spotlight
Sandra
Bernhard
Funny girl, actress, author and singer, Sandra Bernhard is a veritable chameleon
of talent. Her latest endeavor is a new recording of rock and world music called
Whatever It Takes released on August 25. The music was produced and co-written
by Ted Mason, former Modern English member. Remember their hit 1980s song
called “I Melt With You?” These two artists along with numerous guest vocalists
such as Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders and noted Rwandan cultural ambas-
Embracing thE
sador and singer Jean Paul Samputu have crafted a thoughtful and musically
entertaining new work. Whatever It Takes takes the listener on a journey from New
World With
York to Africa, the Middle East and South America with a rich tapestry of world
Whatever It takes
music paired with the American sounds of rock n’ roll. The Rage Monthly spent a bit
of time on the phone with Sandra Bernhard to talk about the songs, why she was
motivated to create such a diverse recording and how it all came together. Not
by bill biss
many people are aware that Bernhard is a classically trained vocalist. Her voice is
pure and maidenly, as well as robust on Whatever It Takes.
“I think the beauty of the album is the
There is an amazing and diverse selection of music on Whatever It Takes. From
Algerian folk to Brazilian samba or Rwandan dance and more, creating a blend
bridge between the end of that
of world rock/afro pop. Why did this combination appeal to Sandra Bernhard? “I
feel it’s kind of reflective of how I think in terms of my whole performance idea,
experience and the beginning of the
which is openness and liberation. Constantly being open to different experiences
culturally and emotionally. I think it kind of hits that same tone as the rest of my
Obama administration… I think people work. It’s obviously a different sort of format and musically it’s different because
it’s original. I think it’s in keeping with my general outlook and philosophy about
are just coming back and awakening life. We’re all on a journey and we traverse each other’s other experiences. It’s
good to be open and we embrace that.”
from their slumbers.” This combination of sounds is all held together by a rock n’ roll sensibility.
There are several moments where one feels a déjà vu experience of The Beatles
or Jefferson Airplane in the tone and styling. One song called “A Women in Love” is
reminiscent of “She’s Leaving Home” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
by The Beatles. Sandra shared her thoughts on this interpretation and creating
the CD with Ted Mason. “It’s interesting that you say that. Ted Mason brought me
44 RAGE monthly | september 2009
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