By Emily Cary
Few vocalists are more admired than Linda Eder. Inspired as a child by Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and opera singer Eileen Farrell, she began performing cross-country, then spent time as a lounge singer until a 12-week win on the television show "Star Search" beckoned her to Broadway. For her starring role in Jekyll & Hyde, she won the Theater World Award for Best Actress in a Musical, as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations.
Fourteen solo albums later, she introduces "Now," her latest CD. All the songs were composed by Frank Wildhorn, her former husband, who writes with her artistry in mind. The styles range from beautiful, emotional Broadway ballads to big band pop numbers.
The intimate, thought-provoking lyrics were crafted by several of Wildhorn's regular collaborators, including Leslie Bricusse, Don Black and Maury Yeston. Although most of the songs are new; several from past Wildhorn's musicals fit nicely into the mix. They include "No Finer Man" from Cyrano de Bergerac, "The Heat of the Night" from Waiting for the Moon and "Mad Hatter" from Wonderland.
Eder used to choose songs that are more melody-based, but confesses that today she looks to lyrics that are intelligent and meaningful. The lyrics of "No Finer Man" touch her deeply because they remind her of hr father, a wonderful role model. She also loves the simplicity of 'Ordinary People' and the drama of 'What's Never Been Done Before'
Having heard Wilder talk about his show Wonderland, she was familiar with the song 'Mad Hatter' and liked it a lot. She chose "Heat of the Night" for its big band swing type that suits her naturally. She works thoughtfully. After Wilder has composed a melody, he gives it to her and they talk about it. When he next chooses a lyricist, all three work back and forth until it seems right.
Eder is very selective about her engagements. At this point in her life, she limits them to weekends and relaxes on her 80-acre horse farm during the week to be a full-time mom to her son, now 12. Wherever she performs, such as her recent gigs with her friend and frequent colleague Michael Feinstein at his cabaret in New York's Loews Regency, her fans arrive in droves to partake of her lush voice and dramatic presentations. They are so devoted that she produces an official fan newsletter called The Voice. The June issue contained a lyrics guide to "Now" that they can follow as they sing along with Linda's recording.
Like Feinstein, she has always gravitated to the American songbook standards, but happily takes chances with pop, country and jazz. "Now" takes her in a new direction without forfeiting the full tones and flexible instrument that are her signature.
Emily Cary is a prize-winning teacher and novelist whose articles about entertainers appear regularly in the DC Examiner. She is a genealogist, an avid traveler, and a researcher who incorporates landscapes, cultures and the power of music in her books and articles.
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