Mass MoCA Caberet Features Previn Film Tunes
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts fans will remember Julia Greenberg from her co-starring role in "People Are Wrong," a rock opera with They Might Be Giants founder John Flansburgh. This summer she will return to put her own twist on songs of singer/songwriter Dory Previn in an Alt Cabaret performance on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. in the Courtyard Pavilion or in Club B-10, in case of rain. The galleries will be open until 7:30 p.m. The Alt Cabaret series is supported in part by the Hans and Kate Morris Fund for New Music."There is nothing subtle about Greenberg's flair for making the most of a strong pop sensibility and writing brazen, heartfelt lyrics. Awash in hoods the size of Texas and a lyrical wit to match," says CMJ New Music Report of Greenberg's style.
Previn, an artist and author, is recognized for her success writing motion picture theme songs through the 1960s and 1970s, receiving several Oscar and Emmy nominations and awards. Her best-known work includes "The Faraway Part Of Town," sung in the film "Pepe" by Judy Garland; "So Long, Big Time," which was recorded by Tony Bennett for his album "The Many Moods Of Tony," and "You're Gonna Hear From Me" recorded by Frank Sinatra for the 1965 film "Inside Daisy Clover," as well as five songs for "Valley Of The Dolls."
Born Dory Langdon, she married musician and collaborator Andre Previn in 1957. When Previn left her for Mia Farrow in 1969, she expressed her outrage in the song "Beware Of Young Girls." Previn released seven critically acclaimed albums between 1970 and 1976. In addition to writing lyrics and songs, Previn's history of neglect, divorce and her own stay in psychiatric institutions, where she received electric shock therapy, fueled her writing. Her autobiography, "Midnight Baby" was followed by "Bog Trotter" in the 1980s.
Greenberg began her musical studies at New York's High School of Music and Art and later earned a degree from Wesleyan University. She joined the country punk band Cowlick, performing in the New York and New England club scene. Pursuing a solo career, Greenberg began working with musicians, including members of Health and Happiness Show, Birdy, and the Other 99. Together, Greenberg and her musician friends formed Cropduster Records, producing and releasing their work. Greenberg produced her first CD "Past your Eyes," which Performing Song Writer said is "packed with hook-laden pop gems that exude a radio-friendly, slightly retro vibe. Blessed with a wonderful gift for melody." Greenberg's single "Pitiful You" from the album made Rolling Stone's most downloaded MP3 charts.
When not performing solo, Greenberg is accompanied by her bandmates Jeremy Chatzky on bass, Mark Bosch on guitar, James Mastro on guitar and keyboards and Frank Vilardi on drums.
Tickets are $14 in advance; $18 day of show. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Tickets are available at 413-662-2111 and at the box office off Marshall Street daily from 10 to 6 or at www.massmoca.org.
