“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…

     It has been a super week on the musical journey front.

     I have begun the work of recording an album.

     What was this feeling of nervousness that invaded my body?  It wasn’t typical for me.  I am generally so jazzed about any opportunity to sing, I leap into song with great gusto and glee.  No nerves.. just joy.

     Now that I’m in it, I’ve come to believe that it was more excitment than fear, for I’ve longed to push this journey along for some time now.  It doesn’t feel good to be stuck.  Blocked.

     The session went well and I like what I am learning.  For one thing,  this is just a baby step in the world of recording.  Singing to backing tracks is night and day from having talented muscians backing you up.  One day, some day.  I have to leave it like that because that’s so far down the road for me, I can’t even see it!

     We worked on three songs at Osceola Studios:  Fever, Besame Mucho, and California Dreamin’.  Dick  allowed me to record each song three times and we (he) picked the one that sounded best.. after blending parts from all three tracks.  I enjoyed watching him make that happen.   There will be some more “cleaning it up” work before we call it finished.

     There are 3 more songs to work on when I return to the studio.  I am not as confident about the last three songs as I was at the beginning of this process.

     I plan to replace at least one song.. maybe two of them.

     Initially I didn’t feel like I wanted to end the recording session.  We were on a roll.  But you know what they say:  Things happen for a reason.   I’m glad now that we stopped and I’ve had a chance to rethink my final 3. 

     Dick allowed me to hear some other “artists” he’s working with, as he burned me a copy of the songs I’d recorded.

     I heard a Christian/Gospel/ Soul Inspiration singer who is awesome.  Dick told me he’s been working with her for a year to produce her project.  A year!   But you know something?  The sound was in a word superb.  The musicians were tight, and she was rock solid.

    It allowed me to see and hear how far I have to go in this journey.

     This is my start.  I am recording my first CD.  Today I will be proud and satisfied with that.

     Onward + Upward!!