David Sabella and Sue Matsuki announce the release of their new book, So You Want to Sing Cabaret. This is the 20th and final book in the So You Want to Sing…series, sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and published by Rowman & Littlefield (June 2020). The book explores all aspects of the relatively unknown and unique genre of vocal performance known as Cabaret. Here is what "they" are saying about this book"
“Such important information and a must-read for all singers and teachers. I was fascinated.”
— Chita Rivera, Tony Award–winning actress
“A remarkable combination of instruction, inspiration, reminiscence, and just plain good sense. David Sabella and Sue Matsuki’s book is a wonderfully readable bible for those interested in the world of cabaret, professionally or just out of curiosity. ”
— John Kander, Tony Award–winning Broadway composer (Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of The Spider Woman)
“So You Want to Sing Cabaret is full of history, anecdotes, and practical knowledge from the legends who have dedicated their lives to this art form. It is an absolutely invaluable resource whether one wants to put together an entire act or simply learn to mine the depths of a song and really make it their own. If you are an aspiring performer or simply an appreciator of the genre, there are life lessons to be learned here that can honestly be applied to many different disciplines —singers, actors, directors, musicians, and anyone else with a thirst for knowledge, a curious mind, and a desire to connect with an audience by telling a thoughtful story through song.” — Brian Stokes Mitchell, Tony Award–winning Broadway singer and actor
“David Sabella and Sue Matsuki have compiled and curated a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in performing or researching cabaret, including writings and interviews from the most prominent practitioners. It covers the history of cabaret from the beginnings to modern day with all of its marvelous incarnations along the way. A truly delightful and enlightening guide to this sorely neglected but eminently worthy vocal art form.”
— Lori McCann, Montclair State University, NATS-NYC board of directors and past president
“One of my favorite quotes from David Sabella and Sue Matsuki’s wonderful, comprehensive book about cabaret is this: Cabaret is first and foremost a lyric-driven experience. The book goes on to tell you everything you will need to know or ever consider about the art form, including interviews with some of the best artists in the business. An amazing accomplishment!”
— Betty Buckley, Tony Award-winning actress and singer
“This book needs to be a part of academic curricula and in every voice teacher’s and singer’s library. As a historical document and a vibrant exploration of cabaret and its evolution, this is a must-read, over and over again!” — Susan Eichhorn-Young, voice teacher, singer, actor, writer
So You Want to Sing Cabaret is the first book of it’s kind to examine in detail the unique vocal and non-vocal requirements for professional performance within the small venue/cabaret industry. With a Foreword by Lorna Luft and interviews with top professionals in the industry, including Michael Feinstein, Ann Hampton Callaway, Andrea Marcovicci and Steve Ross, as well as many others, Sabella and Matsuki address the history, craft, and business of cabaret, creating the perfect one-volume resource for both the aspiring and experienced singer.
The book had its official launch on June 26, 2020, as part of the bi-annual conference of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is available for sale at: www.Amazon.com, www.cabarethotspot.com, and wherever performing arts books are sold. To watch the 90 minute book release show featuring performances by some of the biggest names in Cabaret please visit: Richard Skipper Celebrates YouTube page @ https://youtu.be/jQ60kWkQcyc.