Michael Feinstein's American Songbook, a dynamic road trip through the glorious history of 20th century American song from the 1920s through the 1960s by the acclaimed musician and five-time Grammy®-nominated vocalist, debuts nationwide on PBS tonight and has received rave reviews. Critics say:
"A quirky, thoughtful mélange of history and biography that celebrates Mr. Feinstein's passion…" Stephen Holden, The New York Times
"A superb three-part series…" Michael Upchurch, The Seattle Times
"A real-time glimpse into Feinstein's life…" Josh Getlin, Los Angeles Times
"A trip down musical memory lane…" Rob Owen, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Let [ Feinstein ] work his magic on you. The songs, and the stories, are well worth hearing." Matt Roush, TV Guide
The full three-part series by Hudson West Productions is being released today on DVD, available at www.shoppbs.org for $39.95. The gift set includes a bonus fourth DVD with two hours of exclusive extras. In addition to an 11-song concert by Michael Feinstein, viewers can watch full versions of archival clips from the series, featuring performances by Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Artie Shaw, in addition to complete episodes of "Army-Navy Screen Magazine" with rare footage of iconic American singers and entertainers performing for U.S. troops in World War II Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne, Bob Hope, Ethel Merman, Betty Hutton, Kitty Carlisle, Paul Whiteman, Spike Jones, and many more. ( 2 DVDs, 300 minutes )
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN'S AMERICAN SONGBOOK charts the musician's cross-country quest to find and preserve the rare treasures of classic American music. Viewers accompany Feinstein onstage, backstage and offstage, learn how the American Songbook developed as it did, and join Michael's often extreme quest to find and preserve the treasures of classic American music everything from rare sheet music and once-in-a-lifetime recordings to some of the craziest instruments you've ever seen. Guest appearances include Broadway and TV star Cheyenne Jackson ( "Glee," "30 Rock" ) , legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch, '40s and '50s songstress Margaret Whiting, actor David Hyde Pierce ( "Frazier" ) , and more.
For a sneak peek at the series, visit the Hudson West website for three 10-minute clips: hudsonwest.org/feinstein/ .