Luba Mason, the multi-talented singer/actress whose debut album from PS Classics “Collage” features an array of styles from Folk, to Latin and Jazz, is currently touring “The Collage Concert” to much acclaim nationwide.
Mason has found much success on Broadway, with notable appearances in How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying as the sultry Heddy LaRue alongside Matthew Broderick, Paul Simon’s The Capeman, Velma Kelly in Chicago, as well as offering a soaring “Someone Like You” as Lucy in the Broadway production of Jekyll and Hyde. From the Broadway to concert stage, Mason continues to thrill audiences nationally, with concert engagements at some of the most noted cabaret venues.
PS Classics had a chance to catch up with Mason and give listeners and fans some insight into this remarkable talent, her album “Collage” and upcoming projects.
LM: I got into music at the age of 5 as a classical pianist and studied for 12 years, but I always loved to sing. Loved to belt my head off actually!
PS: You are a first generation American of Slovakian descent. Did your upbringing affect your musical tastes and choices for the album?
LM: My parents exposed me to Slovak music only, in addition to a home filled with Slovak folklore, Slovak cooking, Slovak people and speaking Slovak, which is my first language. Because of all the Slovak heritage instilled in me since I was a child, it was only fitting that I included a Slovak folk song on my debut album.
PS: How did you become aware of Broadway?
LM: I was 11 when I listened to my first Broadway recording, Guys and Dolls, when a local church was holding auditions. I didn't get the part of one of the "Hot Box" girls because I was too young. But I made a big impression on the director and that just wet my appetite for future interest in musical theatre. The following year, I saw my first Broadway show, The Magic Show and I knew that that’s what I wanted to do. It was tunnel vision from there on and I had an addiction to memorizing Broadway recordings and I had to see a Broadway show at least once a year."
PS: Did you pursue training in musical theatre?
LM: I went to school at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts so I could be in the city. Signed on to study dance with the American Dance Machine (a living archive that preserved Broadway show-stopping choreography) for credits my senior year and got hired by the company as a dancer to tour in Japan 2 days after I received my diploma. Lee Theodore, the founder of ADM and the original "Anybody's" in "West Side Story", became my mentor and guided me into the world of musicals on Broadway.
PS: Having had success as a Broadway performer, what drew you to working as a solo artist?
PS: With such a broad array of stylistic material on Collage, how did you come to pare down your choices?
LM: My process in choosing the selections on my album came organically. When I set out to do the album, I didn't know what this album was going to be about. So I started choosing songs that meant something to me and there was a connection with the song and me. It had nothing to do with styles or what suited my voice because as long as I was connected to it, I knew it would work. That was key. As a result, the album reflected all the various styles of music that influenced me up until that point. Each song had a story connected to me. I believe that that's what gave my album a soul. My soul.
PS: You are truly a vocal chameleon, moving effortlessly throughout the various styles on your album, without sounding like a "Broadway" singer attempting to cover eclectic tunes. How do you achieve this?
LM: I believe it's been my training. Back to Lee Theodore, my mentor from the American Dance Machine days, her mantra was, "the more versatile you are in the business the better you'll do". Meaning, study dance, acting, voice. And study not just jazz but ballet, tap, modern. Learn opera, pop, belt, jazz and so on... So I did. I'm trained classically in voice, piano, dance and acting. I studied jazz, tap, folk, modern dance. I sing jazz, pop, country, folk, latin, I belt, mix, and sing legit. I roller skate, swim competitively, ride horses, speak 3 languages... and continue to study and learn all different kinds of music, film, theatre, etc... it all contributes to the finished product of whatever you are doing as a performer.
LM: I change my set depending on the city, venue and audience but the tour is about my album, called "The Collage Tour" and songs from the album are the feature of the evening. The additions in my set are songs from Broadway shows I've done like "Love From A Heart Of Gold" from How to Succeed..., "All That Jazz" from Chicago, "Someone Like You" from Jekyll and Hyde and songs that didn't make it on the album and some favorites like Michael John LaChiusa's "Heaven" and standards that I've created some interesting arrangements for. And I must say, the fans are terrific.
PS: Do you have any future plans to return to the studio? Or Broadway, for that matter?
LM: As a matter of fact, I'm going into the studio in November to record my next album. Needing the next challenge, I wanted to write original material for my next album. So the album will consist of songs that I've written myself or co-written with a wonderful musician, Renato Neto, who is currently the keyboard player for Prince. The album is Brazilian based in rhythms but it has influences of pop and jazz. I believe this album will define my style more clearly. It's all very exciting. As for Broadway, I have no immediate plans but that can change in one phone call from my agent!
Luba Mason will present “The Collage Tour” at Davenport's, Chicago on Sept. 26 & 27; Napa Valley, CA, Nov. 2; Atwater, CA, Nov. 3; and Mason returns to New York to the Metropolitan Room from Nov. 23-26. Additional dates are forthcoming and will be available at www.lubamason.com.
PS: “Collage” is so eclectic. This is clearly an album by an artist who is an avid music lover. What were your early influences musically?
LM: There are many reasons I ventured into become a solo vocalist. First, was my move to Los Angeles. No Broadway there and a lot more time on your hands. I always wanted to record an album and there was that chance. Second, having more control over my career. I didn't want to be a slave to the phone waiting for my agent to call for the next audition. The call could come tomorrow or a month from now. Third, creating something in and of myself. I knew this would be so rewarding. To venture as a solo artist means delving deep into your desires, playing your strengths and facing your fears. Which leads me right into the fourth reason... The challenge of it all. I love Broadway, always will and hope to do more in the future but I need to challenge myself in other areas. And as a result of performing as a solo artist, I knew it would make me a better performer and a better actress and singer.
PS: You've been making lots of new fans during your concert tour. Have you tailored each performance to suit different audiences?