“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!!!

“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!

   My friend Bill Stonehouse sings there almost every Saturday night.  Like all of his fans, I adore him.  He’s exciting to watch because you can tell he’s having a really good time.

    A girlfirend I had not seen in months met me at the lounge.  Treggie’s on team Stonehouse, too!  We were there for hours before we knew it. We sang along with Bill, and later we danced along with Bill and his stunning wife Melissa. I am smiling as I type this, recalling the highlights of the night.  Most of them revolve arond the dancing part of the evening.  We really cut up!

   An unexpected highlight was my being invited to sing at the Voodoo. I had not rehearsed.  I didn’t bring along my backing tracks as I used to do with Bill.  I only wanted to enjoy the show. 

    Bill had me covered.  He had saved the tracks he’d downloaded when I sang with him on New Year’s Eve.  He said I should sing the 3 songs cued up and ready to go on his computer.

    I accepted Bill’s offer.  I am always happy happy happy to sing, so it was a big thrill for me.  I sang, Temptation, then Smooth Operator, and then The Wave.  No slip ups, no lyrics forgotten.   Again, I was asked to sing more, but I had given patrons all Bill and I had.

    What happened after that?  Just more good times with friends, and appreciation for talented artists passionate and fully dedicated to their careers.  Great artists like big, bad Bill.

–Napoleon Hill

I get happy and I smile to myself when I replay in my mind all the fun I had last night when I finally arrived at Sullivan’s Restaurant/Bar for its New Year’s Eve party.

Needless to say things were in FULL swing by the time I got through the traffic, which was nearly paralyzed along Glenwood South.. and finally got the car parked. 

I can say without hesitation that as I walked toward the back of the bar, I could see that every man and woman inside that place had found his or her happy place a long time ago.  Stick a fork in them, I thought. They’re done!

My excitment about singing took a turn south when I heard the music coming from the back of the bar.  It wasn’t the finger-popping sounds of Sinatra.  It sounded like a DJ was spinning the jams.  The music was loud and pumping.  I didn’t even see Bill or his beautiful wife Melissa. 

Inside I panicked. I thought they were gone!  I was all dressed up in my gown and sparkly jewels and was afraid I’d missed my moment.  I collected myself and began to calmly ask the staff if they’d seen Bill– the man performing tonight.  One guy thought he’d left (gulp).  A woman thought they were taking a break. (oh Lord). 

I went back to the back, and sure enough they were there.  I apparently just didn’t look closely enough.  I was beyond relieved!

I slowly began my shift– after I’d connected with Bill.  He had downloaded my songs and would call me up to sing as soon as he’d performed a few more songs.  I had to transform from news lady to singing lady.

Soon, I had the mic in my hand, thanked the crowd, thanked Sullivan’s and did my thing!

I started with a sultry song, called The Wave… then I sang Sade’s Smooth Operator. 

The party goers had been listening to a man’s voice for most of the night, so I had their attention when I started if only for the distinct difference in vocals.  They seemed to like The Wave, and then some of them danced in their seats and on the floor when  I sang the more upbeat Smooth Operator.

I danced to my music and connected with many of the men andwomen there.  At the same time I was in my own space– feeling deep satisfaction and pure joy for an opportunity to start 2010 singing.   That was my goal.  I don’t every want to forget those feelings.

Things worked out exactly as I had hoped. 

I will never foget Bill’s generosity.  This was HIS night.  He gave me a piece of it.  I am so thankful.

Also, I only gave Bill three songs.  The crowd wanted me to sing again, but I didn’t have the resources to make it so.

They say, it’s always good to leave them wanting more, right?  So that was good, too.

I spent the rest of the night/morning dancing.  Have so much fun… as Bill put his DJ hat on once more.

It was a great night, with super great people.

I am ready for all the exciting twists and turns I know await me.

Happy New Year!!!!

I’ve got some ‘’splainin to do!

Yesterday I went in for a colonoscopy.  It was my first time.

I will admit I was a tad nervous about the unknown.

I am a journalist and former health reporter.  I knew what ultimately was going to happen. I wasn’t so certain, however, about things that would occur between entering the medical office and being rolled into the “examining” room.

The answer is this:  Nothing much happens.  Nurses give you the third degree about your medical history even though you’ve filled out a form attesting to all the things they’re asking you.  I am sorry, but that irritated me. I had to work really hard not to give the staff “attitude” for doing their jobs… Part of which is to check and double check and cross check.

I just wanted to get the dreaded thing over with!

I  thought I’d be drugged and groggy once I was checked in, so I didn’t bring a book or music or anything to distract myself from my surroundings. Nothing.

That left me alone.. lying in a gurney wearing a thin dressing gown, curtained off for the illusion of privacy.  There must have been eight  beds pushed against the wall there.  I could hear many conversations.. Patients answering the same questions I did, while getting the 441 on what would happen and what could go wrong during the colonoscopy.

What did I do?  I started humming and singing.  I worked my way through a song I am going to perform on New Year’s Eve. Yes, I did!

The song is called “the Wave”.  It starts like this:
“So close your eyes for that’s a lovely way to be. Aware of things your heart alone was meant to see. The fundamental loneliness goes whenever two can dream a dream together…”

For some reason I was having a good deal of difficulty staying on key on the opening line, and so with all that time to wait I was able to work it out.

I  went over and over it– again and again.  Humming at first and then softly singing.  Eventually it stuck in my brain.  I was able to nail it.

The woman in the next gurney over to mine likely heard some of it.

For the success I achieved, the time was well worth it.  Then I asked a nurse for a PEOPLE magazine.

In all seriousness, if you are a baby boomer over the age of 50 you owe it to yourself to get screened for colorectal cancer.

It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and is preventable through regular screening.

I am glad I did it.  I would invite you to get your rear in gear, and do it too!

-Maya Angelou

A long time ago, my sister told me that if there’s a thing you really want to “be about” moving forward in a new year, then you should be sure to be in action– doing whatever that is, on the first day of the year.  Guess you could call it a resolution. For me, it is  much deeper than that.

I have never felt more alive about a passion or purpose than as a singer.

This year, like most years, all of my friends who entertain have gigs lined up for New Year’s Eve, and they are all lit up about what a great time they are going to have with all the folks partying in the new year.

I am actually working at my “real” job on New Year’s Eve.  I will be at the anchor desk, reporting on how others are ringing in 2010, along with the associated mayhem that goes along with it when people lose their grips on reality.

But there is more. There is MORE!!!

I came up with a way to follow my sister’s advice!

You see, my good friend Bill Stonehouse will be the featured crooner at Sullivan’s Restaurant in Raleigh on December 31st.  It’s located only five minutes from my job.

Know what I did?  I asked Bill if I could swing by the restaurant and do a few songs while the stars are still out.  I explained to him how much it means to me,  to be able to begin this new year, singing and feeling that inner joy I always get when I perform.  Generous as he is,  Bill told me, of course I could.

I am so excited about this opportunity.  My sister Teresa would be right proud!

My intention is to throw off the business clothes at 12:05am..  I will then slip into a black sequined gown and pretty stilettos, and sashay myself on over to the club.  I’ll probably only be there an hour before things shut down. I don’t even care about that.  Time is not important. Action is!

It’s gonna be a great night.  I just know it!

And to everyone reading this, I hope the dreams and wishes of your heart come true too.