I will start with my never ending surprise when a singer that I know to be excellent, beautiful, and quite capable, is auditioning for American Idol and doesn’t get past the first set of producers. This happened again recently, when Dayna Kovicic went to New Orleans AND Austin, Texas to audition and nothing happened. This girl is as beautiful as Brooke Shields and has talent to spare.

I asked her who was going through? She said some people in costumes and some people who were seemingly normal. She had no expectations because we had talked about the process and I was familiar with other singers I knew to be great singers who also didn’t make the cut. She chalked it up to experience and enjoyed the ride. I was a little more upset and confused. What, I thought, do they want?

Cut to a few weeks later, my student Nancy is planning on auditioning in San Francisco. Nancy is a teenager, and only recently started with me, and I felt she wasn’t quite ready. I mean, once you get there, If you get there, the competition gets very intense and you need to be a great singer, not just good. That was the problem last season, it was filled with “good” not great singers. The ratings went down, and it lost a lot of it’s magic. There was no one to root for.

So, Nancy wants to do this and won’t wait til next year. Now we picked a great song that would be easy for her and showed her personality. Stupid Cupid by Connie Francis and more recently Mandy Moore. we worked hard on the song and I asked her to cut off the notes and clip them to make it authentic and 50′s. You see Nancy has a high Beehive hairdo, and even to lessons wears stilletto’s and her hair high, with cute little dress”s. Nancy would, I know get their attention. But I wanted her to also be able to be able to keep their attention once they saw her.  She always wears eyeliner and red lipstick, that IS who she is. She is what the show is about at the beginning when they find characters in line. But she is for real, and I did not want them to make fun of her or hurt her feelings.

Nancy called me from the first day,“She was handed a green sticker from a man who told her to wear it when she went to sing.” Nancy knew then, when no one else had a green sticker, she was probably juiced in. She accepted that and was going to sing great to make sure she stayed in the game. She and the two other people with her were rejected. Nancy was crying and going to get her mom when the man ran after her and said “Hey, where are you going?”

She told him she was rejected and he said “Oh no,” took her by the arm and went back to the table where she sang, and was put through. Now she was happy, she went through the second round of judges and flew home to Vegas , told to come back 2 days later for a third audition.

The third audition was the one where they told her she just wasn’t strong enough, and it was a tough competition. She came home happy, knowing she did the best she could, and knowing that her “Look” got her through the first round.

I am happy that she was happy. They also had her on camera in line and the cameraman did photograph her and ask about her hair. There is a chance she will be on TV from this interview.  I think Nancy has “it” and will be fine, and this experience was great for her.

American Idol has give us a few blessings,  Carrie, Kelly, Daughtry, Jennifer, to mention a few. So this is a recent complaint about the last 2 years. Before that I believe they were on track.

As far as America’s Got Talent Las Vegan contestant, Michael Grimm, is in the finals and deserves to be. He comes across very well, and having seen him live here in Vegas, I am a big fan. That show is also a circus. A singer going against a dance troupe going against a fire eater going against a duo and on and on! I just don’t get it.

Bring back Star Search, or anything that brought us real talent. Leanne Rhinnes came from star Search, Brad Garrett also. I just am so tired of seeing  people telling people how great they are, and then they get a million dollars for being mediocre. Here we go with another season of millions of singers trying to make it in the business we call Show.

Listen, it isn’t all it’s made out to be. It can be a real drag, hence Fantasia!!!   Have a back up plan, Take it from me!

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

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I had the pleasure of seeing the “Just Imagine” John Lennon tribute show, based at Planet Hollywood. I was the most animated person in the room. This was about a Beatle, this is John Lennon music. How can people sit still? Why am I so different that when a drummer starts drumming? I feel it in my bones. This band was so good, I couldn’t possibly sit still.

Speaking to the keyboardist, my friend Cosmo Topper, who came in from los Angeles to do the Las Vegas-based show, I said “Vegas audiences are the worst”, the drummer overheard us, and said “no, L.A. is the worst”.

Well, if that is the case, why is live music still alive at all?  What has happened to people’s souls? I thought the music of The Beatles was universal. The theatre was 1/3 full and half were too young to remember the Vietnam war, the 60′s and the whole hippie movement.

But music is music, it heals the soul, it reminds you that  you are alive. The musician/singer/actor who played John was very very good. I felt like I was at a John Lennon concert.

He mentioned the lost Beatle, drummer, Stuart Sutcliff, who died of  brain cancer. He speaks of the loss when his mother pawned him off on his aunt and then his mum died from an off duty drunk policeman. His father left and seemed to never come back, unclear if he died in the war or something else.

He admits to being a bad husband to Cynthia and worse father to Julian. Then Later on, when the love of his life Yoko gives him a another son Sean. HE is the love of John’s universe. I hope Julian doen’t see this show. He doesn’t pay tribute to anyone but Paul, mentions Ringo and omits George. entirely. But the reason it inspired me to write this because he constantly reminds us that he was unhappy. Success and fame do not bring happiness.

That is what I want to talk about when the show is over. It should be enough to leave a body of work that you are proud of and leave a legacy that will define you. You don’t need the stress and pressure of superstardom.  If that happens to you and you want it, you need to be ready.

You need the right support group around you and advisors. You shouldn’t step on people on your way up.  All the voice coaches, dance and acting coaches that helped you get there should be not left in the dust.  Remember who you are and that is who you need to stay. When you are on stage,  think  “Miley Cyrus” and fans are screaming your name,when the concert is over, and you are alone in your hotel room with 22 more hours until the next show, you need to lead a life that you can be proud of.

You need to be well read, and able to converse at a party with record execs. You need a good education, both in history, english, and the industry. Who was in the “Who”… or the “Doors”? “Traffic”what band members branched out from what bands to be huge stars on their own?

You want it. OK, go for it, but do it with the power of knowledge, and class.

Rock on!

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

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I always thought you had to be a great singer to make it in this crazy business.  Perhaps that is because when I grew up in the 50′s and 60′s, there were few bad singers. Most of the singers were Great! Amazing! Then the 60′s came along, and they put special effects on Lesley Gore, who is a great songwriter, not singer, and  special effects on Carole King, who I love, but not considered a great singer.

The rock groups just had to look hot. Mick jagger, Herman’s Hermits… They couldn’t sing.  Loved Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Grace Slick. Lot’s of others were not singers but stylists or just screaming.

So, have we lowered our standards? Or is the average public who are swooning over Aaron on American Idol, are they just tone deaf?  It is sad that you can be spotted by a producer because you have an exposed belly button {Shakira}  and they make you a big star. She has vibrato you can surf on, yes she is in tune, and I’m being picky.

I just miss the old days when you could go any where and hear real talent. Singers such as  Jerry Tiffe, Bob Anderson, Denise Clemente, Jeaneane Marie, Jerry Lopez, Tony Davich, Lenny Lopez, Jamie Hosmer, of Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns. These guys can sing. The hotels don’t seem to care enough to give us quality entertainment.

The Chef Michael at Tommasino’s where I work now, said “Jazz never brings money in, they sit and order water or coffee” So, I said, “Charge a cover?” There is a demand or there would be no coffee and water orders. maybe they are twelve steppers?   People, Charge a Cover, I will pay to hear good jazz, funk, R&B or really good anything. At Tommasino’s when I work with  Mike Shane we make great tips, because we talk to the audience, we do their songs, we are funny.

When working with the “Jazz” pianists, brilliant pianists, we make minimal tips, perhaps $5-15.  People want personality, and they want variety.  Driving out to Pahrump to this dream job is heaven, they appreciate me, and I feel like I am pleasing them.

In Vegas lounges, the tourists are getting off their feet, have not slept, and could care less about what you do. This wasn’t the case 20 years ago, we did lounge SHOWS  we entertained, we connected, now they are dance bands.  When did good become good enough?

I miss the old days, when after work at 2am you could catch a dozen or so great acts still playing til 6am. Then you could drive up to Mt. Charleston, watch the sun come up, grab breakfast and sleep til 2pm.  I have to say, I am glad that I am the age I am so i was there in those days.

When I met Cary Grant at valet parking with Walter Kane.  My car was kept out front waiting for me: Star Treatment.

What a memory. I’ll cherish those days forever.  Yes, you needed juice to get a gig, but you better be GREAT not GOOD to keep it.

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

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I always knew that I would sing. it was a given. I didn’t have a back-up plan. Thank goodness it worked out. Although I hadn’t sung on stage as a child, I did concerts at my folks home in North Hollywood. I mean, concerts!

Before we put a pool in, we tore the orchard out, rented a stage, chairs, and had The Andrew Sisters, Joel Grey, Ray Bolger, Joe Williams, and many others my dad played drums for. This was a normal summer jam at the Kluger house.

My dad, the late Irv Kluger was on the road so much, we threw huge parties when he would come home. Once we took nail polish and wrote on the inside rim of the toilet seat “GOODY, DADDY”S HOME!” Everyone really got a kick out of that.

My first album, not counting “Shirley Temple”, was “Eydie In Love”. Eydie Gorme was my favorite, at four years old.  Forty years later I got to tell her that, when working the Las Vegas Country Club, where Steve and Eydie would come in  often after they moved to Las Vegas. They were so gracious, I spent my breaks in the lounge with them, talking shop.

Edyie in Love

It wasn’t a shock when my dad thought it was time that to bring me to the CEO of  Capitol Records for an audition. I wasn’t a bit nervous. This was what I did. I played guitar for myself and sang a Peter Paul and Mary song.

I got an answer right away! I was signing a 6-record deal. 3 records, 6 sides on 45s. They put me on a subsidiary label, World Pacific Jazz. I still got the Star treatment.

My producer started writing songs for me, and some were written by writers for the Everly Brothers. Another song chosen for me was “Sukiyaki” with a new English lyric.

My dad’s good friend,  a  Radio DJ Bob Crane (late, an actor of Hogan’s Heroes fame) was excited to start playing my tunes on the air. His wife Anne and son Bobby Jr. were great friends and we spent many weekends at their home, swimming and hanging out.

Capitol Records Building

We were at his house when he brought the Hogans Hero’s script home. We all laughed. It would never last. Too outrageous.  Wow, were we wrong!!! I even saw Bob in the 70′s at the Tropicana with his new wife, when he came to hear my band Commonwealth. No matter what you heard about his death, he was a lovely man.

At this time, I was in Van Nuys Jr High School, learning my songs for my first record. This was no big deal, I always planned on this.

I went to school with a lot of big stars kids. John Derek’s, and Jane Russell’s, to mention a few.

We worked hard on the phrasing and articulation of my songs. I was ready. I wore white slacks, tennis shoes, a striped polo shirt and strode in like it was another day. Never a lesson in my life.

I had Studio C where  Sinatra recorded. The Big Studio. I walked in to find an orchestra, strings, and three back-up singers. We were doing it live. I had great pitch and they  had faith I could pull it off.  I did it,

I was in a little booth, the band played on and it was AWESOME.  My first single’s were “Johnny Let Me Go” and “Popcorn and Candy “.  My Press pictures were done, I was clueless how to pose. Just look at my pics! Ughhh, but I was a baby.

The record was pressed, I did a concert at Van Nuys Jr High lip-syncing my records, I was a budding pop star. I was written up in all the trade magazines.   Billboard Magazine charted “Johnny Let Me Go”, 75 with a bullet. Meaning, the song was shooting up the charts.

Then my world stopped. The Beatles came out and were on Capitol!!!!! Singers like Lesley Gore and Jessie Paul, {They changed my name} were history. Hermans Hermits, Dave Clark Five and the Beatles were IT.

We had a contract, so they recorded my other songs and shelved me. Tax write-off.  I was a has been at 12. They changed my name, my life, my dreams, and now it was up to me, to continue a career that they had started. My dad got busy, on his own dime, flew out to Boston, Philly, all the breakout states and wined and dined the radio station managers to play my song.

I lasted long enough to do some opening act concerts with Johnny Crawford, and later,  as a teen, with Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night, Iron Butterfly, Cream, Santana, Sweetwater, Blue Cheer, Grateful Dead, and others.

I continued to work, even though I wasn’t particularly famous. I worked at something I loved, I sang for a living. I did it on my own, with my name, on my terms.

I continue to sing into my fifties and happily, get paid darn well for it. I am proud of what I did with the talent that I got from my parents.

I know my dad was proud of me, I know he still is .

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

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In the last few years, I had become very picky about where I sang and who I work with. Singing had stopped being fun as much fun as it should be.

I started to teach singing, and it took a few years, but I have become a good teacher. I am absolutely confident about my ability to bring the best out, in my students.

Whenever someone would are “Are you still singing?” I would answer, “New Years Eve and a few society parties.” I get e-mails about friends working at supper clubs and from my past experience, they are smoky, and don’t pay much.

My old friends Tom and Alice Saitta, of the Las Vegas car dealerships, have changed my outlooked. They moved to Pahrump eight years ago, after selling all the Las Vegas dealerships. Then, in Pahrump, they built a big ranch, one dealership, and recently built the ultimate, Italian supper club, Tommasino’s and All That Jazz.

The restaurant is upscale, yet casual, elegant, yet funky, a wonderful place to eat, drink, play quiet video poker,  in an non-smoking  space that gives you LIVE music every night. During the week, it is a piano bar, with Tommy Deering, Mike Shane or Joe Darro, Tom gets up with his trumpet or flugelhorn and vocals, or gets on the drums, and sings also.  Then there is Autie Goodman on sax and a few more drummers  that may sit in.

On Fridays and Saturdays a few weeks a month he has given me the joy of being the chick singer in this sanctuary of great music, food, great staff and great clientele.

Musicians' View from Tommasino's Stage - best seats in the house: Click to enlarge

The exterior is a Tuscan, other-century, building of beauty. The interior goes even further, with great detail. Balconies with smoky windows that reflect people who appear to be eating upstairs, but are just an illusion.

Two trees that I thought the restaurant was built the place around, are amazing artificial masterpieces. The fireplaces in the dining room give it an outdoor feel. The stage has a red velvet drape and grand piano and has a stage big enough for the  Grand piano, drums, sax, trumpet, and me.

The  bathrooms are hip, modern and elegant. The bar is beautiful and the service is the best. Angelo at the entrance takes care of you if you have 2 or 20.

Click to Enlarge

Kids are sometimes seen and I observe some of them straying from their dinner because they are enthralled by the music.  Jason and Sierra at the bar are the best at what they do, Chef Michael is a whiz and the Pastry Chef Robin.

Let’s just say, is so incredible I better watch my waistline. Where can you find eggplant stuffed manicotti? I will be making music this coming weekend (Friday/Saturday, April 9 & 10) at Tommasino’s, If you are coming in, I suggest you make reservations.  They do quite a business.

There is dancing too. A little tip, if coming from Vegas, just stay on the Highway 160, pass  the Taco bell, next street turn right, look to your left, and there you will see a little slice of heaven.

Mike starts at 5:30 and I go up shortly after.  Pahrump winds up the night early, 10pm or so. One more tip. every time I go to Pahrump by way of  Blue Diamond and keep going, on the main highway 160 , stop by the side of the road, on your left, and pick up a jar of local honey from the local Indians. Yum!! It is “Miguel’s Country Market” but they sell it on the highway  on the way in with jerky, and nuts.. Pure raw honey, they say it helps with allergies, because the local bee pollan is in it! I don’t care, it tastes great.

What’s not to love!!

Pahrump area map - Click to enlarge

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

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Happy to announce that I’ll be appearing this weekend, Friday and Saturday, in a return engagement to Tommasion’s Italian Restaurant in Pahrump.

I’ll be accompanied on piano by Mike Shane, and am looking forward to performances. Both of which start about 6pm.

Received a bit of plug from the gossip column, Ciaire Voyant, in Las Vegas Online.

Jessica Marciel
Las Vegas Vocal Training

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