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If you are a frequent visitor to my comment page and reading this, you’re probably relieved that I have finally gotten around to adding some new comments.  I hate to think that it took me so long, but quite frankly since 911, life as I have known it, and maybe even for you, has changed in ways I could never have imagined. I haven’t had a lot that I’ve wanted to share, at least on the website.  But I have thought of you all often.  I trust those of you who just wanted to know where I was performing could find out by viewing the performance page.  Seeing you is the best for me though. I love the personal touch and there’s no substitute for being with you at the gig or hearing from you through my web site.  I thank each and every one of you for your continued encouragement, supporting my live performances and purchasing my CD’s for your listening enjoyment.

Welcome new fans!  It sounds like hard tedious work, but I really do enjoy winning you over one performance, one CD, and even one song at a time.  Like jazz fans historically, I know when you’re on board, you’re on board for life!  Couldn’t we all use a little more of that kind of loyalty and commitment in our lives today.  Most things don’t seem to last as long as they used to and we seem to even run out on each other when the going gets rough.  I think that’s one of the lessons we are learning from the occurrence of all these natural disasters- and that is to not only think of ourselves, but to reach out, stand by and help each other through difficult times. If not now, then when?  Humanity is writing its own history with its words and deeds.  How will you be remembered?

Here’s some good news to report.  I have recently been contracted to endorse microphones by AKG. You know they are famous for their C414, a frequently used microphone for recording.  I am very happy about this because most of the singing I do is live. That means venues and equipment change constantly.  Live performance is so different from singing in the studio.  It’s charged with energy from the audience absent in the studio and is so much more physical and interactive. So I need a dependable microphone that projects well with movement and helps maintain a consistently good sound for the voice.  Most venues and festivals do provide basic standard equipment.  And often it suffices, especially when your performance time is limited. But for those times when you are the main attraction and you want to sound your best, you need as much control over the sound as possible.  I don’t travel with my own personal engineer and I’m not always happy with whose working the board.  Therefore, it helps to have a microphone that captures the unique nuances, timbers and colors of your individual voice.  I like a rich, full, warm and personal sound with a crispy clear midrange presence. The D3700, which I am using most of the time, accomplishes that for me with the appropriate EQ. It’s great when you have someone working the board that is knowledgeable about doing sound for vocalists, especially using acoustic instruments like myself most of the time.  However, my needs change when I’m fronting larger bands utilizing brass. I’ve used an alternate microphone too.  The  D3800.  It has also proven to work well depending on the room acoustics, the size of band and other various considerations.  Sound is a very personal thing.  And like with jewelry and clothes for women,  we need options! Smile.  No really, I like having a choice of microphones to choose from. It’s good to be able to switch if need be.  But my work horse is the D3700 right now.  I hope this union turns out to be a good thing for me and AKG.  Let me know what you think the next time you catch me live with the mic.  I welcome your comments. On another note, I am finally feeling better about all the personal loss that seems to have been heaped on recently starting with the loss of my Mom about two years now.  The victims of Katrina and the senseless loss of so much life on both sides of the war are incomprehensible on any day. And of course so many jazz icons passing on and/or are fighting for their lives even as you read this. I know death is a natural part of the cycle of life, but loss has always been something with which I have deeply struggled.  I am saddened and sometimes depressed about the ever decreasing amount of working opportunities for jazz musicians. Everyone is financially struggling and juggling because of a corporate mentality and political ideologies that have permeated every segment of our society and is insensitive to our daily needs.  “IT”S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMIN”S!”  I was reminded though the other night by words spoken by Cicely Tyson and Don Cheadle during an award show with regard to artistry that said money will come and money will go, but what you leave on film (or record), will last forever.  So be the best, choose wisely and with integrity and maintain the high standards that were set forth by our foremothers and forefathers.  And so I shall.

I increasingly appreciate and am grateful for each day. I feel compelled to fine tune aspects of my life.  Deepen my spirituality and spend more time with the people I love.  Do more of what I love and leave behind things that clutter, complicate and just plain don’t enhance my existence and God’s purpose for me.  Musically for me that means finding great songs to interpret that have interesting stories for me to tell with beautiful melodies couched in richly textured luscious harmonies.  And to perform such music with a group of first class musicians that through their own outstanding abilities bring beauty and excitement to the music, especially in the moment. This December, I feel, gives me such an opportunity. 

Me and several of my favorite musician friends, and who know doubt are favorites of yours too, will be doing “our thang” with a project I’ve been putting together for over a year now that is very close to my heart.  Some of you have probably heard me talk about it at gigs, may have read about it on my web site, or if you were in DC this past February at The Kennedy Center for its debut, may have even heard and experienced it. I’m speaking of Sing Dameron! The Tadd Dameron Vocal Legacy Project. This project is the only one of its kind.  Check out the Dameron Project page listed on my web site to learn more about it.  And check the internet at your leisure to learn about Tadd and his mastery.  And don’t stop there.  I read something recently that said “jazz washes away the dust of our daily lives.” I think it was by Langston Hughes.   So come out and let us do that for you as well.  Experience it for yourself December 20-25, at Dizzy’s  Coca-Cola Club here in New York @ Jazz at Lincoln Center.  Bring a friend(s).  It would make a great Christmas gift!

Remember too, to enjoy each day as if it were your last, dance like no one is watching and laugh out loud and free!  Happy Holidays and God Bless you all.

Yours Truly,

Vanessa