JAZZ FOR MARA- a history
When our mom Lilly Barnes's book Mara was published Daniel's Quartet played for the jam packed event at the Pilot Tavern. They asked me to sing a few songs that were mentioned in the Jazz centric book and low and behold Jazz For Mara was born. Telling the story of young Jazz musician Ted obsessed with an older european lady who has been accused of a heinous crime seemed to already be set to music given the way Lilly wrote the story soaked in the Jazz scene of 1964 Toronto.
THE TEXT
When the published suggested that it made a good way to perform "readings" of the book my brother Daniel started to mastermind the creation of an evenings length concert. Building the actual show was a year in development involving workshops, readings, video and lots and lots and lots of editing and rewriting. Thank goodness we had the able hand of director and dramaturge Ed Roy on board to help us shape the piece.
THE MUSIC
Although there are plenty of recognizable Jazz standards in Jazz For Mara, both instrumental and vocal, Daniel and I developed a few original songs that helped set the mood and tell the story. Both "Obsession" and "Mystery Lady" as well as Daniels original "Jazz For Mara" become motifs that reappear and support the characters and plot.
THE REHEARSALS
Because Lilly has always been a writer behind the scenes we knew we would need a series of performance opportunities and so with agent Robert Missen on board we booked a few showcases allowing Lilly to find her feet as a performer and for the show to develop. Getting into the Factory and Lower Ossington Theatre's for on stage rehearsals was an important part of building the show for us as well. Our crunch time Fall 2011 was full of Daniel arranging and scoring, myself writing lyrics for the original tunes and Lilly working out the kinks of her performance with Ed.
THE AL GREEN THEATRE
A place Daniel and I have performed in many many times, including the tribute to our father composer Milton Barnes. So it's a logical and organic place for us to premiere the full length version of JAZZ FOR MARA with our excellent band on board. More about the show later but for now..
memorizing lyrics like crazy! ha ha
