NJ DISCOVER SPOTLIGHT: LINDA CHORNEY: Music, Passion and her film, ‘The Opening Act’ A Review bY Calvin Schwartz March 24, 2016

The refreshing documentary, The Opening Act, shoots from the hip. There is never a lull or lapse.  Linda asked with a Sally Field childlike enthusiasm and innocence, “You really liked it?”  Chorney, although secure with her musical ability, was not so sure if she had any business being in the film business. After viewing The Opening Act, she does.  I answered, “Yes, it was a purist form of frenetic Linda.” “What’s frenetic?” she asked. “Frenetic Linda means frenzied but in a good way. You are non-stop energy and spontaneity.” She creates a special microscope of a film dedicated to creative people like herself. Her energy coming to life in the film is purposefully, obviously for the armies of future musicians coming up; they should all see this film. She explains, “This is about independent musicians. You are not alone. It’s to show the ‘non-musician’ world how much time, money, pulling favors and groveling goes into the process and hopefully acts as a cheap therapy session for musicians.”

Since I watched the film a day before we talked, I was replete with emotional recall. I told Linda, “The film gives the audience a great picture of what life is like in the music business. It isn’t all Adele. It’s not really just about you.”

She dug my description, and continued, “Yeah, a lot of people were expecting this film to be about my story – ya know, the Grammy thing. That’s coming later, in a feature film with a bigger budget. But I thought this message was important and timely, as the music business has drastically shifted, causing musicians to be paid fractions of pennies, rather than dollars for their recordings.”

Linda Chorney is a muse of sorts; a force inspiring thought and creativity.  I know firsthand.

It seemed like old times; sitting down and chatting with her for this interview. It seems like only yesterday when Scott Fadynich, her husband, invited me to hear her sing at Olde Freehold Day. That was August, 2011. Scott saw my posts on Facebook and thought I was a quirky writer/blogger, so he reached out. He is always promoting Linda. It was also my second month as a journalist. A few months later, I did my very first journalistic interview with Linda in Sea Bright, overlooking a river with Jersey seagulls flying overhead. Perhaps the birds were harbingers. Linda’s interview that day helped to launch my new career. And now, five years later, there’s a full circle here.  And no treatise or interview with Linda should proceed without mentioning the fact she made history for being the first Independent artist to be nominated for Best Americana Album Grammy; after playing in bars for 30 years.

I told Linda right from the start of our interview that I wanted not only to share my adjectives about ‘The Opening Act,’ but it was quintessential to my thought process to highlight the unexpurgated Linda with my readers. Yes, I suppose a bit out of the ‘Private Parts’ school; people always want to hear what she has to say. I’d gladly go down the quirky question brick road. But taking a page from her book; I’m going to digress, egress, progress and jump into her movie and glittering, unique personality that radiates from Arizona to Jersey.

The film moved basically frenetically. (There’s that word again) Honesty was mirrored in a roller coaster of her emotions; you felt her depression worrying about weight gain or the long hard road for the film’s financial success. The fact she wore no make-up in many shots was a special effect in itself. She wanted it to be natural and real as possible. “I did everything including the editing. I had to cut out 37 minutes.  It was a challenge. I didn’t want it to be boring. I shot most of it myself, asides to the camera, “selfie-style”. I hoped there was a certain charm to that.”

There was. The film is charming; a perfect adjective to describe Linda’s labor of love. She also did the sound, color correction; and, of course, the music. She actually calls herself “Jackass of all Trades.”

I asked about the title of the film, The Opening Act. “The original title was actually ‘Why Bother?’  In this new millennium of streaming, hardly anyone buys albums anymore. Musicians are losing money recording these days, hence, at some point they have to ask themselves, well, at least I do, over and over again while bashing my head against the wall – why bother?” She reached out to her cousin Robin Russin, a successful screenplay writer and filmmaker in Hollywood, who also helped edit her book, “Who the F**K is Linda Chorney”, and asked him to screen the film before she released it. Expecting him to “rip her a new ahole”, she was pleasantly surprised when he called her with a rave review. There was just one thing; the title. “It has a negative connotation, and I found the film to quite frankly be inspiring. How about calling it “The Opening Act?”

While watching the film, you feel like you are right there in the passenger seat, as she recruits friends, family, and strangers to do a new wacky music video. In typical Linda panache, this wonderful song (full of messages, but in diversionary Chorney style) is called ‘The Cantina’ which describes inane Arizona laws where you can carry a gun but can’t drink a beer in public risking arrest. Her ‘embraceable you’ personality and spontaneity invites a local mariachi band, Mariachi Sol Azteca, to partake in the insanity. They are very entertaining.

You will come to appreciate her fortitude by working in 102-degree heat and many sleepless nights, as she creates. She is a perfectionist. And although you will laugh through her winging it style and journey, you may also shed a tear.

I am a movie snob; totally appreciate the art of making a movie. Movies helped change my life. I’ve walked out of movies that didn’t meet my expectations or wasted my time. So in critiquing movies, I must call it as I see it no matter what. There is my need of walking away from a film with knowledge and intestinal lining feelings; emotion. I remember the scene of her waiting to hear if she’d be opening for the Beach Boys. It was weeks. She was down and said, “People have important things to do and you’re not one of them, so get over it.” This sustained her. For me a riveting quote. Linda Chorney made a good film.

Not to give away the plot, but she did open for the Beach Boys. I asked how it felt.  She chuckled first, “It was awesome although I don’t know if Mike Love knew he was standing on top of my Mom’s ashes.” Her mother’s death was that recent. A typical Linda thing to do. “My mother was a HUGE influence on my music. Everybody’s parents; all they want for their kids is happiness and success. I’m sure parents of musicians, who supporting their kids learning an instrument, or any of the arts, will relate to the film.”

I told her it was quirky question time. “Be Linda.”  Q1 – What makes you cry? “Mostly tears of joy for beautiful things. Nature. When I see real family love. Friggin’ strangers in an airport greeting each other with hugs – like grandparents hugging their grandchildren. Waterworks. Then there are the sad ones; sometimes when I drove home from my gigs in smoky bars. I’d think why am I here?  When am I going to get my break? Then I did or so I thought. The backlash from the Grammy nomination made me shed a tear. Then I look at problems in the world. I make fun of myself. “Oh, poor Linda got nominated for a Grammy, wah wah. Shut the fuck up! Your life is good.”

Q2 – Is there a philosophy by which you live? She was quick to answer, “Keep it real.”  Q3 – Is there a best time in your life? “When I am creating.” Q4 – Is there a worst time? “When I am standing still, not creating.” Linda is often awake at night. “Everything keeps me up. My brain.” Q5 – Strongest childhood memory?  “Piano Lessons, listening to great music and dancing with my family, lots of Beatles, being bribed through quiet contests in the car, and rewarded with Chinese food every Sunday…I always lost.” Q6 – I wondered if there was a big misconception about her. “My honesty is misconstrued for being blunt or rude.” Q7 – fill in the blank. “Before I leave this earth, I won’t be satisfied until I _____________.” Also a quick response, “Make the movie about my book.” (She is currently working on the screenplay, and might do a little shooting while on the Jersey Shore in April.)

Of course I asked about her fondest memory of the Jersey Shore. I knew her answer. I’ve been there with her and Scott a few times. “Sea Bright Pizza!” She continues, “And that will be the first thing I eat when I get back for the film fest. Wanna meet us for a slice of eggplant?”

There are interviews and interviews. I’ve done my share. Musically speaking of course, my time spent with Linda Chorney for this interview was rare, precious and beautiful. I can’t wait for Saturday, April 9th for the premiere of “The Opening Act” at the Asbury Park Music in Film Festival at the Salt Theater at noon.  She will do a little talk, a little singing and Q&A. Yes, it seems like old times having her and Scott back by the Atlantic Ocean making music and sharing passions.

Film, Festival Tickets are available at http://apmff.com/schedule-tickets/

“Opening Act” Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZypajZ6_sA

Linda Chorney website:  http://www.lindachorney.com

Calvin Schwartz  website:  vichywater.net

Facebook:  Cal Schwartz    and  Calvin Schwartz-Cerebral Writer

If You Missed It- New Jersey Film Makers Garry Pastore (“Destressed”) and P.j. Bracco (“goin down”) both films entered in Garden State Film Festival. Video & Podcast

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY MARCH 24TH  8 PM       http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

With great anticipation we look forward to Monday March 24^th when NJ Discover’s Tara-Jean and Calvin spend a precious hour with two dynamic and extraordinary talents. We’re thrilled to have Garry (who’s incredibly busy these days with his acting career) and whose film “Destressed” premieres in Garden State Film Festival( April 3-6^th) (he produced, wrote and directed) and P.j. who also proudly premieres his first film, “goin down” at the Garden State Film Festival which he also wrote, produced and directed. Indeed, hugely special multi-talented guests and much behind the scenes ‘stuff’ to ‘discover’ on Monday.   Calvin Schwartz

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY MARCH 24TH  8 PM     http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL ON APRIL 3-6TH  VISIT:  http://www.gsff.org/

MEET GARRY PASTORE

Garry Pastore was born in New York City in the early 1960’s, a middle child in a family of six.  His parents were both born in New York and are now deceased.  Currently, Mr. Pastore resides in Central New Jersey with his wife, Melody and four children.   Garry has appeared as an actor in well over 50 television productions and feature films since his career began in the early 1980’s.  His passion for film has driven him to cultivate skill in almost every aspect of the business.  He was nominated for a SAG Award in 2012 and was an “Ensemble” Emmy Winner in 2006 for his work on “30 Rock”.

At this time, he is in the development stage of ten screenplays he has written for film and television, with his company Willowcreek Entertainment.  His original film, “DESTRESSED” which premieres at the Garden State Film Festival on April 5, 2014, is his sophomore directorial effort.  His first,  “Waiting for… Budd”, earned him a total of eight “Best Director”, “Best Producer” and “Best Film” awards during its debut in 2009.

Garry Pastore can be seen currently in the feature film, “Rob the Mob” and in a recurring role on the CBS smash, “Blue Bloods”.

All media inquiries should be directed to his publicist:  

Brigette Lutz  Artist Development Group  C -908.309.7887  F- 732.612.3949   artistdevgroup@gmail.com

DESTRESSED article:  http://www.newjerseystage.com/articles/getarticle.php?ID=3156

DESTRESSED MOVIE TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHavA3G_nuc

Here’s a look at SOME of  Garry’s acting credits:

2014Rob the Mob Sammy         2013-2014Blue Bloods (TV Series)  Stavros       2013The Wolf of Wall Street  Rao’s Patron

2011Tied to a Chair Eddie Fos      2009A Secret Promise Officer Prlaine     2005-2006Law & Order: Criminal Intent (TV Series)

2004The Sopranos (TV Series) Jerry Basile    2004Everyday People     2001100 Centre Street (TV Series)

2000Everything’s Jake  Sergeant Steiner     2000Growing Down in Brooklyn  Mike Redface   2000The Yards  Detective Tommasino

2000It Had to Be You   Witness to the Mob (TV Movie) Frankie Hearts   1997Cop Land  Core Cop ‘Johnny B’

1997Cosby (TV Series)    Sergeant Rayes       1997Donnie Brasco Carmine Galante’s Bodyguard (uncredited)

1994Hand Gun Earls Man Tommy (as Garry Blackwood)    1993Carlito’s Way   Copa Wiseguy (as Garry Blackwood)

1993A Bronx Tale Chez Bippy Customer (as Garry Blackwood)   1990Goodfellas  Henry’s 70’s Crew (as Garry Blackwood)

1989Do the Right Thing  P.O. Bonamo (uncredited)    1988Cocktail Well Dressed Man (uncredited)    1985Prizzi’s Honor Usher #2 (uncredited)

MEET P. j. BRACCO

P.J. Bracco, an Alumni of Boston University’s School of Theatre Arts, started his post college career tending bar at Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Grill, while producing theatre in NYC’s Alphabet City.  Shifting his focus midtown to work at The Ensemble Studio Theatre, ultimately lead to the launching of his own motion picture production company Red Hook Films (www.redhookfilms.com) in 1997.  Bracco has since been working on the fringes of the independent film scene producing, directing and/or acting in movies, commercials and music videos.  Some of his credits include; “Ursa Minor”, “Raimo’s Price”, “The Watchmaker”, “The Goner”, Smoker in “The Gambler’s Club”,  and the documentary “Stocks Bonds and Notes”.  P.J.’s latest projects include the music videos “When I Sing” for Grammy Nominee Linda Chorney, “After Life” for newcomer Camryn James, along with his revamped directorial debut feature film “goin down”, all of which are premiering in The 2014 Garden State Film Festival in April.  Bracco currently has several feature projects and music videos in development, along with a newly started Web Series Screenplay Competition (www.redhookfilmsseries.com) that will ultimately turn one script into a completed Web Series.  In addition to making movies, P.J. is the harmonica player with The Red Bank Blues Band (www.theredbankbluesband.com) and can be caught once a month playing at The Downtown in Red Bank.

“goin down” MOVIE TRAILER:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3qjDI-yJ90   

TUNE IN HERE MONDAY MARCH 24TH  8 PM     http://www.spreaker.com/show/the_nj_discover_radio_show

ALSO OF NOTE: P.j. Bracco has two music videos in Garden State Film Festival. One with recent author and Grammy nominee Linda Chorney called “When I Sing”

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Linda Chorney: Her new book “Who the F— is Linda Chorney:” a Review and Invitation to the  Book Release Party at Watermark in Asbury Park Wednesday June 5^th, 2013  By Calvin Schwartz     May 31, 2013

I’m certainly not the New York Times or Kirkus Reviews but here I am about to say a few words about ‘Who the F—k is Linda Chorney.’  Riveting is a good word to begin with. Anyone with molecular attachments to our American music world is going to be riveted; therefore that means a must read.  Music companies, industry insiders and some journalists are not necessarily nice. I never knew the extent until Linda excited my optic nerve with her home grown writing style.  Often when reading, I stopped, closed my eyes and Linda was in the room with me carefully narrating in diary form her anguish and adventures taking her to the Grammy award ceremony. “She’s so funny, “I thought about her imaginative often silly usage of names of some of the adversaries; a gentle word. I’ll leave Linda for the colorful alternatives. I think I shall never see anything quite like a tree or look at the business side of the music world the same ever again.  Shame on them.

Linda lit my fire and brought me to think that it seems like old times; it’s the 1950’s and the word payola made headlines as the traditional music establishment was reacting against newcomers. Linda is an Indie and damn proud; same as a newcomer.  Deja-vu just lassoed me.  Good gosh, nothing has changed. Linda has exposed this not nice industry and media friends of it. Bravo to a courageous and talented musician. And I loved her dirty words utilization and commentary; purist Chorney colorful.  She was talking to me. She reminded me of John Dean (a hero) with her powers of perfect recollection. And  I love pictures and she used them; another evocation of my smiling all throughout the read.

I love hip shooting. I just shot from there. Linda’s ‘Who  the F—k is Linda Chorney,’ is  a must read with or without music proclivities. She’s tough and honest and warm and funny; the essence of memorable memoir literature. Her book is even a great beach read, under an umbrella or boardwalk. I loved it.

The Book Release party is on Wednesday June 5^th at the Watermark in Asbury Park. Hey, you’re all invited. She’ll sing, and talk and make you laugh and other emotions.

“The book “WHO THE F**K IS LINDA CHORNEY: A CINDERELLA STORY”, exposes an industry that tried to undermine her nomination and destroy her career with accusations of cyber cheating to actual death threats. Delivered with her unique brand of charming musical irreverence and hilarious vitriol, the show is PART CONCERT, PART READING, PART Q & A. FREE ADM/AFTER SHOW BOOK SIGNING with purchase of the book ($20, avail at door). $10 admission w/o book. (Have the book? Present at door, get in free, enjoy the show and get it signed!!)”

FOR OTHER NORTHEAST DATES: http://www.lindachorney.com/tour.php

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

7:00pm until 10:30pm

Watermark Asbury Park

800 Ocean Avenue, Second Floor, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712

LINDA CHORNEY: My Exclusive Afternoon Interview with an Amazing Grammy Nominated Singer from Monmouth County NJ

 By Calvin Barry Schwartz

On the cover of her latest double album, “Emotional Jukebox,” which has just been Grammy nominated for Americana Album of Year, Linda Chorney is pictured holding several one-word signs, describing herself as “cocky, feisty, silly, fearless, elated” and “anxious” to name a few. She is all of the above, as discovered on a recent rainy late October 2011 afternoon with bagels and cups of green tea adorning her kitchen table.

Thoughts and emotions swirl around Chorney; songs alone can’t suffice, so she has a blog. Chorney enthusiastically describes her blog video featuring astrophysicist Dr. Neil Degrasse Tyson, head of the Hayden Planetarium and the “killer” of planet Pluto. “We met at a party and I decided to interview him on a more human level with a different angle,” she recalls.  Her blogs, like her music, speak a rugged, unbridled Massachusetts-bred individuality. Fascination with science stems from her MIT- PhD father. “If I wasn’t so into music growing up, I might’ve become a scientist,” she muses, adding that her parents supported her music.

Making “Emotional Jukebox” was unlike any past album she made (she made six). “Recording in a studio is like being in taxi looking at the meter. But for this album, I had the biggest budget I ever had.”  Thanks to a chance meeting. Back in 2003 when she was doing a show inAspen, an eccentric man approached her, asking if he could send something through the mail. “I gave him a PO Box because I didn’t know what was up.” A few weeks later a wireless guitar and vocal mic arrived.  Turned out that the man was Dr. Jonathan Schneider, aka “The Rock Doc,” who became a life-long friend, supporter, backer and Chorney’s “long lost goofy brother.” In 2010, Dr. Schneider, who minors in music, told theJerseyShoresongwriter:  “I want you to make the album you’ve never been able to make before.” She asserts, “He was instrumental in overseeing this passion project and is one of the most generous kindest people I’ve ever met.”

Chorney’s impressive cast on Emotional Jukebox includes Will Lee (Letterman’s CBS orchestra), Shawn Pelton (Saturday Night Live), Leon Pendarvis (Saturday Night Live music director), Jeff Pevar, and Lisa Fischer (back up vocalist with Rolling Stones since 1987) to name a few.

“I’ve done six albums and this was the first time I actually did some cover songs from my heroes —  Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Crosby Stills Nash and the Stones.” Her face explodes in animation. “And I had Lisa from the Stones sing on ‘Mothers Little Helper!’  Mick Jagger sang that when he was 25. To have it come from the woman who actually is feeling that drag of getting old (me) brings a whole new perspective.”

Chorney also wanted to showcase favoriteJerseymusicians on the album; not only is Lisa Fischer local but also Andy Burton, Hernan Romero, Ralph Notaro, Arlan Feiles, Gladys Bryant, Tony Pallagrosi, Mary McCrink, and Richie Blackwell (of the original E Street Band). Local photographer Danny Sanchez shot the cover.

Chorney’s in complete control of every aspect of her music. She did everything for the album — spending a whopping 2000 hours editing with 100 tracks of different instruments; 10 to 20 takes for most tracks of every song, sometimes more. She also fulfilled a long-held dream by writing her first symphony “Mother Nature Symphony” with acclaim from classical Grammy members.  “You’re about to ask me what I listen to,” she jumps immediately, “Classic Rock and Classical.” She exaggerates the last syllable.

On “Emotional Jukebox,” her song “Cherries” is a favorite of many. “When you listen, you take a personal journey through your own life,” she offers.  “When I see people cry from that song I think it’s cool! It’s better than a record deal when people say my music has changed their lives.”  It is “Cherries” that is competing for song of the year. After pensive moments and an empty tea cup, she says, “If you’re not with a major label, you can only get so many Grammy votes and I know it’s a long shot.” She sits up in her chair and talks about how “Indies” support each other: “We have our own ‘Indie’ mob to compete withNashville,LAand NY.” Chorney wants just one Grammy on her mantle.

During the interview it is hard not to notice yet another unique artistic element surrounding the kitchen. Linda designs and makes her own mosaics for backsplashes and anywhere in the home “by appointment.”  Discover the emotional multi-talented jukebox that is Linda Chorney by picking up a copy of her album, getting a mosaic or reading her electrifying blog. Three remaining bagels went home with this interviewer.

Read Linda’s blog at:  lindachorney.wordpress.com