Smooth Artist Interviews
How did this new album and overall concept for it come about, and what are your ultimate goals with it?
This new project came about from a long hiatus and years of reflection. From gathering myself together and learning from past mistakes. When I was able to do this, everything else just fell in place and the album morphed into a celebration project, that I call "New Day." My goal is to have the listener celebrate with me. Whatever they may have endured and overcome.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of recording a new album?
The most challenging aspect in recording a new album is, knowing when to walk away. I’m my worse critic. I’m always coming up with new ideas and will "polish" a song to death. To know when good is good enough, has stagnated my creative flow from time to time.
Who are some of your current favorite artists, Smooth Jazz or otherwise?
My current favorite Artist: Lisa Fischer has an amazing, fearless approach to improvisation. I love to hear where she takes a song and is usually sung uniquely different than the time before...Queen🙏🏿
I adore Jonathan Butler. Every word is delivered with pure passion and soul... I haven’t gotten to his guitar playing.
Of course, Nancy Wilson with Cannonball Adderley’s 1962 studio album changed my world forever.
What are you most proud of at this point in your life and career?
I’m most proud of, not knowing how to give up. There were so many times (in my music journey) where I felt like I didn’t have the tough skin that was needed to press through. There were many disappointments along the way, yet my heart wouldn’t let me give up. I’m proud of my musical footprint thus far.
Who would you say has been the single biggest influence in your life in getting you to where you are now in your career?
The single biggest influence would be my mum. She has been my biggest cheerleader all my life. She’s fearless and has always been a risk taker. She came to America as an Immigrant with a dream, to make a better life for herself and children.
I’ve watched her work three jobs while attending cosmetology school, raising three kids and yet still found time to hone her craft as a theatrical actress and singer It’s hard to complain or look for sympathy from her... I stopped trying.
How would you finish this sentence? “I don’t like to go a day without_________?
I don’t like to go a day without: Meeting someone new. My friends laugh, they'd say "I’ve never met a stranger." I figure, we all live on this planet together, in this time and space. Shouldn’t we at least say hello?