The award-winning New York cabaret and recording artist Jeff Harnar discusses his new album I Know Things Now: My Life in Sondheim’s Words (PS Classics, 2022), with Joseph Planta.
Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:
I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.
Jeff Harnar joins me now. The acclaimed, award-winning New York cabaret, concert and recording artist has a new album out in a couple of weeks, I Know Things Now: My Life in Sondheim’s Words. It’s a marvelous collection of the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim as performed by Mr. Harnar, who finds in a tapestry of twenty-five disparate songs in the Sondheim canon meaning and understanding about his life. I’ll ask Jeff about the genius of Sondheim’s music and lyrics, the lyrics especially, which after so long as a performer finally gave him the story of his own life. The songs are performed in pairings or groupings from different shows, and eras of Sondheim’s musicals, and they all speak universally, as well as more importantly, specifically to Jeff’s outlook on life, love and the pursuit of happiness. This all began as a one-man stage show that he performed, which was directed by the legendary actor and teacher Sondra Lee. This new album, expands and preserves a show that Sondheim not only saw, but endorsed and encouraged. The arrangements on the album are by Jeff Harnar and Jon Weber, who did also did the orchestrations. There’s a big 20 piece orchestra and it’s lush and rich accompanying Mr. Harner so beautifully. The album is from PS Classics, which releases the album 17 June 2022. Visit www.jeffharnar.com for more information, as there will be various tour dates in the United States in June and beyond. And www.psclassics.com is the website for more information on the album, like how to get it. Jeff Harnar was described by the New York Times as “the most important cabaret performer to emerge since Michael Feinstein.” He has won many awards like the MAC Award, from the Manhattan Association of Cabaret, I counted at least seven, as well as multiple Broadway World Cabaret awards, and the Bistro Award, several times over. He joined me from New York City last week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Jeff Harnar; Mr. Harnar, good morning.
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