Friday, May 25, 2012

Happy Birthday Mom

On this day, 61 years ago, my mom came into the world.  I am so grateful that I got to know her and love her for 26 years.  Though the sting of her absence is strong, so are the beautiful memories. 





Tonight, in her honor, I will eat homemade strawberry shortcake with dear friends.  Fresh flowers will surround us.  

She lived a beautiful life.
Here's to you, mom!



Wednesday, May 9, 2012

More Of You



Last month I recorded four jazz standards in a small studio in Oakland, CA, with Ezra Lipp on drums, Mike Sempert on piano, Daniel Fabricant on upright bass, and Blake Henderson engineering the session.  It was an amazing day.  The songs were chosen by, and recorded for 8 people who donated very generously to my Kickstarter project last year.

I've been listening to jazz vocalists ever since I was a small child (thank you mom and dad!)  Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Rosemary Clooney, Joe Williams, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Michael Feinstein, Harry Connick Jr., Mose Allison, Diana Krall, Nat King Cole: their music has informed me as an artist and as a person, and has meant so much to me over the years.  It was a dream come true to record these songs with such fantastic musicians.

Have a listen to what we made.

Many heartfelt thanks to the following people who made this project possible:

Cathy Greek
Elaine Hathway
John Cotton
Todd Haemmerle
Maria Imparato
Howard Altar
Matt Gonzalez
Donna LoBiondo