Linda and The Band at Carnegie Hall
February 19, 2003

Carnegie Hall.

These two words have become oh-so-powerful in the cultural landscape. With a history dating back more than 100 years, many of the world’s finest artists have performed on the Hall's hallowed stages. An appearance at Carnegie Hall has become synonymous with a level of success that many dream of reaching, but only a select few attain. Our Star Linda Eder played Carnegie Hall twice in 2000. On Wednesday, February 19, 2003, Linda Eder made history with her third magical performance at this musical institution. What follows is a recollection of the evening, as experienced through the eyes of a fan.

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The excitement in the air could have powered 100 New York City blocks on a sweltering, mid-summer afternoon. I was at Carnegie Hall and Linda Eder was to take the stage in just 10 short minutes. I stood at the front of the Hall and looked at the crowd. There were thousands of beaming faces, all anticipating the official concert kick-off of Linda Eder's new album BROADWAY MY WAY. Months of waiting for this exact moment paid off as the lights dimmed and Linda's Band took the stage for an already screaming audience. Linda was announced and the entire crowd was suddenly on their feet. She was wearing a short black dress (in fact, the same dress from the BROADWAY MY WAY cover shot) and very high-heeled sandals that she would later joke about. When the initial standing ovation subsided, the concert of the century began.

Linda took the mic, glanced around with a sly smile and opened with "I Am What I Am."
Leave it to Linda to begin a concert with a showstopper! From sultry, unassuming whispers to bold and brash full-out belting, this song showcased all Linda has to offer. Fans shook their heads in amazement as Linda held notes that seemed endless. An immediate standing ovation ensued.

Before continuing, Linda paused to welcome the audience. She thanked us all for coming out in the snow and, knowing how dedicated her fan base is, suggested we pause for "a moment of silence" for those who could not make it due to the weather. She explained how nervous she was, saying in reference to her shoes, "I was thinking, if I don't trip I'll be that much more ahead of the game!" The audience laughed and cheered, showing their support.

Next was the medley that we’ve all come to love during the GOLD tour, "Come Rain Or Come Shine/On The Street Where You Live/What Kind Of Fool Am I." Linda, herself recognizing the powerful force of Carnegie Hall, whispered, "Hey Judy," and blew a kiss towards the ceiling during "Come Rain Or Come Shine," a reference to Judy Garland, a woman who had a strong, early influence on Linda. David Mann's saxophone solo during "On The Street Where You Live" was as smooth and jazzy as always, and "What Kind Of Fool Am I" left the audience breathless. Once again we leapt to our feet, unable to believe what we just heard, but fully loving every single second.

Linda joked, "Whoa, I have to pull my dress down after that one!" and once again commented on how much it meant to her to be performing at Carnegie Hall. She talked about growing up on the farm in Minnesota and wanting to "make it big someday." Alas, here she was, making her third appearance at the Hall. She paused to thank her record company for having "chutzpah" and for taking a chance on her, especially for taking a chance with a Broadway album. She talked about showtunes and how she loved to sing them since before she could sing. Linda said that as a child, she had two albums: the movie version of "The Sound Of Music" and a cartoon version of "Peter Pan," but both were enough to provide a spark, and the rest was history!

Next was "Some People," a song with music by Jule Styne, who interestingly enough, was the great-uncle of Linda's keyboard player, Billy Stein. Linda's interpretation of this song is something fans have to see to fully appreciate. She sang with strong conviction. And the Band was pure electricity. Another standing ovation.

Linda talked about the Songwriter's Hall of Fame and how she came to know the song "I'll Be Seeing You," which was next on the set list. She said she was so glad she got to learn this classic standard and the audience, it is safe to assume, was overjoyed. Such a gentle, sweeping melody, "I'll Be Seeing You" took us all to a better place. (Could it get any better?)

"I haven't done this one in a while..." Linda said as the waltz began. Cheers of joy and surprise erupted from the crowd as Linda sang, "Listen to me I have beautiful dreams I can spin you..." She sang "Storybook" for what can only be described as a few minutes of pure bliss.

Linda talked about being a leading lady of Broadway, joking, "I've only done one show! Didn't anyone check?!" She talking lovingly about Frank, saying you'd think it would be easy to find a part for her, being married to a Broadway composer and all. However, the problem is that Frank is a man and is constantly coming up with wonderful ideas for men! Linda joked that he's writing about himself! Finally, they've come up with an idea that they hope will make it to Broadway (we hope so too!). But before that, there was HAVANA. And so it began! How the roof of Carnegie Hall survived the AUDIENCE for the next song will forever remain a mystery. "Havana" was a definite crowd pleaser and suffice it to say that many are simply elated that this song remained in the set list for the BROADWAY MY WAY kick-off concert.

Linda seemed so blown-away by the audience participation that she joked, "It's good to be back in New Jersey." (Presumably referencing her extremely devout and LOUD fan base in the tri-state area). Next was a beautiful pairing of "Losing My Mind/Unusual Way." So warm and tender, yet sad all at once. Linda hit notes in "Unusual Way" that we didn't even know existed.

The stage lighting changed to stars and Linda sang "The Impossible Dream." A personal favorite of the evening, this song sent chills down the spine. Linda's version is a truly amazing take on a classic Broadway favorite.

The first part of the show wrapped up with "Don't Rain On My Parade." One word: STUNNING. Standing ovation number X (at this point, we’ve honestly lost count!).

PART II

Linda took the stage in a simple yet stunning bright purple silk gown. She began the second part of the show with a stirring number from CAMILLE CLAUDEL called "Coming Home" (done slightly different for the concert, according to Linda). The song was beautiful and it left many fans wondering how it will fit into the story line of the show- oh the sweet anticipation! After this tease, we're all hoping and praying CAMILLE makes it to Broadway sooner rather than later!

Linda talked about how she was now feeling better and a little more at ease having gotten out of those high-high-heeled sandals. She joked that her left foot had fallen asleep and dragged her foot across the stage. The audience was in stitches. She talked about her son, Jake, and told the cute "ice cream" story that the audience has come to love. Once again we all got a good chuckle. But suddenly Linda was serious as she talked more about the album. She said the "songs by men" theme was something that grew on her because as she explored songs further, she realized she truly loved to sing many of them. In this post 9-11 world, it only seemed fitting to include the next song.

The caliber with which Linda sang "Anthem" can only be described as ethereal. The song stirred patriotism in my heart, as I'm sure it did in many others. It was a beautiful, emotional moment, with another standing ovation.

Next was a song that was on one of those original records that Linda listened to over and over again as a child, "Edelweiss," or as Linda called it Enya-weiss. Linda talked about recording the arrangement, using 34 tracks of her voice as back-up. She said, "and I brought those girls with me, in a box! So here is Enya-weiss..." There was a slight delay in starting the "box" and Linda joked, "Well, that would have been Enya-weiss!" and everyone laughed. But when Linda did sing "Edelweiss" it was one of the most touching moments of the evening. It was sweet and pitch-perfect.

Linda talked about Edelweiss being the national flower of Austria, and how her family is from Austria (she is half Austrian, half Norwegian, and now her hair is half Italian!). She said Frank wrote this beautiful song for her, and while it isn't from a Broadway show, she just could not leave it out of the concert. She said if anyone would like to write a libretto seeing as how New York is "the mecca of talent" that they should feel free to do so. As the intro to "Vienna" was playing, before she began singing, she joked, "I can see them now, Heidi and Hans..." and laughed but then quickly regained her performance face and sang the most beautiful version of "Vienna" ever.

Linda introduced the many talented musicians on stage and the crowd cheered for them. The most animated song of the evening was next, "Bring On The Men." The crowd clapped and joined in, screaming "NO!!!" when Linda sang "So many men, so little time, I want em all, is that a crime?" It was a definite crowd pleaser with everyone on their feet yet again.

Linda paused to say she was sorry if she had forgotten to thank people throughout the evening and that there were many people there to whom she owes a lot and to whom she will always be grateful for the support she has received throughout the years. She said, "I especially owe a lot to a lady that started it all for me. Her name was Lucy."

Suddenly Linda was Lucy Harris again as she sang "A New Life." The passion in her voice and the agony/joy on her face brought tears to our eyes. Linda proved her acting abilities as she switched characters and become Camille with "Gold." It just keeps getting better and better!

The next to last song of the evening was really what "began it all" (referring to "songs for men"). "Man of La Mancha" began and ended with a screaming crowd, and featured the truly amazing Barry Danielian on trumpet. At the end of the song the audience gave Linda and the Band a spectacular stranding ovation, and Linda returned to the stage to sing "just one more song."

Linda commented that no matter how badly she wished it wouldn't be so, "If I Had My Way" is becoming more and more relevant in these strange and scary times we are living in. Regardless, the song was beautiful and moving. Linda almost couldn't finish, she was so overcome with emotion, but she managed to get through the final notes and we rose to our feet one final time to salute her, a gifted performer and an exceptional person. The show was over and now it seems like a sweet dream; but it was real, and we were there. It just doesn't get any better than that. At least not until our star makes her way back to the Great White Way.

Broadway is ready. Broadway is waiting. Come home soon, Linda!
(February 20, 2003)

It's hard to give my reaction to the evening because I was backstage chasing Jake around! (laughs) I usually am! I see Linda so much, that when she does really important gigs, I'd rather her family be part of everything and enjoy the festivities, because they help us out all the time. And so when we do something really important, I'm usually chasing Jake around! In the back of Carnegie Hall, there's a place where they have all old musical instruments that have been there for a gazillion years. For instance, there's this big, old organ and Jake thinks it's a spaceship. So that night, we were flying the spaceship for about an hour and a half! But I could hear through the speakers that Linda was doing a good job and she didn't need me anyway. She was doing fine. Carnegie Hall is special because that was her dream, you know. Her dream when she was a little girl wasn't to sell a lot of records or to be on Broadway or to have the kind of career that she has now. Her dream was, "I want to play Carnegie Hall." And she's done it three times now-sold it out three times and she's had a ball doing it! It's very special for her, and for all of us.

-FRANK WILDHORN
composer and Linda's husband

"Linda's singing is absolute perfection. There is a natural quality to her voice- it is an unassuming beauty that is a great gift. I think part of her allure is her unrivaled taste and class, and her willingness to remain true to her own unique style. The way she approaches a song with truth is rare in today's entertainment landscape. Linda's talent is remarkable in that she uses her instrument- her voice!- in a way that is more than just technique. Her affection and passion for the music and what she does shines on stage."

-ANN REINKING
actress/choreographer/director and friend

"She was terrific! I thought starting the concert with "I Am What I Am" was a touch of genius. It just galvanized the audience. As always, I loved Linda's funny, goofy moments such as when she announced that she'd taken her shoes off, and then demonstrated how her foot had fallen asleep by dragging a leg across the stage. Those are the moments when strangers fall in love with her and her pure open nature. Since I'm crazy about the album (and think it's Linda's best work ever), I thought the song selections for the concert were equally great. I was very happily surprised to hear her do "Storybook." I had no idea she was going to do it, and also thrilled that she started the second act with "Coming Home," which, as you probably know, is from CAMILLE. Linda and I are working on a version of the song for concert use only and it's almost there, but what both she and I want is for the concert version to be a love letter between Linda and the audience. Naturally, as always, I loved her doing "Gold," and it was enormous fun to have her do three of my songs that night. I cried once more with Jack Murphy's "If I Had My Way," such a beautiful song, and with great music by Frank. The only other thing to say is that my favorite Linda songs at this point are "Don't Rain On My Parade," "Man of La Mancha," and "Some People." I am crazy for this brightly defiant spirit and am trying to find a slot for such a song in CAMILLE. I loved the concert, loved her purple dress, and loved Linda."

-NAN KNIGHTON
lyricist for CAMILLE CLAUDEL

"Too bad she can't sing! [laughs] Actually, on a serious note, this entire evening has been just incredible. It's a thrill to hear the new arrangements from the album done live in concert. You can't say enough about the power with which Linda belts out some of these songs, such as "I Am What I Am" and "Anthem." It just leaves you in awe. I remember the first time I heard Linda sing "The Impossible Dream." I was floored. Completely floored! That's the power of her voice."

-KIM SCHARNBERG
arrangements/orchestrations
on BROADWAY MY WAY

"She's got one of the few great instruments on the planet and she used it to great effect at Carnegie Hall. It's easy to tell you my favorite song on Linda's Broadway album; it's "I'll Be Seeing You." It was one of my father's favorite songs, and so became a sentimental favorite of mine as well. Linda sings it so beautifully. I'd actually rather hear her sing it than Vaughn Monroe, the singer who had the original hit with it about a thousand years ago. My next favorite is "Some People." I've always loved the melody and Sondheim's lyric is perfect. As a matter of fact--if I may be so bold--Linda asked me if I could recommend an up-tempo Sondheim song for the CD and I recommended that one. (Does that mean that the sun comes up every morning because the rooster crows?) [winks]."

-Jack Murphy
Lyricist, CIVIL WAR, various
Linda songs and the upcoming
SCOTT & ZELDA: THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE