Ronni and Dave Hart, Linda's friends and management team from California, write…
We were thrilled to be a part of the spectacular evening in North Salem as Linda unveiled THE OTHER SIDE OF ME! The songs sounded wonderful in that warm, intimate setting. It's been great working with Linda's new band members, and we look forward to many more concerts as Linda unveils her new music and guitar playing to her fans across the country!!!

Kim Scharnberg, Linda's friend and arranger from Connecticut, writes…
It was wonderful hearing The Other Side of Linda on Saturday night in the intimate country club setting with her new band and new material! The musicians and new songs were all excellent with a healthy dose of new arrangements of familiar songs. This doesn't surprise me at all. Linda said she was nervous but once she strapped on her acoustic guitar (hey - I heard it so she WAS playing it!), she relaxed and sang as beautifully as ever. Even though I've worked with Linda for so many years, she still manages to do a couple of things that just astound me and make me wonder how the heck she does X or Y or any letter in between!! She is truly amazing and I hope her old fans and new fans get out to hear this Other Side - it's not really that different - it's still Linda and it's still amazing!

Donna Newman from New York writes…
It was a thrill for me and my husband to be able to attend Linda's show Saturday night. Highlights for me were meeting Billy Stein's parents who were in the line next to me. They could not have been more proud of their son and his accomplishments. I even asked Billy to sign my ticket along with Linda's signature. I got a kick out of Billy's parents smiling from ear to ear when I asked Billy for his autograph. Our seats were great, and we enjoyed watching the couple next to us as it was their first time seeing Linda perform and they live in the neighborhood. Linda's song selection was outstanding with new and old songs performed the "Mid-western" way. I thought it was so cute how Linda seemed a bit nervous. Obviously it was so important to her that she please all of us, and that she certainly did. In fact, I don't think for one minute during the show did my husband's knee stop moving from the beat of the music. We drove from Syracuse and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity for the getaway weekend. With Linda having horses and being an equestrian myself, I could have spent hours driving around the neighborhood! We almost didn't make it to the golf course because I wanted to stop and meet everyone's horses. Thank you for the opportunity to be there cheering you on. We very much enjoyed it.

Jeff Bankson from Connecticut writes…
A night which was eagerly awaited full of hopes and expectations could not have turned out more successful in this fan's eyes. I say this because I am one of those souls who love music from multiple genres. One reason I love Broadway music is because it typically relates a story that is unfolding before our eyes. Country or "Mid-western" music typically focuses on a story, which is again told through the lyrics and reaches for the heart. I have always loved the sound Linda has decided to add to her collection. While I expect it to produce a very successful album, I got the sense Saturday night that it has already been a success to Linda's soul. It couldn't happen to a nicer person. I think this new direction will have the effect of bringing a whole new group of fans Linda's way if marketed successfully. I think Linda's approach of providing different versions of "live" shows will work to retain the more Broadway focused fans and also allow a new base to join in. For me, this new sound is very welcomed and only works to further expand my enjoyment of Linda.

Bob Isaacs and Theresa Pepe from New York write…
Linda, you are so awesome! Please, please, please do this show again in the New York area! Maybe once-a-week? We love you!

Fan Trish Burns with Linda

Trish Burns from New York writes…
THE EASTER BUNNY CAME TO EDERVILLE A NIGHT EARLY THIS YEAR…

Saturday night in North Salem was a once in a lifetime event! Linda gave us a wonderful evening - planning everything perfectly to the last detail! There were more Ederfans in one room than you could imagine, all being thrilled by Linda's new "Countrypolitan" music. Linda was her usual funny self, and though the "costume" was different and the music was new, the talent and the voice were pure Linda! The new band is great - a very talented bunch! (They would have to be, to be worthy of their front woman!) We all had a huge party, and no one minded what was on the bottom of Linda's boots! LOL!

You are once again a smash hit, Linda, and thank you so very much for inviting us all to be a part of it, from the song choice poll to giving us first crack at the ticket reservations. And, what tickets! The suitable-for-framing mini poster tickets, all signed by you ahead of time thanking us, were a sweet surprise! Broadway, Standards, Symphony, and now "Countrypolitan" - you are amazing and a class act. Thank you for "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" - absolutely fabulous, and another dream of mine realized! And "Saturday In The Park" to top it all off! That evening was better than a million Easter baskets! THE OTHER SIDE OF ME will knock their cowboy boots off! Love you, Linda, and I cannot wait until you mosey on up here in July!

Rosemary Foley from New Jersey writes…
Linda has such a magnificent vocal instrument that her performance and interpretation of time-honored favorites surpassed those of the original artists.

Anita Wayne from Connecticut writes…
Beginning a new concert tour must be stressful… kicking off a tour showcasing brand new, never performed material must be extremely stressful! If there were nerves… they never showed.
Backed by an extremely talented band of musicians, Linda Eder gave a spectacular concert in North Salem, New York performing her type of music… music that she has wanted to perform for most of her life.

How fortunate to be a witness to such a fantastic evening… and what a refreshing change.
Never have I thought that there was anything that Linda couldn't sing, and tonight was no exception. Tonight I saw a different Linda… someone comfortable in her "boots," connected to the lyrics and melodies, and really having fun. Her talent is truly amazing!

The "other side" of Linda has finally come into the light. It has been hidden far too long in the shadows… how lucky for all of us.

Fan JayBarry, Linda, and Fan Joe Amorina

JayBarry from New York writes…
The new music is very much in step with today's adult contemporary not quite country, more music for the Everyman/Woman. Linda has always managed to move us, to take us someplace, and in her new music she again has done just that with the stories and a new energy that is so great to hear and see.

Linda has done it again in a whole new way. This time she is singing as part of a band and enjoying sitting back just a bit and letting her songs tell the story. "The Other Side Of Me" is well written and full of heart and emotion from where she lives and where she remains, strolling down a country road. Outstanding!

Thank you, Linda, for a wonderful you. Whatever you sing is a masterpiece. Joe and I enjoyed your show as usual, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to see you. You are quite the lady. Your kindness to take the time for your fans is something only a real down-to-earth person can do. Keep those shows coming. We (The Fans) will always be there.

Jody Mothershead from Virginia writes…
This show was like Linda was singing at home… such a relaxed atmosphere. I loved all the arrangements, including the arrangements of the "oldies." My favorites of the evening were "Pieces," "Lifted," "Saturday In The Park," and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." It was also great to hear "Ghost," "The Other Side Of Me," and "Waiting For The Fall." When will the new CD be released? It's so difficult to be patient!

Fan Michael Vanderhoef, Linda, and Fan John Battista

Michael Vanderhoef from New York writes…
Although I have been a fan of Linda Eder for well over 15 years, last night was the first time I was able to attend a "live" performance in North Salem, New York. The show, which featured songs from her forth coming new CD, THE OTHER SIDE OF ME, as well as a few classic Eder tunes, was exhilarating, leaving me on a high for days. Her performance… flawless! I always described Ms. Eder's voice as "clear and beautiful as a perfect sunny day." However, experiencing it "live" will leave you intoxicated for days and find you running, not walking, to her next show. Although she excels in her former genre of music, one listen to her perform her new material of "Mid-western" pop and you realize what you already knew. That is… if it's Eder, it's Excellent! A voice like Ms. Eder's cannot be categorized into a certain "niche." It is effortless and all encompassing... truly a masterpiece. She is a class act and so lovely and down to earth.

Deb Anderson from Massachusetts writes…
My favorite three voices in the world are Barbra Streisand, Martina McBride, and Linda Eder. So, the concert on Saturday night couldn't have been more perfect or fantastic for me!

Guy Halladay from New York writes…
THE OTHER SIDE OF ALL OF US

When Linda Eder announced a concert gig at the North Salem Golf Club, I nearly had a stroke. After all, it's not every day that your favorite singer performs 12 miles from your front door. What a treat… the debut of a major new album by "The Voice" in my own backyard! Major bliss!

I was wrong. The day arrived and it got better. The treat was going to a party in what could have been Linda Eder's living room. And what about that new sound? I knew I'd heard that kind of music before. Buy what… where… when? Then Linda called it "Mid-western" and "Countrypolitan." It was starting to click with me.

However, not until the final number did I get it… maybe I'm a little slow. Here's what I get… bear with me. Linda's new recordings, mixed with the following, bring me back, dare I say, 40 odd years. And yet, they are still new, fresh, and current.

"Both Sides Now" …Joni Mitchell, 1967
"Son Of A Preacher Man" …Dusty Springfield, 1968
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" …Simon & Garfunkel, 1970
"Saturday In The Park" ...Chicago, 1972
"Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" …Elton John, 1974

The world was much simpler then, or was I just more eager and younger? After hearing "The Other Side Of Me," I've come to the conclusion that the world really hasn't changed all that much. The "new" Linda Eder sound brings back "the other side" of all of us. Brilliant move, Linda… great statement and the debut of a huge success! Keep driving that bus!

Steve Kiesendahl from Pennsylvania writes…
The North Salem concert was buzzing with excitement from beginning to end. I love the great new sound! The band was incredible and Linda was in top form - guitar and all. Between the infectious beat of the music and the positive vibe in the room, the entire night was a blast! I can't wait for the release of THE OTHER SIDE OF ME.

Fan Lou Cabibi and Linda

Lou Cabibi from New York writes…
Did you see that speeding bus taking those hairpin curves… charging full speed ahead? Linda was at the wheel taking full control over her new direction. Linda's new band was fantastic and her new music fits her perfectly! Everyone I spoke to after the show thought this is just what Linda needs in her career now. Linda, best of luck in your "New Career!" Look out Dolly Parton!

Gerry Cardwell from Kentucky writes…
Since my musical taste doesn't usually sway in this direction, I wasn't sure how I would react to the new (to us) Linda. I don't know why I would ever doubt anything she chooses to sing. She can't go wrong in following her heart. Several of the songs have a real potential for finding their way to the airwaves and on the charts. The most fun though was watching Linda. The joy and relief she was getting from finally getting her "baby" in front of an audience was evident… and who knew she could play the guitar! I will be on that bus singing in the back seat wherever she chooses to drive.

Performance Photos by Fan Rosemary Foley

VOICE: Congratulations on the debut of The Other Side Of Me Show! It was an incredible evening and you certainly wowed the crowd.

LINDA: Thank you. It was a fun night for us. I was so nervous! I had the kind of nerves that I used to have in the early days of my career. It took me many years to grow into my Broadway/Standards show, and this show was right out of the box. But the band and I had a great time.

VOICE: The debut of the new show was a smashing success! How does it feel to have the first one "under your belt," so to speak?

LINDA: I'm incredibly relieved and very happy. In the days leading up to the show, I would drive by the club and freak out a little.

VOICE: What made you decide to play guitar along with the band?

LINDA: There is so much guitar in this music and I wanted to add to that. I can't really play well yet, but I'm loving it and practicing very hard. It's very difficult to play and sing at the same time. I have to try to put the singing first, so the playing suffers right now. At least the band didn't laugh at me the first day of rehearsal!

VOICE: So then it's a challenge for you to sing and play guitar at the same time?

LINDA: It's a bit like rubbing the head in one direction and the stomach in the other. But it's a fun challenge, and the best thing is that I can now accompany myself at home. This new music has brought all that back.

VOICE: How did you choose the songs you would play?

LINDA: Whatever song would benefit from some more rhythm guitar. Also if it wasn't too difficult, no bar chords.

VOICE: Did you take any lessons to brush up on your skills or did you just practice on your own?

LINDA: So far I've just been learning on my own, but I want to start taking some lessons to get to the next level. I really love playing and want to get better - fast!

VOICE: Did you buy a new guitar specifically for the show? Please tell us a little about the guitar you used.

LINDA: I bought one guitar, and then after about a month it started buzzing so I upgraded to a really nice Taylor. Maybe one day I'll be worthy of it. I actually own three guitars now. I have a classical guitar, and I also bought a smaller parlor guitar to take on the road when it's not The Other Side Of Me Show so I can practice in my hotel room.

VOICE: The band is amazing! How did you go about choosing the musicians?

LINDA: I've worked with some of them in the past and obviously with Clint all the time because he plays in both shows. The rest were people we had heard of or who have worked with Billy.

VOICE: What is it like rehearsing with the new band?

LINDA: So cool! It's always rough in the beginning with brand new music, but everyone is so good that we got into it very quickly. It's the kind of band I have always dreamed about being part of. Everyone has really good input and I encourage it.

VOICE: Were you intimidated when you first began playing with the band?

LINDA: Yes, because no one is used to me doing this kind of music, and they have all worked with the best in the business. But I felt respected and, after all these years in the business, I feel like I've earned my place.

VOICE: Can you share any funny stories from your time rehearsing with the band?

LINDA: Well, we had lots of laughs. So many jokes that I can't remember and some that I can't repeat. There is some running gag about Billy calling Clint "Handma" and everyone else "Grandma," so I called the band "Handma." But it's really nothing but a silly thing that happened at a gig years ago that involved Billy and Clint sort of giggling like schoolgirls when they tried to retell it. It was funny just to watch them laugh so hysterically!

VOICE: Did any of the professional guitar players give you some helpful tips from their experience?

LINDA: They are at such a different level that I just try to stay out of their way, but I did get a few pointers that helped a lot.

VOICE: What was the process like of choosing your background singers? Were you familiar with them from previous work?

LINDA: We made a point of looking for band members who could sing, and pretty much everyone sings. There is a lot of harmony in the music. Shaun wanted to be part of the band whenever he could, and I am always very happy to have him join in because I think he is a talent that needs to be heard and this is a good way to help him build his own audience.

VOICE: Do you think you will make any changes in the show as you prepare to go on the road?

LINDA: It is a work in progress. As I said when we did the first interview for THE VOICE right after we finished recording the album, I've had twenty some years to perfect my other style of music. This will go more quickly because I have done some of this kind of music in the past. I am a seasoned performer and musician now, but it always takes time for a show to "gel." There are some things that you can only learn from doing songs live on the stage in front of an audience. Also, a show is not just a list of songs. It has to have an arc to it, peaks and valleys that keep building to a finale. I will learn something new from each performance and from each audience.

VOICE: Was it difficult deciding which of the "old favorites" to perform in The Other Side Of Me Show?

LINDA: I wanted to rework some of my material from the Standards show, so I chose songs that I thought had a basic "pop" element. A good song can be done in different formats, and I really like the new arrangements to songs like "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Something To Believe In."

VOICE: Who did the new arrangements for the "old favorites?" How involved were you in this aspect?

LINDA: I have been completely involved through this whole process. It has to start organically from me… otherwise it really won't work. I also know what I like and that is the whole point - do songs that I like and have fun performing and have faith that there is an audience for it. I also have the most amazing partner in Billy Stein. I really feel like fate worked it out this way. He is so brilliant and I love his music choices. The arrangements come from the two of us, and then the band has been giving good input as well.

VOICE: Was it difficult adapting to new arrangements of songs you've been performing for years?

LINDA: No, it wasn't because we wouldn't be doing them if they didn't work. Singing "Mid-Western" music might be a shock to some of my fans, but it feels completely natural to me. Some fans will never like it, but there is a whole world of people who prefer this music to Standards/Broadway. After almost 30 years in the business, I am finally reaching them and expanding my fan base in a way that I never have, and I am doing it in a very honest way.

VOICE: Please tell the fans about what it was like doing a live show with background singers.

LINDA: I've done it before so it's not a new experience, but performing this music with harmonies is just fantastic. I get a little carried away with it so I have to remember that the fans still want to hear me, and that is all part of the fine tuning. We have a great blend and now we are working to balance ourselves better on stage so the soundman doesn't have to work too hard. It's still a new show for him as well.

VOICE: You worked so hard to insure that the fans would enjoy a relaxed, party atmosphere at your first self-promoted hometown debut. Were you able to relax and enjoy the evening too?

LINDA: Honestly, I don't think I relaxed until ¾ of the way through when I calmed down enough to realize that the show was actually working. I had many sleepless nights leading up to the first show. I knew I was taking a big risk.

VOICE: What was it like for you to finally be performing songs that express who you are as a person and as a musician?

LINDA: I have sung many songs over the years from all different genres, and I felt many of them expressed who I was, but being up on a stage in jeans and boots singing this new music just felt so completely me. I felt like I was in my backyard. It felt really good, like coming home after a trip around the world.

VOICE: How did it feel to be in front of an audience dressed as the "real" Linda Eder for a change? Will it be hard to get back into the gowns and very high heels?

LINDA: I've been wearing gowns and heels on stage for too many years to have it feel uncomfortable and strange. It will be great just to have the variety. That's what this is all about. Variety and freedom will bring new life to everything I do.

VOICE: The new music was certainly well received by those in attendance. How does the reaction of the fans make you feel?

LINDA: Grateful. So grateful. I don't expect everyone to totally embrace this new music because everyone's taste is different and we all have our favorites, but I always felt like the majority would enjoy it and that we would reach new people in the vast pool that enjoys pop. Remember pop is short for popular and it is popular for a reason.

VOICE: Were you energized by the audience?

LINDA: Completely! And I could see them! We didn't have spotlights blinding us so I could see the smiles, and I was very grateful for the support. It was like a bunch of friends holding my hand as I made my first start, shaking knees and all.

VOICE: Was it fun learning and performing "Broken Wing," the song chosen by your fans?

LINDA: Yes. It's a fantastic song and the band really loved it when I brought it in. It also lets me hold a long high belted note, and we know the fans always seem to love that. [All smile]

VOICE: We're sure the fans are very happy that "If I Could" is being included in the new show as well as your other shows.

LINDA: It's such a beautiful song, and it works in many formats because it's so great with such a strong lyric.

VOICE: You have many fans all around the country who are anxious for The Other Side Of Me Show to come their way. Best of luck as you head out on the road.

LINDA: Thank you! It's going to be so much fun.

The EDER-tors of THE VOICE were thrilled to have another chance to sit down with Billy shortly after the first performance at the North Salem Golf Club was "in the books," so to speak.

VOICE: Congratulations on a very successful first performance of The Other Side Of Me Show!

BILLY: Thank you very much!

VOICE: Once the songs were chosen, the arrangements were set, and the musicians were hired, how much time did you have to rehearse before the show's debut at North Salem?

BILLY: We had five rehearsals.

VOICE: Do you have any funny stories from rehearsals that you can share?

BILLY: When Craig (Linda's boyfriend) stopped by and made cricket noises at rehearsal, some of the musicians were freaking out!

VOICE: What was it like performing with Linda as one of the band members?

BILLY: She rocks! It was great to see her having so much fun performing this music.

VOICE: How does it feel to hear Linda singing the songs that you wrote?

BILLY: Fantastic! She's the best, and I'm truly honored to have her voice on songs that I wrote.

VOICE: Did you share any of Linda's jitters before the North Salem show or did you feel pretty confident going into it?

BILLY: I was definitely a bit nervous. We decided to perform 21 new songs, which is a heck of a lot of material for any musician!

VOICE: Did you learn anything from that first gig that will help you in making the show even better?

BILLY: I learned that we sound cohesive without additional backing "computer tracks" (we have decided not to use any computer "stems" at all), and that we should re-arrange some songs a bit differently in order to better utilize the musicians we have on stage.

VOICE: We'd like to wish you well as you continue to bring "the other side" of Linda to fans everywhere.

BILLY: Thank you!