattdoylemusic.com!

Check out Matt performing "What You Stole" from his concert (courtesy of Next Magazine)

War Horse

Seth Numrich in Lincoln Center's "War Horse", Photo Credit: Paul KolnikLincoln Center's Tony Award Winning Play "War Horse" is a true Broadway experience! On Tuesday, November 8, 2011, I attended this magnificent production that really lived up to all it's hype. "War Horse" takes place during the outbreak of World War I and tells the story of a boy's horse who is sold to the calvary and shipped off to France. The boy, who's now a young man, sets out to find his horse and bring him home.

This show has everything: a wonderfully talented cast, great music, unbelieveable puppeteers, good costumes, great lighting effects and scenic design, and a book that kept me intrigued from beginning to end! Every person in this cast should be applauded for their wonderful performance! While there are a few characters that lead the show, I definitely felt this show was ensemble driven, meaning, every single person on stage was needed to make this show the amazing experience it was!

Matt Doyle in Lincoln Center's "War Horse", Photo Credit: Paul KolnikKate Pfaffl in Lincoln Center's "War Horse", Photo Credit: Paul KolnikAll of the puppeteers should get a shout out because of the remarkable work they did bringing these horses to life! I was intrigued, amazed, and enthralled with how they worked those horses. I only hope to be in 1/2 the shape they are in one day! There were a few specific people who stood out to me and I wanted to give them a mention: Seth Numrich was perfectly cast as "Albert Narracott" (his character's horse is the one that gets shipped off to France). He put so much emotion into his character that I was glued to him everytime he was on stage. Matt Doyle was great as "Billy Narracott." I first came to know Matt a few months back when he released his debut EP "Daylight," but "War Horse" was my first look at his acting ability and let me say Matt has the talent and skills to take center stage! Peter Hermann was wonderful as "Chapman Carter/Hauptmann Friedrich Muller" both in acting ability and looks (how could I not mention that)! One person who truly captured my attention each and everytime she came on stage was Kate Pfaffl as "Song Woman." I've heard a lot of beautiful, wonderful, and very skilled voices in my many ventures and Kate's is definitely one more to add to that list! Everytime she sang, I would hope for more and luckily, I got more! In addition to "War Horse," Kate is a composer/singer/songwriter who's music I look forward to exploring! She has got some great vocals in her and it's paradise that I got to hear them so much tonight during "War Horse."

Peter Hermann in Lincoln Center's "War Horse", Photo Credit: Paul KolnikThere are a lot of wonderful shows to choose from on Broadway, but Lincoln Center's "War Horse" is one that I highly, highly recommend! It was a true evening of drama, music, stunningly amazing visual effects, and some of the most talented performers I've seen. "War Horse" plays at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre in NYC (150 West 65th Street, between Broadway & Amsterdam). Click here for tickets! 

"Chasing The Day": The Music of Will Van Dyke

"Chasing The Day," released on Sh-K'Boom Records, is the debut album by up and coming composer/lyricist Will Van Dyke, is one to purchase. Will’s music/lyrics are showcased by some of today's established Broadway performers as well as those on the rise. His lyrics and music are smart, sophisticated, and emotional, making it relatable on many levels. Even if I have not experienced the exact scenario being presented in the song, I know someone who has. While most of his songs are about losing love, all of his songs are about learning, growing, and staying hopeful despite going through rough times. Will Van Dyke is somebody to keep your eye on and “Chasing The Day” with him as he continues to rise! Purchase "Chasing The Day from Sh-K'Boom Records or iTunes. For more on Will Van Dyke (who is currently playing keyboards in "The Addams Family" on Broadway) and his music be sure to visit http://www.willvandyke.com.

Marie and Me: Alex Brightman

Tells the story of guy who really likes this girl Marie, but didn’t know how to let her know yet stuck by her through the tick and thin. Then one day she found someone else and left this guy for him. He always wished her well, but longed to still be with her and while they kept in touch for some time, eventually they drifted apart, though he will never forget her. Alex Brightman wonderfully conveys the emotions of this song with the use of his inflection/belting, taking me on this ride from hopes of something good all the way down to a shattered dream.

Come Home: Carrie Manolakos

This song is about a girl who regrets losing the love she let go of. Trying to move on, but thinking she should go after her love and try to make things work, yet hesitant because she’s been there before. Carrie Manoloakos was a wise choice for this song as her vocals show the range of emotions/thoughts this girl is going through: regret, hope and clarity.

Gateway:  Adam Kantor

Fellow “Adaumbelle’s Quest’ participant Adam Kantor really hits the mark on all levels of “Gateway” about a guy who fell in love, but not true love and now lives with the consequences that came out of that lie, but through the pain learning to take in the many lessons he’s learning from this lie and now is coming out on the other side, finding true love.

The Lighter Side: Danica Dora

I’ve never experienced the voice that is Danica Dora, but I am sure glad I have now…beautiful and strong, Danica explores the story of a girl who’s boyfriend is not showing any emotion, slowly drifting away, but still giving her little aspects of potential deeper emotion, but she’s longing for the true depth they once had. With thoughts of “What’s happening?” this girl would still do it all again and all the while learning a bit about herself.

If You Only Knew: Morgan James

A song about a girl who’s boyfriend dumped her, struggles to get past the hurt, the loss, and understanding how someone who she loved so much could turn on her so easily. This is my first time listening to Morgan James and hopefully it won't be my last. With her softly sung vocals, Morgan James’ brings the hurt and emotion to life, allowing me to feel the same hurt this girl is going through.

Settle:  Matt Doyle

Matt Doyle is one of today’s rising Broadway performers, so it’s no wonder Will chose him to be on his debut album. Matt’s voice is perfectly suited for “Settle” about a couple who’s going through a rough time and one doesn’t know what they want while the other has thoughts of what’s to come and what’s out there, but in the end decide to just stay together because it’s easier than being alone. Through his talented vocals, Matt’s able to show the struggle and emotion of the one person who wants more, but sadly, is settling.

Why’d You Hold My Hand: Pauline Pisano

Pauline Pisano is another performer I'm learning about With a beautifully soulful voice, Pauline strikes all the right notes about a girl who’s been hurt before and unexpectedly falls for a love that comes her way, only to be left when the love can’t accept her for who she is. Pauline shows all the hurt and hope, especially when this girl looks back on their time together, she  knows deep down what they had was love.

Fly Away Gone: Stephanie J. Block

Using her extremely skilled, controlled, and powerful vocals, Stephanie J. Block takes me with her as the song explores the end of a relationship and asking “What If?,” but wondering how to stay strong while saying goodbye, even though one person wants to give it another go. In the end, the person wanting to hold on finally finds the strength and courage to put that thought out there and Stephanie is right there making sure we can hear that emotion.

The Very Worst Year: Jay Armstrong Johnson

This rock-style song suits Jay Armstrong Johson’s voice very well about a guy who looks back on all the hardships he has gone through from the second grade to the high school bus, to the end of his relationship, but surviving them all. This guy has learned that even though he has endured rough times, he’s become who he is because of them and that no matter what comes his way, he will survive “The Very Worst Year.”

Life Times: John Eric Parker

John Eric Parker is another performer I’m being happily introduced to on “Chasing The Day.”  This is a song about living, learning, and loving life for all it throws at us and John Eric Parker displays this effortlessly.

Truth, Beauty, and Love: Katie Rose Clarke

Katie Rose Clarke is yet another performer I’m experiencing for the first time. Her vocals are well received on this song about a girl who is so happy to have finally found the love of her life and how her world has been reignited.

The Legend of Wonderboy: Morgan Karr, Sam Tedaldi, Preston Sadleir, Josh Lamon, Katie Gassert

Aside from Morgan Karr, I am a new listener to Sam Tedaldi, Preston Sadleir, Josh Laomn, and Katie Gassert. Morgan, Sam, Preston, Josh, and Katie's voices blend wonderfully together on “The Legend of Wonderboy,” a song about a superhero named “Wonderboy” who lives on the Planet Dearth and battles an ogre named Kai the Destroyer who sets out to make Planet Dearth a dark place to live because of the hurt he suffered long ago.  Individually each performer is great, but when they vocalize together, it’s pure enjoyment just like the song.