“Just remember in the world of dreams and visions, there are two main experiences. One where you find yourself tolerated and the other is where you find yourself celebrated. There is something to learn from both. Just be encouraged wherever you find yourself.” Ernest Keith

Pam @ Voodoo Lounge

Yes, this place looks just like it sounds.  It’s small, intimate and dark—but not smoky.  Clubs and restaurants don’t operate that way anymore.

I was once again thrilled to sing there with legendary triangle crooner Bill Stonehouse.

The thing that jazzed me the most was the opportunity to finally perform Mack the Knife.  This is a song I’ve longed to sing.  I was however intimidated by all the doggone words.  Well it’s funny what a made up mind can accomplish.  The lyrics are not etched in my brain and it’s such a fun song to do.

I wanted Mack the Knife to be included in my soon to be released album of songs—tentatively titled:  The full measure of a Woman.  Trouble is, when I brought the backing tracks to Osceola earlier that day, Dick heard warbling in the music and we couldn’t lay it down.  I was disappointed, but I had a backup plan and so we were good.

The yearning to showcase the wordy little ditty was satisfied when I handed a different disc to Bill, and the song played flawlessly.

I sang Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans, and dedicated to the people along the gulf coast as they deal with yet another blow to their enchanting way of life.

There was absolutely nothing jazzy or torchy about the song I performed next: Let’s Stay Together. It was in the style of both Al Green and Tina Turner.

I will say this about that night at the Voodoo:  Until I find my own nesting place (I know one day soon I will).. Hanging out with those who have a home and doing a song or two will do just fine.

Bill is there every Saturday night.  If you’d like to know more about the goings on.. then here’s a link:

www.reysrestaurant.com/

Onward + Upward…

a pic from bb king's club

Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.
Napoleon Hill

Last week, the small but mighty branch of the Frank and Jenny Saulsby family tree gathered in West Palm Beach for a four day love fest.It will hopefully be the first of many family reunions.

My intention was to enjoy my family’s new lake front home, catch up on what was going on in everybody’s lives, laugh, love, enjoy delicious food, and for lack of a better word, relax.

Well, all of that happened, and more.
Here’s the more:  I was presented with an opportunity to sing with the BB King All Star Band at BB King’s Blues Club in West Palm Beach. I didn’t see this coming at all.  I was there with the lion’s share of the family celebrating my niece’s 40th birthday.  Jennifer’s celebration then turned into an unforgettable gift for me.

You see, the bandleader, who I did not know, recognized me from my days of reporting in Miami so many years ago.  He would learn after talking to another niece, who was the birthday party planner that I sing.  What to sing???  My mind was racing and I was being indecisive.

And I vowed that in the future I’d always have songs in my head ready to sing at the drop of a hat!

We settled on At Last.

Over the moon doesn’t even begin to describe the pure joy I felt. No nerves, no fear.

We performed like we’d done that number a million times. The musical intro, the saxophone player’s solo.. the big finish.  I believe it all blended into a satisfying experience for everyone who showed up at the club that night.

I feel so fortunate that I could feel so much love from my family and support from a listening audience,  as I travel this new and thrilling journey… Pursuing a dream to touch souls with song.

Watch for it! There’s a video of my performance, that I’ll download ASAP.

Onward + Upward!

“Do it again.”  “What, you forgot the words?” “You sounded flat right there.”  “You need to hear it again?”

  I am back from recording again at Osceola Studios with the man who’s been dubbed the “career assassin”.  That would be Dick Hodgin.

   Today, I recorded Peel Me A Grape, As Time Goes By, and Cry Me A River.  All sounds that I just adore.  In the end, after recording each song three times, it all came out the way I wanted them to.

   I truly am in awe at the way the masters mix the work.  Dick picks the best of the 3 songs.. editing bits and pieces of each into one masterpiece– it’s going to get a little more magic sprinkled on it before it’s released.

    It’s good on my end that we aren’t recording and mixing all the songs at once.  I am getting a chance to think and reflect on what I brought to the session.  Today I am left with a feeling that I held back.. that I didn’t go full out.. that I played it safe. Still, it was better than the first time out last week. 

   The game plan for NEXT time:  To bring some more upbeat tracks to the studio.. and leave with no regrets.

    This will be a challenge for me.  At least that is what I’m thinking right now. I am not blown away by any of the more up tempo songs I’ve performed since I’ve been singing.  It might mean learning some new material before I go back in.

    Say, if you’re following this journey of mine, and can think of jazzy tunes that have a swing, I’m all ears!

   Onward + Upward!

Mommy.Daughter love

     Unforgetable, that’s how I’d describe this Mother’s Day weekend.

     More than that, I believe this has been my best one, ever.

     That darling child I carried in my stomache for nine months amazed me.  She flew from Chicago to Raleigh to spend Mother’s Day with me.

     Normally, on weekends, I am thinking about singing– the gigs I wish I had– what I can do to move closer to having what I once had– a regular Saturday night venue.

     This weekend, my mindset was, who cares?

     I believe there is nothing stronger than a mother-child bond.  Yes, circumstances and love that was missed out on can change the strength and integrity of that bond.  That is true, but at its core that love is deep, pure, and unbreakable.

     So Ashley Marie came home to me Friday night.  You could have knocked me over with a feather.  Over the moon begins to describe the joy, but it is hardly enough to define the depths.  I felt like my heart had grown three sizes like the Grinch’s.

     I cared about just one thing this weekend.. enjoying the company of the young woman my daughter has grown up to me.   What a package!  Sweet, strong, bold, proud, intelligent, witty, loving, silly, insightful.  People, I am just scratching the surface.

     A short visit to be sure, but it was full. So full!  We did a mani/pedi treatment … ate sushi.. drank fine wine, saw Ironman 2, watched tv on her laptop, laughed at The Wiz,  and talked a lot.   All the feelings were there… loving, trusting feelings from then up until now.

     I have never been so proud to be a mom.  What could top it?  OOOooooh, I think I know:

     Ashley calls me on the phone years from now with details on a mommy-daughter trip that she finances this time:  A trip for two to Bora-Bora!

     Onward + Upward!

     And a Happy Mother’s Day to all the other mommies out there in the world.

It is Sunday and I am reflecting on a boffo night of music, song, and fun with friends at Rey’s in Cary on Saturday.

Whew!  That was a long sentence, but it says it all.

If I can figure out how to add pictures to this entry, then  I will.  Everybody seems to be doing this.  How hard can  it be, right?

Well, if not this post, then perhaps the next. I mean, I know people who are techies.  Professionals who work in the wide word of information technology.  I need to make it a priority.  A few years back, that was one criticism about my musical journey blog:  More pictures needed.  Duly noted.  Back to the good stuff.

I knew before the night began that it was going to be good one, because a friend I’d not seen in months was going to meet me there.  She walked in and the whole room lit up for me.  Let the girl talk began!!!

Bill Stonehouse was on the mic… doing that thing he does so well. The Nearness of You was among the songs in his first set.

What happened next was  a delicate balancing act:  Listening to Bill and showing him love– and catching up on all   the news I’d missed from my girlfriend.   We did it. We made it happen.  It’s important — I know this firsthand– to give the artist his or her due.  I have been treated as background music, and it’s not a good feeling.  It’s the bizz, so no offense taken.

Bill is always always generous when it comes to giving his friends who sing some time on the mic… if we we’re longing to share our talent.  Last night for me, longing was an understatement!

I leaped at the chance to sing.  Bill took a break and told me that the room was mine when I was ready. People, I  got myself into the rest room so fast… and fixed the face.. and fluffed the hair.  Yippie Kye Yay!!!

Talk about being in my happy place.  I was given a chance to perform the songs that I am efforting to record.  I am already quite comfy with the music/lyrics, but this just gave me that added assurance I’d picked the right song.

One woman really touched me.. literally and figuratively.  She told me that Saturday was her anniversary, and that I’d helped to make it complete. That’s a moment, people.  That comment lifted both of us.

So all in all a great night.  Everybody who showed up had a fantastic time.. from the guys in the back crafting the delicious food.. to the women who danced and got low.. to the Latino couple who showed us how it’s done on the dance floor– I could go on and on.

BTW… the girlfriend I finally have recoonected with has promised to go with me on a spy mission.. we’re scoping out spots in Raleigh we think would be perfect for a smooth singing woman… and the people who enjoy easy to listen to music.

Onward + Upward!!!

“Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting over lost days…. What you can do or think you can do, begin it. For boldness has magic, power, and genius in it.” -Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Monday’s are not known to be especially happy and delightful. I mean who goes around saying TGIM?  Thank God it’s Monday, right?

Oh, but your girl had a good day.   I speak in terms of moving closer to my dreams.

I stopped by Osceola Studios.  That was a visit long overdue.

Producer Hodgin has given me all the information I need to make a decision about going in to the recording studio.  I must say that I was knocked back a bit by all of  the costs involved with funding a musical project.   Hell if it were free, I reckon every Tom, Dick, and Harriet would be selling CDs.

I am taking baby steps on this venture.  First and foremost is song selection.  Check.  I’ve got that covered.

Dick now has about seven cover songs that I burned on to a disc.  They’re musical backing tracks from a number of sources: I-tunes mostly, but there are some Hal Leonard tracks as well.  If Dick approves the quality of the songs for recording at Osceola, then one hurdle is cleared. Yay!

My next step is making sure the songs are recorded legally.  I sure want to make sure I am protected and then of course the original songwriters must get his/her due.  I have to pay to play every one of those songs I’m recording.

I will soon get very well acquainted with the Harry Fox Agency or HFA.  This is the one stop site relating to obtaining the rights to record and sell copies of songs by other parties.  I understand that is a pretty substantial upfront investment. (gulp)

My other good Monday news came in the form of a request from Carolina Theatre in Durham.  An invitation to sing!!

In September,  the theatre is hosting a fundraiser dinner.  They are also revealing the new piano that was purchased with community donations.  I am providing the entertainment for the evening.

Stay tuned for details on that and the whole music copyright matter.

Onward + Upward!

“Nothing beats failure but a try.”

                –Pauletta Vaughn

 

 

Good news!   I made contact with the man who always has a plan:  John Kane of Kane Realty Corporation.

The conversation was short, sweet, and right to the point:  You’ve got the venues, I’ve got the voice. Let’s make something happen.   We were speaking the same language, and wheels are now in motion to put me in contact with a planner/manager to do a deal.

Folks, I needed this shot of opportunity.  I can’t say enough how much singing lights me up. 

In the meantime, I continue to polish up and smooth out the six songs I want to record.  I’m getting there and I like what I’m hearing so far.  I’m giving thought to asking my singing pal Bill to let me relieve him the next time he performs at Rey’s.  He’ll get to enjoy a much needed break, and I can work on giving my songs that finese it’s going to need.

Oh, and there’s another shot of good news I am happy to blast:  I have been invited by North Carolina’s Music Ambassadors, The Embers to join them again at the Summer Concert Series at North Hills.  Over the moon people, over the moon!!!

Yippie Skippie, that’s right.  One song we’ll do for sure: Baby, You’ve Got What It Takes.  Wayne Free and I are doing it Buble style.  I’m listening and practicing and loving it.  We’ll do a good job with it, I’m certain.

I am not so certain of the song or two that I’m going to sing solo.  The bandmembers had suggested Areatha’s Rock Steady.  I love love love the Queen of Soul.  Last summer I sang Chain of Fools.  Here’s the thing, though:  Areatha hits the high notes.  I just can’t go there naturally,  and feel good about what comes out of my mouth.  I must feel good about it.  I stretched really hard to do Chain of Fools, and I just don’t want to go there, this time. I’d like to be where I am nice and comfy.

I had suggested a litte ditty that is in the beach music genre called “Sweet Charlie Babe” by Jackie Moore.  It is a great song for couples who like to dance the shag.  I didn’t hear back about my suggestion, so I’m thinking the band didn’t much like it.  No worries. We’ll come up with something. 

I’d do some Gladys Knight before Areatha.  She has a range I can get in to.  Not sure if she’s recorded something beach music-y.

Hey, now that I got some peeps following me around with the blog, twitter, and all that.  you can help a sister out.

Any suggestions on some upbeat songs that you’d like to hear me perform with The Embers this summer?

Tell me all about.

This is an adventure!!!

Possible solutions are out there… I see them… but I have taken no action to make things better.

Way to be, right?

In this economy it’s not easy to land a regular spot at any of the local entertainment venues for many of us in the entertainment business.  The problem is, I’ve come to accept this new reality too easily without fight or protest.

That’s wrong.

What about the old saying, where there’s a will, there’s a way?

I believe in that saying, but I’m letting fear, doubt, and disappointment fill up too much of my thinking.  How I’ve allowed those feelings to creep into my passion for singing, I don’t really know.

I know I don’t like it.  I know the only one who can change this situation is me.

To that end, I’ve been thinking.. for weeks now.. about a man I know here in Raleigh.. An uber successful, savvy, forward thinking developer who could hold some answers to my immediate and lingering problem of landing a regular gig.

It is my intention to approach him THIS WEEK and have a conversation about venues in and around Raleigh.

What’s the worst that can happen?  He’ll tell me there is no suitable establishment that can fulfill my request.

What’s the best that can happen?  A hotel, restaurant or bar pops up straight way in his mind that he feels would be absolutely perfect for me.

Here’s to positive thinking and moving closer to the desires of your heart.

Stayed tuned, if you’re following this journey with me.

There will be news before the week ends.

     Dick calls it “product”–work that I can sell or give away to promote this new venture of mine.   Boy, am I ready.

     It didn’t take me long at all to come up with a song list of  great ones.  They are all songs that I have performed in the past that simply delighted me.  I of course wanted a mix of the slow and the upbeat.

     It was the widdling down process that challenged me. 

     I just had to record FEVER, THE NEARNESS OF YOU,  Latifah’s version of CALIFORNIA DREAMING BESAME MUCHO,  AND THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU.

     Those were givens.  For the sixth recording, I’d deided to add SWAY.

     Spending time with these six songs were pure joy.  Almost.  Over time, I just wasn’t feeling SWAY.  It had been one of my fun songs when I was a regular performer at the now defunct Rat Pack Lounge.

     The agreement was, if I didn’t love it, I wasn’t going to record it.  So, bye bye SWAY.

      I needed another upbeat song, and after purusing the list, I set my mind on CHEEK TO CHEEK.

     People, if you haven’t heard Eve Cassidy’s version of Cheek to Cheek,  then your ears are missing a true treat.  I say be quick like a bunny and do that i-tunes thing!  It’ll be the best 99 cents you’ve spent. Trust!

     My music tracks for this song is in the big bands style.. but I am borrowing some of  Eve’s flavor.  It’s a nice mix, I’m efforting to nail down now.

    Just as soon as I am good and comfy with all six of my picks, I’ll be heading into the studio to create my “product”.

     Life is good, and I’m feeling fine.

     If you’re like me, doing you and loving it,  KUDOS!

“People who make decisions go to the top.  Those who fail to make decisions go nowhere.”— Bob Proctor

     I have spent a full day now thinking of myself as a product, and trying to come up with a suitable mission statement –  the perfect collection of words to serve as a sort of road map to my growth as a singer.

     It has been said that an “entity” without a mission statement runs the risk of wandering through the world without having the ability to vertify that it is on its intended course.  Shoot, that’s depressing, and counter to everything I’ve imagined for myself!

     I will have words to live by. 

     Okay, so here it is. Simply stated:  I stand as a powerful positive force in the music business… committed to inspiring and uplifting others through song.

     This is my calling.  Of that I am certain.  My mission statement, though short and sweet contains the philosophies, goals and ambitions, and yes mores that make me, well ME.

     Do I know what’s going to happen next?  Well, in fact I do.  I need to create and market a product to attract audiences and businesses with a mission statement that mirrors mine.

     I will be heading to a recording studio in the near future to work on some songs that are in sync with my reason for existing. 

     This journey is beginning to take an emotional turn as I consider all of these new possibilities.

     I’d encourage everyone.. no matter what you’re up to in the world.. to consider your own mission statement. 

     There’s power in it!