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MasterClass Monday : Mike DelGuidice Performs Nessun Dorma Accompanied By Billy Joel


Apparently, in order to be hired as a guitarist for Billy Joel, you have to be able to sing opera, specifically one of the most difficult tenor arias in operatic history. This performance of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” by Mike DelGuidice proves that Billy Joel surrounds himself with the best and the brightest in the musical arena. […]

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New York State Of Mind: Billy Joel’s Memorable Live Performance on August 28th, 2019 At Madison Square Garden


Today is the 18th Anniversary of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack. I thought this beautiful live version of Billy Joel singing New York State Of Mind is testament to the strength and resilience of the people from New York and beyond. Since this horrific attack, this song has become a resounding anthem commemorating not […]

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MasterClass Monday: Billy Joel’s Inspiring Tribute To Rock Icon Joe Cocker at Madison Square Garden


On August 28th, 2019, I had the opportunity to bear witness to a live Billy Joel Concert in Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was a personal dream come true for me and the experience can be described in one word : EPIC. From Billy Joel’s sensational musical ability, surrounded by his fantastic […]

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Fashion Icon And Artist Gloria Vanderbilt Dies At The Age Of 95


Fashion icon and multi- faceted celebrity, Gloria Vanderbilt, has died at the age of 95. She was also the mother of CNN journalist, Anderson Cooper. She lived an extraordinary life, with multiple tragic events mixed in to her glamorous and legendary journey. She was an absolute visionary in the arts world and, despite her struggles, […]

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MasterClass Monday: Adam Lambert Performs An Abbreviated Version Of Nessun Dorma


So, hello everyone. After a bit of a hiatus, MasterClass Lady is back in action. And, what better way to start the New Year, albeit belatedly, than by treating you to Adam Lambert’s abbreviated version of the opera classic, Nessun Dorma. In a word or two or three – it. is. magnificent. This talented singer […]

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MasterClass Monday: The Fascinating Creation Of Ed Sheeran’s Shape Of You And A New Use For Legos


About a month ago, the New York Times published a great article about the conceptualization of Ed Sheeran’s humongous hit, “Shape Of You“. I was busy enjoying Christmas so thanks Heavens for loyal MCL readers like Rachel for bringing this to my attention. A month late but better late than never. Thank you Rachel. So, […]

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MasterClass Monday: Celebrating The Musical Legacy Of Three Singers Who Left Us All Too Soon During This Past Week: Part Three: Teen POP Idol David Cassidy


On November 21st, 2017, Teen pop star David Cassidy died from organ failure. But, that is not the whole story: “On February 20, 2017, Cassidy announced that he was living with dementia, the condition that his mother suffered from at the end of her life. He retired from performing in early 2017 when the condition […]

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MasterClass Monday: Celebrating The Musical Legacy Of Three Singers Who Left Us All Too Soon During This Past Week: Part Two: Russian Operatic Baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky


Look at that face. How charismatic is this talented man? This face could have graced the pages of fashion magazines or illuminated the silver screen through a career in the movies.. But, sometimes, how one looks pales in comparison to how one sounds. And for Russian Operatic Superstar Dimitri Hvorostovsky, this statement became all too […]

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MasterClass Monday: Celebrating The Musical Legacy Of Three Singers Who Left Us All Too Soon During This Past Week: Part One: Canadian Musical Theatre Star Gregory Cross


This week, we lost three phenomenal singers, each noted for their outstanding work in different genres of vocal music. The first, pictured above with me, is the wonderfully talented and genuinely charismatic Gregory Cross. We were musical colleagues and shared so many musical memories together that it hurts me to write each word of this […]

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MasterClass Monday: Pink Performs An Aerial Choreographed Version Of Her Hit, Beautiful Trauma


Okay, I have seen everything now! Musical artist, Pink, just surpassed artistic expectations for the gutsiest performance on live TV when she sang Beautiful Trauma at the American Music Awards on Sunday, November 19th on ABC. And this is me – watching her: I mean – have you ever, EVER, seen anything like this? Oh, […]

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MasterClass Monday: Carrie Underwood’s Emotional And Moving Musical Tribute To Late Country Music Stars And The Victims In The Las Vegas Tragedy


There are not too many performances capable of stopping everyone in their tracks and giving one pause. However, at the 51st Country Music Association Awards which aired on Wednesday, November 8th, the talented and charismatic Carrie Underwood did just that when she memorialized not only deceased Country Music Stars Troy Gentry, Glen Campbell and Don […]

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MasterClass Monday: Kelly Clarkson Dazzles With Whole Lotta Woman From Her New CD – Meaning Of Life 


There is no one quite like Kelly Clarkson, is there?  The Original American Idol rose to stardom and never ceased control of her own special. brand of music. She is not only a brilliant vocalist but also, she is a passionate and charismatic singer with an engaging personality.  So relatable to so many.   She […]

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MasterClass Monday: Billy Joel Performs An Early Live Version Of Scenes From An Italian Restaurant


Can you beat this? Seriously – does anyone perform like this anymore. Live. Multitasking voice and piano skills with aplomb and professionalism?   Yes, I know what my regular readers are thinking. Another article about Billy Joel?  Think outside the Billy Joel box MCL!  Ha! But this performance was too good to pass up and […]

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MasterClass Thanksgiving Monday: Count Your Blessings From The Film White Christmas Performed by Bing Crosby And Rosemary Clooney


A Very Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian readers!  There is nothing better than this holiday. Not only does it kickstart the Fall/Winter Holiday season, but also, gives us an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the blessings we have in our collective lives.  And blessings come in all shapes and sizes: the strength and support […]

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MasterClass Monday: Canadian Icon Burton Cummings’ Impeccable Version Of Dream Of A Child


                                      On this October Monday morning, I have re-discovered a real gem of a singer and his song. Burton Cummings is a Canadian Icon –  a singer – songwriter who enjoyed enviable fame in the 60s and […]

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MasterClass 9/11 Monday: An Inspiring Performance of Somewhere By Barbra Streisand


On this the day, the 16th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks in the United States, I found a song that truly speaks to where we are as a global entity and what we are striving to achieve in the years ahead. Let’s cut to the chase here – we want peace. Plain and […]

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MasterClass Monday: A Gorgeous Neil Diamond Performance Of September Morn


Happy Labour Day one and all. I hope your first Monday in September is going well. And, if not, this beautiful live performance by Neil Diamond is sure to captivate you and bring a nostalgic smile to your face. i have always loved the Fall Season as it brings so many opportunities for gatherings with […]

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MasterClass Monday: Billy Joel Gives A MasterClass Performance Of Just The Way You Are


Now you see? This! This is music. Expressively live, beautifully paced and exquisitely presented. It does not get much better than this folks. Listen to this voice. It never ages – it matures. Like a fine wine, it becomes more delicious over time, rich and full. The reason behind this is that Billy Joel’s roots […]

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MasterClass Monday: The Brilliance And Genius Of Canadian Music Icon Gino Vanelli


Years ago, one of my favourite artists on the planet was Canadian singer – songwriter, Gino Vannelli. His sophisticated musical style resonated with me because he was able to fuse a distinctive pop style with a bluesy and jazz component that tapped into every fibre of my musical being. He also had a classical approach […]

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Performance MasterClass Discussion For America’s Got Talent Season 12: Preliminary Auditions Week Three


Picture Credit: NBC/America’s Got Talent I am quickly adding this America’s Got Talent topic.  Another busy day here.  This show never never ceases to amaze!  The talent is “through the roof” this year but then I say this every year, don’t I?   And kudos to Simon for awarding the  Golden Buzzer to singer – songwriter, […]

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