Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
My music, like my life, is eclectic and reflects the many experiences I have had along the way. From Billie Holiday to Bonnie Raitt, I look for a lyric and melody that resonates with me. I will cross any genre for a great lyric.
There will always be a through thread, as well, that reflects my life purpose which is to be an agent or vessel through which my voice can open my audience to their own experiences. I look for the truth in a lyric – once I have adhered to it, I let it go and it becomes the truth of humanity. It no longer is about me – but, all of us. If the audience comes away having had an “experience”, then I feel like I have done my job.
It is also a joyous feeling to sing.
When did you start performing?
I have been singing my whole life. I joined my first band in high school. We played locally in Palo Alto during the 60’s music renaissance. It was an exciting time to be playing music.
From my initial band, I went on to perform with my first husband, Alan Graham, in the San Francisco Bay Area. We performed and recorded together for 11 years. After our divorce in 1980 I left the business for several years. I had never been on my own before this, and going out as a solo artist was very frightening for me at the time. But, music ultimately, called me back – and if was then that I reunited with my first bandmate, who had been producing for all those years, Donny Marrow(Disk Eyes Productions) and we began recording.
Donny has co-produced my 4 solo CD’s.
I stepped into the recording booth to record my first vocal in many years – and I was “Home”. We now record every year at Ocean Way in Nashville.
I am in Los Angeles, and I take our track recordings from Nashville and continue producing with Stephan Oberhoff who does final vocals, orchestral sweetening, if needed, or added instrumentals. We have come to have a fabulous connection and contribution between the three of us that creates a very special work.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
Although born in Rhode Island, and having beautiful memories of New England, I moved to Palo Alto in the 60’s and I consider that to be my “Hometown.” There was so much musical magic going on in the Bay Area and I feel so fortunate to have been in that rich soil of creativity!
What performers have been your inspiration?
So many performers have inspired me for different reasons and from different genres.
Billie Holiday captured my soul with her haunting, longing, heartbreaking – yet hopeful vocals. You could feel all of the many levels of her emotions through her voice.
Tina Turner inspired me with her courage, her fierceness and fabulous, powerful voice – she transformed her unbearable pain into anthems of hope.
Whitney Houston – had the voice of an angel and gave us 100% – I loved to hear her soar.
Marvin Gaye was one of my most favorite R&B artists.
SO many more – Frank Sinatra – his phrasing – his cool.
I don’t think there is room in this article to cover them all – but, I believe one thing that they all have is that they are authentic – they tell the truth when they sing. That is something you just can’t make up. When someone is telling the truth – they are letting it go – letting it become the audience’s reflection of themselves. That is their gift.
It is what I aspire to, as well, as a performer. It’s alchemy. It’s magic. It’s healing.
What do you base your success on?
I base my success on staying in integrity and staying the course. Of taking the time to know myself better and using this awareness in my material. I have a saying that I post on my computer that has served me for many years.
“Rest. But don’t quit.”
Your voice is directly connected to your heart. It is uniquely yours. Be true to it. Don’t compare. But, learn from those you admire. Study what it is about them that resonates with you – then find your own voice.
What was your latest musical release?
My latest musical release was “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas.
I have been inspired by this song’s message since I first heard it. It comes from a Native American poem about “all we are is dust in the wind.”
And how knowing this will change the way you live your life and what your priorities will be.
I am recording songs of 50 years ago that are now considered Standards, reimagining them to be current. We will be releasing singles and them compiling them for an album.
Do you have any news to share?
I am preparing for a recording session again in Nashville with Donny Marrow and Stephan Oberhoff (who has relocated to Nashville)
Stay tuned!
How can fans find you?
www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_T9aqLlweFAX-cRrp-7XQ
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
Thank you for inviting me to share some of my story.
Music is vital to the health of our society. It truly heals.
Especially now.
I implore singers and musicians to bring their unique voices to the fore.
Music transcends time and it’s never too late to share yours with the world.
I feel blessed and honored to be contributing to the soundtrack of life..
Keep on Keepin’ on.