NEW YORK'S DIVAS
MARLENE VERPLANCK: "I try to tell the story. Any great lyric and song will force you to "act" it out naturally."
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CANDID CHAT WITH DIVA MARLENE VERPLANCK Q-What would you do to stay on the top? Marlene VerPlanck: On top of what? I am FAR from the top of the music heap. I work hard at getting gigs and winding up with a bunch at the end of the year. As long as it's fun, I will do it. Q-And if luck turns against you? Marlene VerPlanck: When it's not fun, I will pack it in. Q-The best idea you ever came up with? Marlene VerPlanck: Actually, Billy is the idea man. He booked the Marlene VerPlanck Loves Johnny Mercer session without telling me and I thought it was a crazy idea. WHO would by a Johnny Mercer CD? CD's on Audiophile. Q-What makes Marlene VerPlanck, so different from other sparkling stars? Marlene VerPlanck: I work very hard at keeping my voice in shape, learning new songs and staying top of the scene. Folks often ask me why my voice is still in good shape. Hardly anyone believes me when I say I still take a lesson every week from Maria Farnworth in NYC. Q-What is the most pleasant sound to your ears? Marlene VerPlanck: Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Getz, Warren Vache. Q-And the most beautiful site to your eyes? Marlene VerPlanck: Paris. Q-What do you fear most in life? Marlene VerPlanck: I take each day as it comes...the good and the bad. Q-What do you cherish most? Marlene VerPlanck: I have a great husband, mom and family. Billy and I LOVE family gatherings. Q-If you had to write your memoirs or biography, what title would you give to your book? Marlene VerPlanck: I would have to think about that a bit. Q-What goes in your mind, right before you appear on stage and facing your audience? Marlene VerPlanck: My songs, lyrics are swirling around in my head and I pray I remember everything. Since I never repeat the same show twice I am constantly asking the bass or pianist what song is next...altho, I don't usually forget the lyrics, it's hard to remember what's next. Q-And upon leaving the stage? Marlene VerPlanck: Of course, only I know when I've done a good job and if I think it was good, I'm happy. There are times I'm particularly happy. But I've also had to work thru a cold or something at times and that's hard. |
Q-What do you notice first about a person you meet for the first time? Marlene VerPlanck: I like clean, neat people but the person reveals himself in conversation. Can't tell until we talk a bit. Q-And what people notice first about Marlene VerPlanck? Marlene VerPlanck: I pray they see I am clean, neat and most of all professional. Q-Stage is an elixir of illusion. Do you bring your life to stage, meaning Marlene VerPlanck, the human being, or the Diva in you? Marlene VerPlanck: Most importantly, I try to tell the story. Any great lyric and song will force you to "act" it out naturally. Q-What are the virtues of a real singer? Marlene VerPlanck: Trying constantly to get it right. It is an elusive thing, the voice. It's not like putting your violin in an air conditioned closet. The voice must be well tuned and warmed up before a performance. You owe that much to your audience. As for me, I cannot practice enough. The better you know your material the more at ease you will seem on stage. Hardest thing of all is to make it look easy. Q-Do you tolerate vicious artistic ambitions? Marlene VerPlanck: No. Q-What does success mean to you? Marlene VerPlanck: To still be working successfully in music, no matter how bit or small the job is, after all these years is a success. I am most grateful for this. Q-To YOU, what is more important success/fame or talent. Marlene VerPlanck: I think I have been successful, in my field because I have worked hard at keeping up a standard. Fame only comes to the chosen few. Q-Any price an artist must pay to reach for stardom? Marlene VerPlanck: I don't know. Q-Did you pay that price? Marlene VerPlanck: I don't consider myself a star...a working itinerant musician, yes, a star? NO! Q-What's next on your agenda? Performance, concerts, deals? Marlene VerPlanck: A few scattered concerts, club dates...always hopeful about doing more.
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