PACKET PICKS
By: centraljersey.com
Jersey songbird
Princeton Public Library continues its popular Midweek Music series at 7 p.m. with a red-letter gig by New Jersey’s own Marlene Verplanck, one of the most distinguished pop and jazz singers to be heard anywhere. From Bruce Crowther of Jazz Journal International:
"Marlene VerPlanck’s albums are never less than very good indeed; often they are breathtakingly excellent … (she) ably demonstrates why critics and fans alike rate her as one of the finest interpreters of American popular song in the world today …
"The most recent CD, ‘Once There Was A Moon,‘ has Marlene again accompanied by the trio of Tedd Firth (piano), Steve LaSpina (bass) and Richard DeRosa (drums) …. I find it almost impossible to believe that this is her 20th album and comes after more than twice that number of years in the business. Listening to the bell-like freshness of her singing, a newcomer to Marlene VerPlanck’s work might well expect her to be a new kid on the block. The difference, though, lies in the assured maturity of her interpretations, which are as close to perfection as it gets."
Marlene Verplanck has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Michael’s Pub and the Rainbow Room to rave notices. National TV shows, including "Entertainment Tonight," "The Today Show" and CBS’s "Sunday Morning," have profiled her. She has performed across North America and much of Western Europe. She’s a star in the U.K. and other points east of the Hudson.
Anyway, she’s back in Princeton – and there’s no admission charge.
If you remember the days when pop music was for grownups, do yourself a favor and go hear this singer.
On the Web: www.marleneverplanck.com
In her own write …
‘When Marriage Fails’
A book sale and signing by Princeton resident Suzy Ismail for her newest book release, "When Muslim Marriage Fails: Divorce Chronicles and Commentaries" was held at Hikmah Books at the Why Islam Center in Somerset in July.
The book is available for purchase through the new release section of the publisher’s website at www.amana-publications.com or through the author’s website at www.suzyismail.webs.com.
Ms. Ismail is currently an instructor in the Communication Department at DeVry University in North Brunswick and at DeVry University Online. She received her bachelor’s in English, Communication and Middle Eastern Studies, her master’s in Communication and Information Studies, and attended the School of Communication at Rutgers University.
The author is married and the mother of three.
– Michael Redmond