i have been enjoying everyone's comments on other female singers my 2 faves are joni, of course, and laura nyro.
i'm sure you all realize joni readily admits laura as an influence. particularly her piano playing. virtually all of laura albums are excellent, but her best is "new york tendaberry," ( 11 perfect new york songs with enough melodies to fill 3 albums), "eli and the 13th cofession," (sounds like anyone elses greatest hits!) "nested"( a more mature laura, less screaming and more rich rich melodies and warm piano playing) & her last, "angel in the dark." (a maginificent triumph over death. a fantastic culmination of a rich and varied career--and a killer version of "walk on by" to boot). The saddest part of her dying so young was that her voice was as rich and beautiful as ever. michelle kort's new book "soul picnic" is a must. joni is quoted a few times. i believe laura's later day views on the music business paralleled joni's. but she kept plugging on, giving concerts and making records. i'm surprised i have never read any quotes from joni after laura died. i wonder if they new each other? xxx walt The most personalized portal on the Web!
