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 From
Main to Florida, from New York to Portland, Michael Feinstein
continues to charm and defy categorization:
"National Treasure, Feinstein delivers in style."
... Cape Cod Times, 2000 "It's clear, then, that Michael
Feinstein is much more than a musical antiquarian. He's become
a powerful force in modern music, keeping the classic American
songs of the 20th century echoing in our ears as we enter
a new age."... Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, 1999 "With
his scholarship, smooth style and impeccable articulation,
Michael Feinstein is the self appointed curator of cabaret."...
The Buffalo News, 2000 "Michael Feinstein has true star
power, if he cares to nurture and embrace the gift. Given
a short amount of time, this man could take the music world
by storm, his swagger in tow."... Portland Press Herald,
1999 "There are essentially two Michael Feinsteins. One
is a super-suave pianist and crooner, musical scholar and
archivist of traditional American pop who idolizes Fred Astaire
and seems to know the words to every obscure verse for every
theater and movie song ever written. The other is a standup
entertainer who wisecracks, mugs, does comic shtick and has
recently begun presenting himself as a finger-snapping swing
vocalist in a post-Sinatra style."... New York Time,
2000
Anyway you say it, it's difficult to categorize or describe
Michael Feinstein. Other descriptions of this "multi-hyphenate"-
alternately and simultaneously- include:
"America's Ambassador of Song." "The man keeping
music alive by creating a classic nightclub for the new generation."
"Gershwin's official archivist." "Power cabaret
host." "Thoroughly modern Michael." "Romantic."
"Speakeasy host." "Saloonkeeper performing
and presenting all-time favorite music." "Continuing
his hot streak." "Standards bearer." "Pianist
and crooner." Call him what you will. Michael Feinstein
loves the music.
He loves playing it, singing it, saving it, protecting it,
sharing it. Not only has he recorded 20 diverse and popular
CDs since 1985- including two nominated for Grammys- but,
since October, 1999, his new club, Feinstein's at the Regency,
has been a Manhattan showcase for the greatest singers and
cabaret performers.
No contemporary artist captures the essence of popular music
like Grammy- nominated, Michael Feinstein- "America's
Ambassador of Song." A pop vocalist, composer and arranger,
the Grammy-nominated Feinstein has released 20 albums, sold
out shows worldwide and played for three Presidents at the
White House, as well as England's Queen Mother.
And while he continues to be the entertainer who best embodies
the richness of classic big band, jazz and pop music, now
Feinstein moves into another dimension by infusing his current
projects with modern elements that make them uniquely progressive
and sophisticated. The Fall, 1999, debut of his first nightclub,
Feinstein's at The Regency, which opened around the same time
as the release of his 19th album, "Big City Rhythms,"
exemplifies this new side of Michael Feinstein.
Now there is "Romance" in the air. After selling
millions of albums, Feinstein has just released his 20th record
in October 2000, a double album, "Romance on Film, Romance
on Broadway." The album features a superb collection
of the most memorable, romantic songs from the screen and
stage including "As Time Goes By," "The More
I See You," "Always" and "My Funny Valentine."
Feinstein understands music so well because he studies it,
lives it and collects it. He has had the unique experience
of starting out his career as Ira Gershwin's assistant for
six years. While Feinstein was immersed in the life of one
of the legends of American popular music, he was granted access
to numerous unpublished Gershwin songs, which he has since
recorded and performed. His passion for maintaining the legacy
of American popular music has led to his becoming one of the
world's foremost music scholars and archivists. His personal
collection of popular music scores and memorabilia includes
many rare autographs, posters and manuscripts of Ira and George
Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and numerous others.
Gershwin's influence provided a solid base upon which Feinstein
has not only built into a captivating performer, composer
and arranger of his own original music, but has also become
an unparalleled interpreter of music legends such as Irving
Berlin, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington and Harry
Warren.
In 1998, Feinstein's album "Michael and George: Feinstein
Sings Gershwin" earned him a Grammy nomination for Best
Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. His follow up, the Fall,
1999, album release "Big City Rhythms," demonstrates
his range of talent and style as he collaborates with the
Maynard Ferguson Big Band and produces powerful sounds which
thrust Feinstein into as new arena.
After being launched into the spotlight by Liza Minnelli
at a New York debut in 1986, Feinstein went on to have a hit
one-man show on Broadway in 1988 called Isn't It Romantic:
Michael Feinstein in Concert.
Feinstein has brought a gift to the city that helped his
career flourish by opening Feinstein's at The Regency- a classic
and elegant, yet comfortable, nightclub for a new generation.
The New York Nightclub provides the intimate and versatile
venue that this talented performer has always dreamed of creating.
Feinstein has made frequent visits to the club as both an
entertainer on the stage, as well as a patron in the company
of his friends, while he continues to perform at other venues
in New York and worldwide.
Also in 1999, Feinstein added to his film credits by appearing
in and scoring original music for Miramax's Get Bruce. His
television credits include performances on Melrose Place,
Coach, Cybill, Thirtysomething and Caroline in the City.
When not touring, Feinstein divides his time between his
fascinating homes in New York and Los Angeles where he devotes
energy to the love and protection of animals, as well as to
the preservation of music. In his leisure time, Feinstein
enjoys hiking, swimming, collecting fine arts, antiques and
relaxing with friends.
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