Carole J. Bufford is one of the many talented performers who will be part of the 2015 Gotham Holiday Swing at the Town Hall. We caught up with the delightful jazz singer who discussed the numbers she'll be performing, how we can keep cabaret alive, her absolute favorite holiday music, and whether we'll be seeing her on Broadway anytime soon...
What are some of the numbers you'll be performing at the Gotham Holiday Swing?
I will be singing (as of now) a dixieland take on "Blue Christmas" and "Christmas in New Orleans." I first heard "Christmas in New Orleans" on Louis Armstrong's Christmas album, that features all kinds of delicious artists like Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald plus, of course, Louis himself. Doesn't get much better!
What are some of your own personal holiday favorites? What holiday albums would you take with you to a desert island?
Oh gosh, soooo many! I love holiday songs. Car trips were always fun as a kid in December. The whole family would just belt 'em out. I will say it's not Christmas until I've heard Gene Autry sing "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer," EmmyLou Harris sing "O Beautiful star of Bethlehem," Judy Garland sing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," and pretty much anything from Mariah Carey's album (Though we have to wait for my Dad to leave the room...he's not too keen on the riffing!). I could name so many others. I've just entered a Youtube black hole because of this question. Thanks!!
You grew up listening to Judy Garland and Bessie Smith, among other great women. What attracted you to their voices from such an early age?
Well, that's 2 very different voices, as you know. I think I was attracted to the emotion behind them. Judy was pure vulnerability, but not weak. And the lady could put on a show. I loved watching her TV shows on old beta tapes my Dad had. One of my first performances was singing "Rockabye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody." Sequin top and black leggings. I even threw the mic cord over my shoulder. Such a ham!
And Bessie was a badass who'd steamroll any man who had done her wrong. I like music you can stomp around to. Plus some of her songs had dirty lyrics...bonus!! But behind the bluff and bluster, there was real pain there. It never rang false. Though it was in very different ways, both women were raw and exposed and, I would imagine, thrilled any lyricist who was lucky enough to write the words these two women sang.
Are you interested in performing musical theatre on Broadway?
Absolutely. When the right role comes along, you betcha. That's what I studied at Ithaca College, and I'll jump at the chance when the time is right. I try to still keep a finger in the musical theatre scene. I just did a concert reading of Jesse Gelber and Kate Manning's musical Where All The Rivers Go To Sleep. Beautiful piece. Exciting music, great story. Plus, I am also developing a one woman musical...Stay Tuned!
As a young keeper of the Great American Songbook, what is the importance of keeping the nightclub/cabaret culture alive?
Well, it's the most important thing. First of all, It's where you find people who aren't giant marquee names...yet! For god's sake, what's as exciting as walking into a little nightclub and having someone like Molly Pope barrel out the gates and blow the roof off the joint? There's a freedom there. You have such control of the material you choose. And the intimate space allows for a real connection with your audience. It's a very personal thing for both audience and performer. And for exquisitely written songs, like those in the Great American Songbook, there is no better showcase. Of course things are ever-evolving, and they should be. But in order to move forward, in my opinion, you must honor the past. And that's a rich and fascinating history worth mining.
Select your three absolute favorite Sondheim songs to perform.
Heh. You've caught me here. I tend to sing a lot of music from the 1920's and 30's. Sondheim wasn't writing back then, to my knowledge. So, I'll tell you 3 of his songs that I would love to, and one day will, perform. "Losing My Mind" -- Devastating. "Could I Leave You?" -- Can you tell I love Follies? and "Worst Pies In London" -- Cause I wanna play that role one day, who doesn't?!
For tickets to Gotham Holiday Swing click here.
