Legality of recording (covering) songs from composer demos, workshops etc.

[DapperDan]

Legality of recording (covering) songs from composer demos, workshops etc.#0

Posted: 6/12/04 at 7:29pm

I am wondering if it is legal to record or to "cover" songs from musicals that are in wordshop stage or from demos of composers.
The shows in question are Kander and Ebb's "Over and Over" ("Skin of Our Teeth") and "Curtains" and Cy Coleman and Seth Gaaikema's "Grace the Musical". Most of these [songs] have never been recorded [legally]. All of these shows have great scores of toe-tapping, top-notch songs that I would love to record on a CD.
I personally would like musical theater fans to hear some of the latest work by the Broadway greats.

[Pinguin]

re: Legality of recording (covering) songs from composer demos, workshops etc.#1

Posted: 6/12/04 at 7:36pm

I'm pretty sure you still have to get permission from the composer...I mean, I'm sure they're still copywrited..

-Anyone want to turn anarchist with me?

"Bless you and all who know you, oh wise and penguined one." ~YouWantItWhen????

[MusicMan]

re: Legality of recording (covering) songs from composer demos, workshops etc.#2

Posted: 6/13/04 at 12:05am

You must secure permission from the writers. If you don't have access to their representation, write to them personally. Reach Coleman at Notable Music, Kander and Ebb vis-a-vis the Schubert Theatre. FYI, Brent Barrett has recorded THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH from Over and Over. So, they might be interested in disseminating their songs.