Burning Question Contest Winners!

Congratulations to our winners... Anna Maria Flechero, John Johnsen, and Joyce Hatton. Last September, my Bay Area subscribers were offered a chance to win tickets for two to the Russian River Jazz Festival through my very first contest. We had a tremendous response and with so many good questions, it wasn’t easy to make the selections.

Highlights of the day included chatting backstage with George Duke and Stanley Clarke (see Scenes), and meeting contest winner, Anna Maria Flechero, shown with me in the photo.

Thank you to everyone who participated in my first contest.

1st Contest Winners: Burning Question!

John: Billie Holiday has stated that her life is often reflected in her music. When you sing (soulfully, I might add), what are you thinking about?

Clairdee: John, my intention is to be fully in the moment, to tell the story as honestly as I can based on my life experiences. My focus is on getting to the emotional core of the story. Even though I’ve sung a song hundreds of times, I may phrase a line or improvise on the melody slightly differently depending on what’s happening around me. My personality comes through with either a bit of humor or dramatic flair in a manner that I hope touches the listeners and draws them in. So far, thank goodness, I haven’t started planning my grocery list in my head during any of the songs.

Anna Maria: What advice can you give singers of all age groups to remain motivated when finding venues for jazz singers is competitive and diminishing?

Clairdee: Anna Maria, it was delightful to talk with you at the Russian River Jazz Festival. You’ve already got a lot of good things happening and I wish you much success as you continue to move forward in your career.

Regarding motivation, it’s really important to remember WHY you sing. When times get tough and the gigs are few — and believe me, it happens to all of us — just being in tune with your intentions and what brought you to music in the first place may help rekindle your passion and ease some of the doubts.

Also, being with people who are doing what you’re doing is key. The opportunity to talk and exchange ideas is a good motivator. Many community colleges offer solo vocal jazz classes. The cost is nominal and these classes are a fun way to try out your songs and sing in front of others on a weekly basis WITH accompaniment. You also get to hear what kinds of material others are singing (great way to learn new material to build your repertoire) while learning very valuable professional skills. For San Francisco Bay Area singers, I also highly recommend the Jazzschool.

Rather than approaching a venue or project as a solo artist, consider presenting a group concert featuring several singers. Working collectively, you can learn from each other, bring in a good sized audience — many of whom will be new to you and your music — and create a setting that builds camaraderie in this tight market. Each of us has a unique talent and there is enough room for everyone.

It is true that there are fewer jazz music venues where singers can gain experience and exposure. However, a lot of musicians are finding alternative performance spaces to get their music heard. For instance, house concerts have become more common these days. A neighborhood cafe, a school, convalescent home, church or any number of places where live music may be welcomed are also worth investigating. Creativity is key.

When I was just starting out or new to an area, I would peruse the entertainment section of the local newspapers to find out where live music was being played and what kinds of music were being presented. (I still do.) I would visit these venues and if it seemed that what I was doing was compatible with the groups playing at the venue, I’d find out if there were any jam sessions or “open mic” nights and how I could participate. Jam sessions and “open mic” nights may give the person who books the entertainment a chance to see and hear you. Jam sessions and “open mic” events are also a great way to meet musicians/singers who may share your musical interests and want to work with you.

Joyce: Why did you record in Pittsburgh? Are you originally from Pittsburgh? (That’s my home and birthplace.)

Clairdee: Joyce, you are a lucky lady. My recent trip to Pittsburgh was the first time I’ve ever been there. Boy, was I surprised at how gorgeous it is, particularly as I came through the tunnel that opens up to the three rivers and that breathtaking cityscape! Wow! I immediately appreciated Pittsburgh’s lush terrain and historic architecture. I also met a lot of very nice people and look forward to my next visit.

As we began planning for a new recording, my manager John Levy and I talked about various ways to begin the process and where I might record. Among other studios, John suggested the MCG Jazz facilities in Pittsburgh. John has a long standing relationship with producers Marty and Jay Ashby and knows first hand of the high quality of their work. Having met Marty in New York last January and listened to several recordings produced at MCG, it was an easy decision for me to make. I have the utmost respect for Marty and Jay, as well as the mission of the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild.

And I’m really excited about this new recording and all the possibilities!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my first contest. Stay tuned!