Amazon.com
WHO’S MINDING THE BABEY?
Sometimes you just get lucky. I was intrigued by an album of standards by an artist called “Babey”, so I took a chance. And I was glad I did. Here’s a full-throated singer with power and style. Not just a belter, but an interpreter (are there any more of those out there?) who packs an emotional wallop in each song. My personal favorite is “You’ll Never Know” – a great rendition of a true classic. My only question is – where is Volume 2 ??
Reviewer: “A Music Fan from Los Angeles, CA”
AMAZON.COM
Empire State College News Magazine
WELCOME TO BABEY’S WORLD
The ballroom sits in virtual darkness. Perched high atop the buzzing streets of Manhattan’s nocturne, illumination comes in the subdued flicker of tabletop candlelight. Suddenly, a spotlight beams across the stage catching a glimmer of sequins; the curtains rise unveiling the city’s skyline and flood the ballroom with a galaxy of streaming stars. When the snare drum snaps, twinkles of ivories fall.
Welcome to Babey’s World
Stepping into the stage light and extending a glove-laced hand towards the microphone, she transports the ballroom, and all its occupants, from a modern day Metropolis to a by-gone era of cocktail dresses and evening gowns, purely with the use of her voice.
Possessing a three-octave vocal range, Babey’s performance is a journey through the Great American Songbook. For some, it is a recreation of fond memories; others are experiencing a particular version of history for the first time. It is a repertoire that plays just as well to audiences along the East Coast of the United States, as it does across the great ocean. Cabaret nights in Rome have found Babey on stage standing beside a grand piano taking that “Sentimental Journey”, or, immortalizing Duke Ellington for modern-day European audiences. Mostly however, she’s known as a mainstay of New York’s night club circuit, where her interpretations of swing-time classics and scorching ballads have garnered praise from New York radio and press alike.
“Many of my ideas come from watching old movies,” she says from her NY apartment, describing the ambience of the times that she projects in performance.
“A friend who came to one of my performances recently told me that while I was onstage singing, she could swear Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall walked into the room,” she laughs. What did they do? “Oh, they casually walked over to their table and sat down to listen, while everyone else craned their necks to see them.”
Her musical inspirations come from Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald, and technique from Hal Schaefer, vocal coach to Barbra Streisand, Marilyn Monroe, Peggy Lee, and Doris Day. Babey has also collaborated with David Sorin Collyer (Liza Minelli), and has had original songs written for her by “Blue Velvet” and “(There She Is) Miss America” songwriting guru Bernie Wayne. Offstage, Babey is Susan Friedwald in “real” life, adding a number of film, TV, and theatre appearances to her resume. In the late 1990s, Friedwald studied the Business of Music at Empire State College. Already possessing her love of music and a gifted voice, with years of training, she tailored her studies on learning how these personal strengths and talents could be translated into a business environment. Focusing specifically on marketing, and promotions, she graduated from Empire State College with a B.S.
In addition to live engagements, a full-length studio CD has been released. Titled “The Song Begins,” the mix of ballads and up-tempo swing capture the “jazz influenced pop” genre of the 20th century songbook she is so fond of. Fans eagerly awaiting the launch of her web site Babey.com, can find temporary solace by picking up “The Song Begins” at major retailers and on-line music sources such as Amazon.com, CDNOW.com, and others.
Reviewer: Tom Dimopoulos
Empire State College News Magazine
Michael Anthony; WHPC Radio, NY
YES SIR, THIS IS BABEY!
“What’s in a name? That is a question that has been asked for centuries. In the case of BABEY you will have to listen to find out for yourself. I, however, can say from personal experience that she is one of the most delightful persons I have ever met. She also has a love for music that is matched by few others that I know. That love is turned into her own distinct and passionate presentation on the stage and in the case of “THE SONG BEGINS”……..her first studio album.
When one talks with BABEY they soon find out that the arts have always been an important part of her life. Her activities during her formidable years included: dance, painting, piano and vocal lessons. Later on she would concentrate her studies on music theory, drama and the fine arts, which included several years overseas painting in the romantic city of Rome. In fact, BABEY considers herself an expressionist both with her painting and her singing. “I love to paint a picture with my voice, ” says BABEY. “I use emotional interpretation for impact combined with a strong beat, which I think makes me unique.” I suggest you listen to “Sentimental Journey” for proof of her statement. BABEY, bursting with sheer determination, will be going home and most likely ahead of schedule.
In recent years, BABEY has been most proud of her professional association with legendary vocal arranger, Hal Schaefer. For more than a half-century, Schaefer has assisted such legends as Sarah Vaughan, Billy Eckstine, Barbara Streisand, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable and one of BABEY’s inspirations, Doris Day. In fact, it was Mr. Schaefer who did the original vocal arrangement for Doris Day’s recording of “It’s Magic.” BABEY’s version is no less sincere and with a beautiful string arrangement to boot.
BABEY calls Manhattan home and these days you can most likely catch her at the impressive Top of the Tower restaurant and bar at the sBeekman Hotel. As a live performer you will find BABEY’s positive energy contagious. Always ready to share a smile, she not only entertains, but educates as well with knowledge of the songs she sings. “I want to help the audience feel connected,” says BABEY. She accomplishes that not only on stage, but in the studio as well. Yes sir, this is what BABEY’s all about. I know you will soon agree.”
Reviewer: Michael Anthony
WHPC Radio, New York
“BABEY knows how to honestly render a standard. She stays true to the author’s verse and entertains with her musical knowledge. Her charming personality will win you over.”
Reviewer: Michael Anthony
WHPC Radio, New York
Dr. Herb Wong, Famed Critic
Reviewer: Dr. Herb Wong
Famed Critic
Joe Franklin, Famed TV and Radio Host. WOR Radio (710 AM); WBBR Radio (1130 AM)
Reviewer: Joe Franklin
Famed TV and Radio Host WOR Radio (710 AM) WBBR Radio (1130 AM)
“BABEY is sweet, subtle, enchanting; a true crowd pleaser. I’m a fan, big time!”
Reviewer: Joe Franklin
Famed TV and Radio Host WOR Radio (710 AM) WBBR Radio (1130 AM)