Do you write your own music?
When Steve and I were part of a rock band, we wrote all of our own music. I recently had the opportunity to co-write a jazz tune with another local musician & pianist, David Ellington. My very first jazz standard! The piece is called "Tuesday, My Love" and it will be on the very next jazz CD we put out.How long were you part of the rock band?
For about 10 years. Why did you make the switch?
Playing in a rock band is a very different experience than jazz. With the rock band, we traveled a lot because we were playing the circuit primarily in Georgia and South Carolina. Plus, as a woman, at a certain age, you start to wonder if rock and roll still makes sense. Since we started playing jazz, we have been able to perform locally and eliminate the travel.What did you have to do when you started singing or when you switched from rock to jazz?
First, you better get some training so you know what you're doing. Singing isn't just singing. Rock is different from jazz. Phrasing is a really big deal. I had to work really hard to make the switch from rock vocals to jazz vocals - but now I know enough to interchange the two. Next, you have to create a PR kit that includes your bio, song list and samples of recorded music. When we went from rock to jazz, we created a new demo CD and got it out to the venues we wanted to play.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, I play classical piano, percussion and acoustic guitar. I don't play in the jazz combo but I did play the guitar in the rock band. How often do you perform each week?
It varies based on the time of year but, on average, we have 4- 6 gigs per week. If there are conventions or big events in the area, we might have more.
What venues do you typically play?
We perform for a lot of local restaurants like the Paper Mill Grill, Ray's in the City and d'Vine. We've performed at the Free Concert series at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheater and will be performing there again on Saturday, September 14, 2013. Hope you can make it! One of our favorite events is the Fernbank's Martinis & IMAX. We invite everyone to come out on March 29, 2013 and listen to us while you enjoy a fun night.
You mentioned you write your own music. Do you write for other musicians?
No, but we have had other bands and musicians cover our rock music. It is really exciting and an honor to hear someone else perform your music.
Do you work with a specific recording studio?
Actually, we work with several because each one offers a new and different perspective. There is always something new to learn and we like to keep it fresh. Also, there is a big difference between recording in a studio versus a live performance so we will work with someone who has that expertise.
Have you always been a professional singer?
No, actually I was a corporate secretary in commercial real estate for about 16 years. I always sang after hours and wrote music. When we started the jazz combo, we were booked solid within three months and Scott, my husband, told me I didn't need to be a secretary anymore.
Is Scott a musician?
No, he comes from a musical family and plays the guitar but he is not in a band. He has always been very supportive of me over our 23 years of marriage.
Do you have any children?
No, but we have two dogs, Coco and Alex who we spoil rotten.
What do you like to do when you're not singing or writing music?
I enjoy gardening and painting. I love the creative vision involved with gardening and watching my flowers grow every year.
