Monday, August 19, 2013

An Interview with HARRY CONNICK, Jr. by Philip S. Kampe




An Interview with Harry Connick, Jr.  By Philip S. Kampe

Its Monday morning. 11a.m.
I receive a planned telephone call.
It’s Harry Connick, Jr., YES, calling me from his home in Connecticut.
Like me, he is New Orleans grown and bred.
He lives in Connecticut because it is so close to NYC, known to many as the center of the Universe..
Sure, he is well known for the television series he starred in and the various roles he has played on Broadway.

To me, he is Harry and Anita Connick’s son—a product of the Crescent City— and a man full of talent.
My wife says that there are three men in her life, Hugh Jackman , Harry Connick, Jr. and me.
I feel Lucky to be in their company.

We talked about New Orleans, jambalaya and his new album, ‘Every Man Should Know’.
Harry wrote this album based on his life experiences, his reality.  The songs focus on his life, his loves, his family and his points of view.
Unlike past albums, it was not written in the ‘fantasy’ genre, but, from personal experience.
The album covers Harry’s experience through rough times, good time, loving times and times that he felt inadequate.
It is what we all go through, each in our own way.
The album is based on Harry's 45 year old perspective.
The album focuses on the experience in life that has created Harry’s philosophical approach to life.
The tag line, ‘No rules, No limits’ is Harry Connick, Jr's. point-of-view for this magical album.
‘Every Man Should Know’ is about us.
His songs are universal and intimate. He has gone somewhere, lyrically, that he has never been to before.
Each line of each song reads like  poetry, full of life, questions and experience.

Last week Harry performed at a Sold Out show at the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery, in the state of Washington. His father (87 years old), a friend of my parents, years ago in New Orleans, joined Harry in singing a rendition of ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.

Harry said that each show he does is different. There are no song lists. And often there are surprise guests that create the extra magic Harry Connick, Jr. shows are known for.

I asked if 15 year old daughter, Kate, was going to be part of the concert.. She is famous for singing on Harry’s Christmas album, as well as starring on the ‘Ellen’ show.
Unfortunately, Harry said that she would be home, preparing for the start of school.

We talked about Tanglewood and how important the ‘Young Artist’s’ series helps the younger crowd learn about Tanglewood and what a resource it is for the community.
Harry Connick, Jr. has had a multi-faceted career. He is a pianist, composer, actor and band leader. He has received three Grammy awards and two Emmy awards. Through his philanthropic endeavors, he has helped New Orleans reshape since Katrina.

Why not join Harry Connick, Jr. and his award winning band for a night that will never be forgotten.

When: Saturday, August 31st
Where: The Shed at Tanglewood (Lenox, Ma)
Time: 7pm
Music: Exerpts from his new Best-selling album, ‘Every Man Should Know’ plus old standards.
Tickets:  Available at www.BSO.org

Philip S. Kampe

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