August 18, 2008

And we're back from Primm, Nevada where Liza appeared in front of a sold out crowd of 4100 people on Saturday night. The crowd kept screaming throughout a 2 hour dynamite performance of Liza's Canon of hits.

The hotel was quite a place...I had a cricket in my room that was large enough to put a saddle on and ride.

Picture taken by Matt Berman in Ulm, Germany. Once again the red drums were a big hit. The super hero pose was Matt's idea.

Drummer beats path through Ky.

By Rich Copley rcopley@herald-leader.com

Drummer and conductor Michael Berkowitz will be the guest conductor at Picnic at the Pops.

For most musicians, working closely with legends like Liza ­Minnelli or composer/conductor Henry ­Mancini would be résumé-topping credits. Drummer and conductor Michael Berkowitz can claim both, as well as a bunch of other head-turning associations.

He'll bring both of his marquee distinctions to Kentucky during the next month.

Next weekend, the Indianapolis native will be in the Kentucky Horse Park to conduct the annual Picnic With the Pops concert. It will be the first time the event has gone on ­without retiring Lexington ­Philharmonic Orchestra conductor George Zack at the podium.

Berkowitz and a handful of Henry Mancini Orchestra veterans will join the philharmonic for a program ­including Mancini classics like Moon River and the Pink Panther theme.

”It's all the songs you know and love of Henry Mancini and probably a couple that you've not been aware of,“ Berkowitz says. ”This concert is ­basically the concert we used to perform with Henry, when he was alive and kicking. We often say that if he came down and walked into the auditorium, he could pick up the baton and go because it was the same concert he used to do.“

Mancini was the man who persuaded Berkowitz to move to Los Angeles after he finished graduate school at Indiana University in the late 1960s.

Mancini started his career in big bands in the late 1940s but really found his calling when he hooked up with film director Blake Edwards and wrote tunes such as the themes for the TV show ­Peter Gunn, and the Pink Panther ­movies and cartoons; the songs ­Charade, Moon River; and other ­classics.

”He was an amazing man, very ­passionate, very brilliant and very ­funny,“ Berkowitz says, recalling ­Mancini, who died in 1994.

He was also something of a perfectionist, not above stopping a concert if he wasn't getting what he wanted. Berkowitz recalls one concert in which Mancini halted the show several times to tell the bassists, at diminishing levels of politeness, to play louder.

”He told me once that all he cared about was getting his music played right,“ says Berkowitz, who is confident that should not be a problem with the Lexington Philharmonic.

”I was there a few years ago doing a Sinatra program, and it's a fine, fine orchestra,“ Berkowitz says of the Phil. ”Orchestras play this great. Henry designed it to be played and rehearsed quickly by symphony orchestras.“

In Lexington, Berkowitz will mainly conduct, but he will pick up his sticks for one number, Drummer's Delight.

On Sept. 9, when Minnelli comes to the Kentucky Center in Louisville, Berkowitz will be behind the drum kit the whole night.

”With Liza, the drum chair is a very hot seat,“ Berkowitz says. ”She sings to the drums. We're tuned into each other. She swings the band. Where she sings and how she sings brings the whole band along with her.

”It's great. There's nothing else like in it in show business.“

The show, Berkowitz says, includes all of Minnelli's big hits like Cabaret, Maybe This Time and New York, New York, as well as a tribute to her ­godmother Kay Thompson, a swing singer who also wrote the Eloise series of children's books.

Berkowitz says the show Minnelli is performing on the road is being aimed toward a possible Broadway run.

In addition to Minnelli and Mancini shows, Berkowitz tours around the country conducting symphony pops programs and heads some big band ­programs, including a recent Gene Krupa tribute album. Through the years, Berkowitz also has worked with ­Nelson Riddle, Leonard Bernstein, Jerome ­Robbins, Marvin Hamlisch and others.

”It's been luck and a lot of fun,“ Berkowitz says, ”and I feel quite lucky to be doing what I love to do.“

Back soon.

Mike B.

August 1, 2008

Hello Fun Seekers!

Here's what's been happening. The Hartford Symphony Concerts with Spectrum were amazing.  Two concerts, 7000 screaming people each night. The Orchestra was a dream band, played the arrangements beautifully and had a really fun vibe. Nice folks and hope to be back with the Hartford Symphony again soon.

Left July 18th with Liza and the Minnoolians for concerts in Ulm, Regensburg, Wolfsburg and San Sebastian.

Landed in Munich...Nice Hotel. Did a bit of sightseeing, walking around and eating.

Concert in Ulm, next to the World's Highest Cathedral. Just before soundcheck, there was a torrential downpour with the wind blowing everything around. But, all was clear and calm for the Concert.

On stage in Ulm. The red drums were a big hit.

Another day off in Munich...went to Stuttgart and Metzinger to visit Porsche Factory and Hugo Boss factory. Both big disappointments. Neither gave out any free samples.

Then a concert in the Medieval city of Regensburg. Here's a video link to a German TV spot about the concert.

I'm visible a couple of times behind the drums as are Billy Stritch and Liza.

(If the link doesn't work, cut and paste it into your browser address line.)

http://www.mittelbayerische.de/_misc/videoplayer/videoplayer_365x325.cfm?pid=3299&pk=732

View from the driver's seat in Regensburg. Below: Either a stick up or I'm about to give a down beat in Regensburg. Love the Four Season shirt.

Off to the Autostadt in Wolfsburg. Stayed at the Ritz Carlton on the grounds of the VW factory. Kind of like an automobile Disneyland with Museums, Shops, etc. on the grounds. And facing the power plant built by Albert Speer in 1936 right out my window.

Nice, huh?

Saw Herbie Hancock with Vinnie Colaiuta on drums the night before our concert.  I sat right off stage next to Vinnie for the concert. Was fun watching Vinnie do his thing...Amazing drummer!

Then a wild ride to the airport in a van caravan, (The Bourne Concerts...) so we could take off in a charter plane for Vittoria Spain, en route to San Sebastian.

San Sebastian was very beautiful.

We played in the Silver slanted building...San Sebastian Jazz Festival. Heard a kid's band playing IN THE MOOD right outside the stage door. Sounded good but the drummers never play the cowbell part on the last repeat like Moe Purtill. Call me a stickler for detail but gee whiz, it's on the record.

Trumpet player and Liza Band Contractor Ross Konikoff in Wolfsburg....obviously thinking about doing something rash with that cell phone in his left hand.

Coney Island on the 7th. Primm Nevada on the 16th. I'm conducting the Lexington Ky. Symphony Aug 22 & 23 in Mancini Magic Concerts and then the 30th in Hammond Indiana at the Horseshoe Casino.

See you there.

MB

July 7, 2008

Greetings Music Lovers,

Just back from a last minute Corporate date in Southern France with Liza Minnelli. Got a call on Wednesday and Thursday we were on our way to Montpellier. Stayed at the Verchant Hotel www.verchant.com which is a working Winery.

My room came with a second floor terrace, overlooking the Vineyards, plus an outdoor Jacuzzi!

The week before I conducted the opening concert of Concerts By The Lake in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Played at the Ferro Pavilion, a brand new facility which holds about 2000 people and a new roof that leaks when it rains.

I did the first half of the concert with the Chicago Philharmonic, a wonderful group made up of players from the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra and other area freelancers.

Did Mancini Magic. Brought Cecil Welch and Steve Dokken with me, my Mancini regulars.

This was the first Mancini Concert since our drummer (and Hank's) Jack Gilfoy joined the choir.

So, I conducted and played drums on the show, which we dedicated to Jack's memory.

Top: The Chicago Philharmonic    Middle: Condrumming.  Last: Explaining how the game is played.

This weekend: Hartford Symphony with SPECTRUM. The 11th & 13th.

See you soon.

MB

June 23, 2008

Home for 10 days and then out to Los Angeles to conduct the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra for Liza's Induction into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.

We arrived in LA and the weather was very very hot. I had rented a convertible but the heat made it impossible to put the top down. Just AC on the coldest setting for the entire trip.

BB King, James Galway and Liza were the honorees. All performed and all were great.

The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra is made up of the best studio and concert musicians in LA and the World for that matter. They played everything from Shostakovich to Kander and Ebb with the same brilliance.

I conducted from the drums, in front of the Orchestra...somewhat unusual but it went off without a hitch.

Liza was, as always, amazing. Her vocals are so strong and even in the heat, she moved and danced like a 19 year old!

She and I had a great impromptu moment during rehearsal where we recreated the ending of the Fred Astaire dance to SHINE ON YOUR SHOES. On stage, at the Bowl, I got to dance, (not really...but I try) with Liza. When asked to repeat my efforts for the Choreographer, I begged off...better I stay behind the drums or on the Podium.

This Saturday night, the 28th, in Lake Geneva, Wisc. with the Chicago Philharmonic, I'll be doing a first half tribute to Henry Mancini. Second half, Maureen McGovern.

July 11 & 13th with Spectrum and the Hartford Symphony in Simsbury, Ct. Outdoors....Come hear the music play!!!

More to come soon.

Stay cool.

Mike B.

June 9, 2008

Hello out there. Mike Berkowitz back from 19 days on the road and glad to be home. A few things to talk about this month. I was inducted into the Hall of Fame at my High School in Indianapolis, Indiana on May 27th. 41 years after Graduation, I am now hanging on the wall alongside the sitting Governor of the State of Indiana, Mitch Daniels and Ballerina Elaine Bauer. Quite an honor to be included and I thank the good folks at North Central for including me.

Did the American Theatre Wing's Gala on Monday the 19th of May. Don Pippin, David Finck and myself were the musicians backing David Hyde Pierce, Debby Gravitte, Faith Prince and Leslie Uggams in a Tribute to Jerry Herman.

On May 20th, I left JFK with Liza Minnelli, headed for Moscow, which was the first stop on a tour that included Concerts in London, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Here we are in the B1 Club in Moscow. Billy Stritch, me, LM and Chip Jackson's hand on his Bass.

Moscow was pretty amazing. Went to Red Square, many fine restaurants, shopping galore and more traffic than I've ever seen.

As usual, Liza was spectacular...

Then on the 24th, off to London, where we were detained at Immigration for lack of proper Work Visas.

After a sleepless night, the proper papers were secured at 4 pm prior to our Opening at the London Coliseum at 7:30 that same night!

Onstage at the London Coliseum during Soundcheck.

Three Brilliant Shows in London by Liza and the Band and the Boys. The Reviews, which you can find on Google, were Unanimous in their praise for Liza's performance(s). The audiences were standing up after every number and the theatre was like a Power Plant, there was so much energy and electricity in the room.

The same excitement followed us to Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Liza was on fire and had the audiences eating out of her hand!

After Glasgow on Friday the 6th, I left at 5:50 am for a flight to Amsterdam. Left Amsterdam at 10:20 am for Detroit. Arrived in Detroit at 1 pm, cleared Customs and drove 200 miles to Roscommon, Mi for a Big Band concert. Arrived at 5:45, rehearsed with the band, (Thanks Bill Sears) and did a concert at 8 pm.

Three standing ovations later, it was all over at 10:15 and I went to my hotel for some rest.

Arrived back in Newburgh, NY at 4 pm and had a great reunion with the lovely Deirdre, my son Seth and his bride to be, Susan. Wonderful finish to a wonderful bit of touring.

Coming up...The Hollywood Bowl Opening Night with Liza, June 20th.

June 28th in Lake Geneva with Maureen McGovern.

July 11 / 13 with the Hartford Symphony and SPECTRUM, my favorite Motown Band.

Then onto Spain and Germany with Liza...August 22/23 with the Lexington Phil, MANCINI MAGIC strikes again!

Until next time...

MB

May 5, 2008

Hello,

Back from a string of Minnelli dates in Mexico and Ft. Worth. But before I tell you all about what's happening in the World of Liza, I must report that Jack Gilfoy, drummer with Henry Mancini for 30 years, colleague and friend of mine for over 40 years, passed away in his sleep last Saturday morning. If you look below, you can see Jack, Steve Dokken, Cecil Welch and me in Naples, Florida, following a wonderful concert with the Naples Philharmonic on April 11/12. Jack will be missed by me more that he probably would think to be reasonable...(his Hoosier sensibilities being what they were.) I'm sure Hank Mancini is glad to have Jack back in his band.

Liza and the Minnoolians were in Mexico for three great concerts last week. The first one was in Guadalajara. An amazing Concert Hall...all clad in shiny metal like the Disney Hall in Los Angeles. 5000 people attended. Liza was on her game, singing better than ever and dancing up a storm. On to Mexico City, for another concert, this time 8000 people in attendance. Multiple Standing Ovations! Liza's sister, Tina Nina sang "On A Clear Day" with her. While rehearsing this number, (which we did as a slow Bossa Nova with a quickie arrangement by Ross Konikoff, long time Liza trumpeter), an earthquake of 5.8 magnitude started shaking the Intercontinental Hotel. Liza was singing away and I finally stopped and said, "I think we're having an Earthquake!" Liza simply turned around and said, "That's what happens when the Minnelli's sing together!"

On to Puebla for our final concert. When the band arrived at the Hall, a first. No one had ordered a Piano for the Concert! After much back and forth between the Promoters and Liza's manager, a piano did appear in time for the Show. And once again, another spectacular performance, bringing the Crowd to it's feet after practically every number.

So, Mexico was fun. An earthquake, a live Volcano sighting as we left Puebla, interesting food choices like Goat! and no Piano!!! Ah, life on the road.

In Ft. Worth, we played a Gala for the 10th Anniversary of the Bass Performing Arts Center. What a place! I was there in 98 with Diana Ross for the Opening and now back 10 years later with Liza. Sold out crowd, amazing review:

REVIEW

Liza's still got lots of pizazz

BY MARK LOWRY STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

Liza Minnelli, still in fantastic form, performs Saturday in the headlining show in Bass Hall's 10th-anniversary celebration.

FORT WORTH -- There was a moment in Liza Minnelli's Bass Hall debut Saturday night where, right before she brought home -- as only Liza can -- the Gershwin song The Man I Love, she giggled ever so adorably.

That's a good analogy for her overall bravura performance, the headlining show in Bass Hall's weeklong 10th-anniversary celebration.

Throughout the show she absolutely tore up (in the best sense) Broadway songs and American standards. Minnelli, still in fantastic vocal form at 62, dedicated a song to Fort Worth's Van Cliburn, whom she called a "good friend."

And all the way through she joked about her very public personal life, admitting "I have had it; I've learned my lesson" before doing a Sophie Tucker hit, I'm Living Alone (And I Like It), and confessing that she can now really identify with one of the stage roles she played, husband-murdering Roxie Hart, before My Own Best Friend from the musical Chicago (it was cut from the film, kids).

The point is, after several sparkly costume changes (the girl is back in dancer shape, lookin' good in knee-high boots and leotards), frequent engaging banter with the audience and two hours of her song-interpretation trademarks (breathy pauses, heavy S's and big song finishes), Liza hasn't lost any of the pizazz on which she built her career.

Speaking of pizazz, her multi-song tribute to her mentor and godmother Kay Thompson's nightclub act, complete with four gents as the Williams brothers (Andy and three sibs), was a high-energy thrill.

It, like the rest of the show, proved that Liza baby, you still got it.

mlowry@star-telegram.com
Mark Lowry, 817-390-7747

We're off to the Beau Rivage Casino this weekend. Then on to Moscow, the UK and Liza's induction into the Hollywood Bowl's Hall of Fame on June 20th...Opening Night at the Bowl!

See you in the airport or at the gig.

Mike B.

April 14, 2008

And now it's time for another entry into "Where In The World Is Michael Berkowitz?"

Was in Naples, Florida with the Naples Philharmonic this past weekend (April 11 & 12).

One of the finest Pops Orchestras I've ever had the pleasure of Conducting. Did two Mancini Magic Concerts and as always, Henry's music brought the audience to their feet at the end of both performances!

Brought along Mancini alum, Jack Gilfoy, Cecil Welch and Steve Dokken plus pianist Joseph Thalken who not only played all of Hank's piano parts but also looked like a young Mancini with hair!

Jack Gilfoy, Steve Dokken, Cecil Welch, Mike Berkowitz - April 12, 2008 Naples Philharmonic

Was in San Remo, Italy with Liza Minnelli April 4 & 5 performing on a Television Show for RAI 1.

Liza was the featured artist, singing Cabaret, My Ship/Man I Love and New York, New York. Looking gorgeous on the Broadcast, Liza sounded amazing! The audience was supposedly still applauding and screaming for more as we pulled away from the studio on our way to yet another fabulous restaurant in San Remo.

Our plane was cancelled the next day, so Liza and her assistants went to Paris for the day while Gary Labriola, Johnny Rodgers and myself were forced to hunker down at the amazingly beautiful Monte Carlo Bay Resort for the night. If you're stranded, Monte Carlo ain't the worst place in the world.

The weeks before, Liza and her trusty band of Minnollians played concerts in Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers and Melbourne, Florida.

Off to Albuquerque, NM this Friday for a concert with the New Mexico Symphony. Another Mancini Magic Concert with Trumpeter Extraordinaire, Charley Davis subbing for Cecil Welch.

Then on to Mexico with LM on the 24th for Concerts in Mexico City, Guadalajera and Puebla.

May finds us in Ft. Worth at the Bass Hall, Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi, Moscow and then the UK!

Getting the Frequent Flyer miles these days.

New Symphony Concerts in June with the Chicago Philharmonic, The Hartford Symphony July 11 with Spectrum and the Lexington Symphony in August...plus lots more LIZA!!!

If you're reading this and see me somewhere, come up and say Hi!

Best to all,

Mike Berkowitz

March 11, 2008

Hello Everyone,

Been busy and also under the weather so the updates on this page have suffered a bit.

New Year's Eve with Freddy Cole in North Carolina was a joy. Freddy is a wonderful performer and working with him and his talented Quartet was a great way to bring in the New Year.

Then down to Englewood, Florida for two concerts featuring the Music of Henry Mancini.

Chuck Bergeron put together a magnificent Orchestra for these concerts, both Sold Out!

4 Concerts with the Oregon Symphony featuring the Music of Nelson Riddle took place the end of January. Once again, I was joined by Rachael Price and Michael Civisca, two of the besy vocalists anywhere. The Orchestra was a joy and the audiences were my kind of people. Also enjoyed roaming around Portland. Great book stores and places to eat.

Liza was back on the road in Providence, RI. She was at the top of her game for this show and also shows in Lake Tahoe and Friant, California.

Went snowmobiling with some of our Liza group in Tahoe. 7 brave souls accompanied me to the top of the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe...9000 feet up and what a view!

Liz Callaway in North Carolina for Valentine's Day. What a treat it is to work with her! Hope to do more with her very soon.

Then on to Kentucky for a Tribute To John Williams! Challenging music...we had a full Orchestra, 100 person Choir and people dressed as the characters from Star Wars!!! A night I will never forget.

California with Liza...Chumash Casino in Santa Barbara and then the Frank Sinatra Golf Tournament in Palm Springs.

Liza and I went to hear and see Michael Feinstein and her sister Lorna Luft in Palm Springs the night before our show. Always fun to go to a Michael Feinstein concert.

Then I was in Norfolk, Va. with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. A Big Band Show featuring Lynn Roberts, my favorite Big Band Singer! Once again, the Orchestra was magnificent and I had a ball meeting members of the audience after the show.

In the studio this week with Liza M. as we put down the vocal tracks for the Kay Thompson Show.

Then off to Ft. Lauderdale and Jacksonville with Liza. Later this month, Ft. Myers and Melbourne, Fl.

And I'll be with the Naples Phil and the New Mexico Philharmonic on April 11/12 and April 19th respectively. MANCINI MAGIC is the program.

Come see me if you're in the area!

Liza's schedule:

Thanks to everyone who visits this site. Hope to see and/or hear from you soon.

Till then,

Mike Berkowitz

December 24th, 2007

Quick bit of news. I'll be at Arturo Sandoval's Jazz Club in Miami Beach on January 9th with the Gene Krupa Orchestra. Come see us if you're in Florida.

The Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club is located at the Deauville Beach Resort on Collins and 67th. We are surrounded by water, nestled between the famed Art Deco District and the shops at Bal Harbour. Gifted with

AAl e Atlantic Ocean to the East. Charmed and intrigued by the thrill of Miami to the West. The setting is perfct for hosting world class jazz artists and exquisite cuisine.

The Club is at the Deauville Resort is Miami Beach...

Another review of THINKING OF GENE...The new album...Makes a wonderful stocking stuffer!

Fritz the Nite Owl Jazz
Smooth Jazz WJZA 103.5FM/104.3FM Sunday 9pm to 12 Midnight

Visit www.wjza.com
Email Fritz at www.wjza.com/sections/contact/index.asp
or email info@shortnorth.com (Attn: Fritz)
Want to learn more about this guy? http://m.homestead.com/m.html

DECEMBER 2007

Give youself a jazzy little Christmas

Make your spirits bright. Good jazz sounds put your troubles out of sight. So give yourself, and the jazz fans on your Gift List, one of these albums and enjoy your holidays even more.

Michael Berkowitz and the Gene Krupa Orchestra: Thinking of Gene (Sea Breeze-SBJ-2143)
This CD will cause explosions of delight to any jazz friend-or-fiend to whom you give it. On the other hand, after hearing it, you may decide to keep it for yourself and send the friend a fruitcake. Whatever. Suffice it to say, whoever gets this outstanding set will love it and play it repeatedly for years.

The legendary Gene Krupa was the first drummer in jazz history to achieve national and international acclaim after his appearances as a main guest-attraction with Benny Goodman. His featured performance and drum solos on Goodman's "Sing, Sing, Sing" in 1941 are still quoted and used by many modern drummers in the 21st Century. As Buddy Rich once said, "If it wasn't for Krupa, there wouldn't be any of us today."

Krupa's first big band as a leader ran from 1938-1943. It was enormously popular due to such stars as Roy Eldridge and Anita O'Day. He also worked in gigs with Goodman, Dorsey and others before reforming and leading a new version from 1944-1951. His steady, relentless beat, ever-improving technique, showmanship, and dynamic personality contributed enormously to his sustained popularity over the years. So much for the brief bio and history of Krupa.

Drummer Michael Berkowitz was first inspired by Krupa at age 4; met him and became friends at 16. Who'da guessed that 35 years after Gene's passing in 1973, Berkowitz would now be the leader of the current Gene Krupa Orchestra?

Using modern arrangements, which are extremely faithful to the originals, Berkowitz and his 16-piece band easily evoke that great '40s swing-sound, yet burst with the fire that defines the best of big band jazz today.

Krupa's theme and intro, "Starburst," is, to me, the most exciting show opener-ever! It is as dynamic here as when originally recorded. The same can be said for the 12 other selections. This is timeless music that will keep the spirit and sound of Krupa alive for years to come - and introduce him to new fans who never had the thrill of seeing or hearing him perform in person.

Until 2008!!!

Have a Wonderful Holiday!!!

Warmly,

Mike Berkowitz

December 19th, 2007

Howdy Folks,

Been on the road with a lot of different things so it's been a while since last update.

Let's see.

Was in Vancouver for 3 great shows with Liza Minnelli. While there, Bill Hayes, Rick Cutler and I visited with Ronn Dunnett at his studio/shop/garage/abode.

Picked up a beautiful snare drum, 5.5 x 14 Ti, that is the most sensitive drum I've ever played. No ghost notes allowed on this thing!

Bill Hayes, Rick Cutler and MB at the Dunnett shop.

Seen here with Mr. Cutler looking on, playing my new snare.

October found me conducting the Santa Rosa Symphony for the third year in a row. ( Next year I will be conducting all of their Pops Concerts!) Love the Orchestra, Love the People, Love the Executive Director!

We did a Tribute to Nelson Riddle (also doing this concert in January with the Oregon Symphony.

Below is me with our two World Class Singers:

Rachael Price and Michael Civisca

This is one great concert!

Was in Warren, Ohio at the end of November for the Warren Concert Association.

Did a Tribute to the Music of Capitol Records with singers Lauel Masse' and Anthony Apicella. Sold out the Packard Music Hall, 2100 in attendance!!! Great night.

Then off to Palm Springs with Ms. Minnelli at the McCallum Theatre Benefit. Saw some friends like Dan Gloser from Paramount Pictures' music department and spent some quality time with Mitch Gershenfield, the Major domo of Booking at the Center.

4 days of R & R in the California sun and then the Krupa Band returned to Charley O's on December 4th. We were joined by singer Cassie Miller and the all star LA band tore the Krupa book up.

Always nice to be back in my musical home.

Just back from 8 days in Sweden with LM. She gave us a scare the last night, but she's fine and looking forward to 2008 and many concerts and galas and the filming of the Kay Thompson project.

That's all for now.

Have a Great Holiday and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Until 2008 (I'm in Greensboro on New Years Eve with Freddy Cole and the Carolina Pops)

Mike Berkowitz

(Also, look for me in Englewood, Fl. on January 8th. Englewood Methodist Church. 2 shows for the Englewood Arts Association. Tribute to the Movie Music of Henry Mancini on the first half and then Tribute to Nat King Cole on the second. 26 piece Orchestra, Joe Bourne on vocals and Cecil Welch on trumpet. )

If you want to hire me as a Conductor for Pops, please contact Bob Bauchens at ARTRA in Chicago.

800-354-1645

If you want to hire the Krupa Band...Craig Hankenson c/o Producers, Inc. www.producersinc.com

If you want the Tribute to Capitol Records Show...please call Terry Kippenberger at Mainstage Artists in St. Louis.  www.mainstage-mgmt.com

Anything else, just contact me directly.

800 -397-6293

646-387-4030 mobile

berkowitz66@msn.com

Here's the album!!! Buy IT!!!

Amazon.com, CDuniverse.com

www.seabreezejazz.com

Google it...Buy it...Listen to it...Love it!!!!

REVIEW FROM ALL MUSIC GUIDE

Drummer Michael Berkowitz brings back the sound of Gene Krupa and his orchestra on this intriguing set. Unlike too many of the swing big-band recordings of the past 40 years, this program does not have solos that are mere re-creations of the original recordings (although Steve Hawk does play tribute to Roy Eldridge on "Rockin' Chair"). The arrangements are mostly transcriptions from the recordings but occasionally they are opened up a little. One could certainly imagine this band stretching out much more on some of the songs. Quite interestingly, the orchestra sounds as much like Krupa's 1946-1947 slightly boppish big band than it does his famous 1941-1942 version with Anita O'Day and Roy Eldridge. Annette Sanders shows plenty of spirit in her five vocals (which include a rousing "Boogie Blues") and Mike Tomaro on tenor fills in for Charlie Ventura on "Stompin' at the Savoy." Otherwise the soloists are unfortunately not identified. Mike Berkowitz does a fine job of sounding like Krupa on the famous charts. This enthusiastic set is much more rewarding than most of the more predictable swing re-creation projects and is quite fun. Scott Yanow

October 28, 2007

Pic of Liza Minnelli at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, Oct. 27th for the CHIMES Benefit Performance.

Yours truly on drums in the center/back.

October 26th

For those of you looking for the new album: THINKING OF GENE, it can be ordered from AMAZON, CD UNIVERSE and www.seabreezejazz.com or seemingly hundreds of other places on the Internet I've never heard of...

Here's a first review from our Wednesday night gig at Dillon's in NYC.

Off to Baltimore to work with Liza Minnelli at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on Saturday Night...

Until the next time...

From David Miller's www.bigband-era.com website.

October 22, 2007

Gene Krupa Swings Again

I've taken several polls among big band fans over the years. Never has the Gene Krupa band ranked in the top ten in popularity. It's a mystery to me, since Krupa had a fantastic orchestra, kept it going well after the era was supposedly over, and made many outstanding recordings.

I'm happy to report that the Krupa band is back, big time. The new leader is Michael Berkowitz. He formed the band in 2004 and was featured in an interview on Program #1116 ("Gene Krupa Legacy"). Now the band has issued its first CD, entitled "Thinking of Gene."

The music on the CD is outstanding. Mr. Krupa would flash his trademark smile if he could only hear what Berkowitz and his sidemen have wrought. He would recognize all the tracks but one, the title track. Thinking of Gene, an instrumental, was composed by Steve Allee.

The CD runs the gamut of Krupa's most noted performances. There's a quartet rendition of the Gene Krupa Trio masterpiece, Stompin' at the Savoy, featuring Mike Tomaro recreating Charlie Ventura's tenor sax solo, Paul Henry on bass, Tony Nalker on piano and Berkowitz on drums. Rockin' Chair, originally a showpiece of Roy Eldridge, is most competently brought back to life by trumpeter Steve Hawk.

I recall asking Michael how he planned to handle the fact that Krupa's band featured a one-of-a-kind jazz singer, Anita O'Day. Well, he admirably met that challenge, by enlisting the talents of another one-of-a-kind vocalist, Annette Sanders. She has a style all her own but still manages to conjure up the marvelous sounds that O'Day provided on tunes such as Massachusetts, Boogie Blues and Gene's Boogie.

I loved the Annette Sanders reading of That's What You Think, one of my favorites.  I asked Berkowitz if he had that song in his band book when we talked in 2004. If I recall correctly, he said he was not familiar with it. Obviously he has done his homework since then, and I find it one of the highlights of the CD.

The Gene Krupa band will appear at Dillon's in New York City on Wednesday of this week. Future engagements are listed on his website, www.berkmusic.com.

October 15th, 2007

Hello World,

It's me...back again for another Edition of NOTES!

First of all, October 21st, at the Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center in Santa Rosa, Ca.!!! A TRIBUTE TO NELSON RIDDLE with the Santa Rosa Symphony with guest vocalists, Rachael Price and Michael Civisca. The best of Riddle's arrangements for Sinatra, Nat Cole, Ella, Dean, Ronstadt and also his great Instrumentals...LIFE IS JUST A BOWL OF CHERRIES, BROTHER JOHN, LISBON ANTIGUA, LET YOURSELF GO and many more.

October 6th I did the Opening Concert with the Carolina Pops in Greensboro with perhaps one of the best Pops Shows I've ever conducted: SPECTRUM. The best of Motown, great singing, great choreography, great rhythm section, great arrangements. I'm telling everyone I can about this group. The audience went wild!

October 13, we were in Long Island with Liza for a Benefit for CW Post at the Tilles Center. Once again, the audience was on their feet, applauding and screaming in the middle of songs. She's an amazing performer.

For you Angelenos, the Gene Krupa Band will be returning to Charley O's in the Valley on December 3rd. Make reservations NOW!

And last but not least...OCTOBER 24th, the Krupa Band will be at DILLON'S in NYC.

254 West 54th Street. 2 sets starting at 8 PM. New room, great Big Band...Come out and say Hi!

Until the next time...

Best to you all,

Mike Berkowitz

September 24, 2007

Hi to anyone who reads this page. Did a wonderful concert in Paducah, Ky. last weekend with Dee Daniels and the Paducah Pops at the Luther Carson 4 Rivers Arts Center. Dee did her Tribute To Ray Charles show and the audience and the Orchestra were raving about her performance. She's great and I can't wait to work with her again very soon. The Paducah Orchestra is really a little gem. They play Pops as well or better than a lot of other Orchestras with a lot more money. The new Executive Director, Darlene Dreyer is young, full of energy and ideas and someone who will help to make the Paducah Symphony a success story in the very near future.

Then off to Hinkley, Minnesota with Liza...A Casino date at 5 Pm!!! The Casino is stuck in the middle of a field about 1 hour or so from Minneapolis. Great gig...Odd venue. Lot's of Crab Legs if you like them!

Date in Naperville, Illinois with Liza after that. Another sold out house and a tight show. Come see her if you're in the neighborhood.

This Friday, Morristown, NJ with Liza, House of Blues in Orlando, October 5 and then off to the Mighty Carolina Pops with a Motown group called Spectrum. Looking forward to this show. Spectrum's reviews are off the charts and the Greensboro audience should be thrilled with these guys.

My last year in Greensboro before I begin new positions elsewhere. It's been an educational experience with the Carolina Pops. Enjoyed the Orchestra but we were never able to penetrate the  Community in Greensboro in the same way that I have everywhere else I conduct. Anyway, looking forward to my concerts there this season.

October 21 in Santa Rosa with the Santa Rosa Symphony Pops...A Tribute to Nelson Riddle.

Singers Rachael Price and Michael Civisca sings the arrangements of Riddle and the Mighty Santa Rosa Pops will get a chance to shine on Nelson's great Instrumentals.

Be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bye for now.

mb

Happy in Sicily...

September 11, 2007

A quick picture of David Katzenberg and yours truly playing New York, New York with Liza Minnelli before the Men's Finals at the US Open on September 9th. Live on CBS!!!

September 4, 2007

Pictures with Liza Minnelli in Marbella, Spain at rehearsal and the final Concert in Taormina, Sicily.

August 30, 2007

Howdy,

It's almost Labor Day Weekend and I'll be in Atlantic City at the Taj Mahal with Liza Minnelli this Saturday night. (The 1st of September)

My good friend for over 40 years, Bill LaVorgna, passed away on July 31st and I got the call to come and try to fill his very large shoes with Liza and the band.

We did a couple of concerts in Upstate NY, (Canadagua Lake near Rochester and then a private date in Saratoga Springs. Then I went to Naples, Florida on business Friday and Saturday, back to NY on Sunday and then off to Spain, Monte Carlo and Taormina, Sicily for two weeks with Liza and the crew.

I won't go into detail about every concert but just let me state that Liza sounds and looks amazing, the show is great and I'm having a ball. As I said, Pappy (Bill LaVorgna) was her drummer/Conductor for 33 years. I am doing my best to emulate and play the fills and feels that Liza and the Band know and expect. It's a real challenge and a thrill and an honor to be on the gig.

The response and the love that comes across the footlights from the audience to Liza is unreal. Such energy and emotion and warmth...the only other time I've ever experienced anything like it is when I did the Follies Concert with the NY Phil about 20 years ago.

More soon...

THE GENE KRUPA BAND will be at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, 42nd Street and 9th Avenue in NYC every Wednesday afternoon in September from 5-7. Special Guest vocalists include Laurel Masse and others to be named. Come by and hear the band and support live Jazz!!!

I'm at the Paducah Ky Symphony Pops September 15th with Dee Daniels. Dee will be doing her Tribute To Ray Charles Show. Dee is a marvelous talent and her show in honor of Ray Charles is an outstanding concert experience.

BUY THE NEW CD!!! THINKING OF GENE!!! THE GENE KRUPA BAND LIVE FROM XM RADIO IN WASHINGTON, DC>

OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE IS 10/9/07 but you can get it now from www.seabreezejazz.com

 Hi Everyone,

Just back from Guatemala City. Conducted their Orchestra in a concert called Piano at the Movies with soloist Rich Ridenour. Great concert, nice people, fun Orchestra.

The CD, THINKING OF GENE, LIVE IN WASHINGTON DC at XM RADIO is AVAILABLE!!!!
1. Starburst (Theme) / Leave Us Leap   Eddie Finckel
2. Wire Brush Stomp   Gene Krupa, Ray Biondi
3. Tuxedo Junction  Julian Dash / Buddy Feyne / Erskine Hawkins / William Johnson
4. Massachusetts  Andy Razaf / ”Lucky” Roberts
Annette Sanders, Vocal
5. That’s What You Think   Ken Warner / Sue Warner
Annette Sanders, Vocal
6. Rocking Chair  Hoagy Carmichael
Steve Hawk, Trumpet Solo
7. That Drummer’s Band Krupa   Eldridge
8. “Stompin’” At The Savoy   Benny Goodman, Edgar “Sampson”, Andy Razaf &Chick Webb
GK Quartet-Mike Tomaro, TS; Paul Henry, Bass; Tony Nalker, Piano; Mike Berkowitz, Drums
9. Gene’s Boogie   Seger Ellis, George Williams
Annette Sanders, Vocal
10. Thinking of Gene   Steve Allee
11. Opus One    Sy Oliver
Annette Sanders, Vocal
12. Boogie Blues    Ray Biondi, Gene Krupa
Annette Sanders, Vocal
13. Lover     Rodgers Hart
The New Gene Krupa Orchestra at XM Radio from Washington, DC

Trumpets
Steve Hawk
Liesl Whitaker
Graham Breedlove
Craig Fraedrich
Saxes
Antonio Orta
Jim Carroll
Mike Tomaro
John DeSalme
Dave Brown
Trombones
Matt Niess (Lead)
Jim McFalls
Jay Gibble
Jeff Cortazzo (Bass)
Bass
Paul Henry
Piano
Tony Nalker
Drums
Mike Berkowitz
Vocals
Annette Sanders
Mike Berkowitz uses Slingerland Drums, Sabian Cymbals and REMO drum heads.
Produced by Mike Berkowitz with able assistance from Deirdre Berkowitz
Recorded June 19th, XM Radio Performance Center Studios, Washington, DC.
Mixed and Mastered August 7th by John Guth in Valley Cottage, NY
Photos courtesy of Phillip King and John Allan, XM Satellite Radio
The New Gene Krupa Orchestra

Either email me or you can get it at www.seabreezejazz.com . Soon to be in stores but you can get it now if you like! The band sounds great...it's all live...done in three hours in the studio...no overdubs!!! This is what the band sounds like in person so if you're a buyer, this is what you get and if you're a person in the audience...this is what you'll hear.

I'm still putting the new dates together for next season.

If you want to hire me as a Conductor, contact Bob Bauchens at ARTRA in Chicago.

800-354-1645

If you want to hire the Krupa Band...Craig Hankenson c/o Producers, Inc. www.producersinc.com

If you want the Tribute to Capitol Records Show...please call Terry Kippenberger at Mainstage Artists in St. Louis.

Anything else, just contact me directly.

York Symphony in Pa. August 18th with Steve Lippia...

All the Wednesdays in September at Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC...5-7 pm..

THE GENE KRUPA BAND With special guests.  Great music, great band, surprises!!!

More to come soon...

Best,

Mike Berkowitz

www.berkmusic.com

By FRANK ROBERTS, Correspondent
© May 29, 2007 | Last updated 10:40 PM May. 28

VIRGINIA BEACH - It was a "Sing, Sing, Sing" Sunday as the Gene Krupa Orchestra, conducted by Michael Berkowitz, closed its wonderfully swinging concert at The Cavalier with that lengthy, famous piece originally played by Krupa when he was with Benny Goodman.

The night's only major drum solo excitedly climaxed a terrifically satisfying night, made even more exciting by the presence of Lynn Roberts, who has been the female vocalist with many of the major bands - Harry James, Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James, Charlie Spivak and others.

She remembered performing with Spivak eons ago at The Cavalier.

Roberts is 71, looks 51 but sings like a youngster of 31.

She sang several songs associated with Miller, the Dorseys and her favorite, Harry James.

She also ventured into the songbook of Krupa's vocalist, Anita O'Day.

"I sang this one with Benny Goodman 45 years ago," Roberts said as an introduction to "The Lady Is A Tramp."

At one point, commenting on the swing-era songs, she asked: "Isn't it nice to be able to understand all the words?"

Berkowitz and company brought back memories of the big band era.

The pleasant night began with "Starburst," the Krupa theme, then alternated between fast and slow, the latter bringing the older folks in the happy crowd to the dance floor, where they cut a rug outdoors at the Cavalier Hotel Beach Club.

The night was a mix of music and memories as some of the married-for-many-years dancers hugged their spouses.

It was a different story when the Krupa band upped the tempo.

Then, the dance floor was occupied by 20-somethings representing Swing Virginia, a Hampton Roads group about 300 strong who dance like professional swingsters.

"I was raised with swing music," said group member Amy Green of Williamsburg.

"My mom, in the '50s, listened to bands like the Dorseys. I got my first CD when I was 12. It was Glenn Miller."

The Swing Virginia crew added a lot of fun to the night, but another dancer also garnered some attention - Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf.

Meanwhile, John Castleman handled the types of trumpet solos once associated with Roy Eldridge.

Krupa, an exciting and innovative drummer, was one of the biggest stars of the 1930s and '40s.

Thanks to Berkowitz and his fine orchestra, Cavalier visitors on Sunday had the opportunity to remember Genie with the light brown drumsticks during the two-hour show that went swinging by very swiftly.