I've Got The Blues!

For me the past year has been so many things I can't list them. Educational, musical, heart wrenching, happy, sad, inspiring, life changing... but all of those things have added up to experiences that I will never forget or regret. One of my favorite things is the fact that I have met and interviewed some amazing Artists and Legends of Blues. Last year I met and interviewed Legend Jimmy McCracklin who brought us 'The Walk' and 'The Drag' among many other hits. This started me on my path to interview and share as many Legends of Blues as I could. Through meeting these creative energies I have learned more about life, love, dedication and music than I ever imagined I would.

Me and Jimmy McCracklin 2010

Since that meeting I've worked with and interviewed some fabulous people with histories that we could only imagine. Not all good, some grueling. But whatever, these people have remained true to their passion and dreams. And that in my eyes makes them worth every second of life.


I remember as a child hearing 'respect your elders!' In fact, I used to hear it all the time when I was a child. As an adult, not so much. Times have changed and certainly the respect levels have changed in a lot of the younger generation. Not a knock on them, just truth. Unfortunately many of the values that used to be so important have been lost to the times. But I believe that through education and information some can learn just how important it is to remember and hold high those that came before us, those that paved the way, and those that are still paving the way. Which is why I love the Blues generation! Blues seemed to be born out of pain. But they are also born out of passion, energy and love. There are many definitions of the word Legend. But to me a Legend is one who has 'lived and gived' LOL seriously. Someone who has experienced their dreams through living, life, pain and love. Someone who has spent a life working passionately to not only create the energy that keeps them moving, but moves us all. I give props! I give props! And Respect and I thank all of those who have shared their history and passion with all of us. To hear my interviews with these musical marvels such as Ted Wysinger, Bobby 'Hurricane' Spencer, Steve Gannon and more check out my Radio Show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/steph-jordan


(Wikipedia) Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads.-- The term "the blues" refers to the "blue devils", meaning melancholy and sadness.

These pics were taken at 'Bisquits and Blues' in San Francisco at Jimmy McCracklin's 90th Birthday Party where he did take to the stage and play and sing as he always has, with passion and a love for what he does. Life is Good!!!

Diva Joan Cartwright

Introducing The Diva, Joan Cartwright. With a lifetime of music rich history this lady brings her energetic spirit to Living In Color to share with you!

Hi Joan. Let’s start with some history. Where were you born and raised? 

I was born Joan Renée Cartwright, on December 7, 1947, at Kew Gardens Hospital, NY, raised in the Bronx, until I was three, when we moved to an attached, three-story home on Inwood Street, in South Ozone Park, Queens, NY.

What were you like as a child? Did you sing a lot then?

Yes! When I was four, I began dancing lessons with Bernice Johnson Dance School just off of Sutphin Boulevard and Liberty Avenue, in Jamaica, NY. At five, Bernice gave Mom the sheet music to “Somebody Loves Me” with two sets of lyrics – English and French. Mom loved French, so she taught me both lyrics and, at our recital, that year, I sang the song at the Lowe’s Theater on Hillside Avenue for the large crowd of parents and attendees. By eight, I was featured in nine routines. The most memorable was with a little boy singing, “Walking My Baby Back Home.” Our costumes were gorgeous. I wore a white dress in that routine with a crinoline underskirt. The other outfit I loved had black, shiny streamers on the spandex body suit that we used for our interpretive routine. I there for four years and dancing school was the formation of my performance career. Bernice’s husband, the infamous saxophonist Budd Johnson would keep me at their home, until Bernice picked me up for class. He’d take me to the basement, where he practiced. Photos of famous musicians lined the staircase walls. He’d play his saxophone and, when I was 27, I realized THAT’s how I learned how to scat!

From eight to 13, I sang in the choir at St. Clement Pope Catholic Church. I attended the school and played tenor drum and glockenspiel in the marching and maneuvering band. We were State Champions one year and we marched in the Puerto Rican Day Parade up 5^th Avenue. When I went to Bishop McDonnell High School in Brooklyn, I was in the Glee Club and Theater Ensemble, where I played Elisa Doolittle in “My Fair Lady.”

Was there musical influence in your family?

My father loved classical and jazz music, while my mother preferred finger-poppin’ R&B and Soul music.

Other than greatly appreciating music, my father didn’t play any instrument. Mom played a little piano and we had one in our basement in Queens. She loved to sing, though, and she and I often engaged in our own personal operas. She’d be in the basement, where we had our brightly lit, yellow-painted kitchen, and I’d be upstairs dusting or making up the beds. She would sing out, “Oh, Renée!” and I’d reply, “Oh, Ma Maaaaaa!” We had a lot of fun singing back and forth to each other.

Who were your Artistic influences and what music did you listen too?

Dad owned so many albums that he played on our ebony wood Grundig Stereo. There were records of Ella, Sarah, Billie, Carmen, Nancy Wilson, Morgana King, Sally Green, then, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Oliver Nelson, Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, all the greats! And my favorite pastime was to turn all the lights out at night and listen to these records by the tiny, white light on the front of the huge stereo cabinet. By the age of 12, I knew the lyrics to every song the singers recorded, including Lush Life, ‘Round Midnight, All of Me, Satin Doll, all the standard tunes of the 40s and 50s were in my little head.

When you sat and thought about ‘what you wanted to be when you grew up’ what did you think?

Always, I wanted to be a singer. That’s all I ever wanted to be, except that I had a dream of being a mother and wife. I married very young, at 16. I was pregnant with my son and gave birth to Michael, six months before I married his father. At 18, I had my daughter, Michele (Mimi). It was good that I had my children young because by 43, I began touring in Europe and my children were grown.

What was your first experience singing in front of an audience?

I was four, performing in recital with the Bernice Johnson Dancing School Ensemble. I was captivated by the footlights!

 

 

'Nobody's Husband by Diva Joan Cartwright

Photos: Steph Jordan

When did you publish your first song and what agency were you with?

My first published song was “Sweet Return”, an instrumental recorded by Freddie Hubbard and the Kool Jazz All-Stars of 1983. I played the piano piece at Philadelphia’s Robin Hood Dell, in Freddie’s dressing room. He made me play it 25 times! Joe Sample came into the room and Freddie said, “Play it for Joe.” Then, he told Joe, “I’m taking her to the studio tomorrow to record this!” I almost fell off the stool in shock! And he did! At Atlantic Records Studio in NY, around 3 p.m. the next afternoon, he gave me $120 and told me to go around the corner to Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) and open up my publishing house, which I did! I was with BMI for 23+ years, but decided, a couple of years ago, to change to ASCAP because I never got many royalties from BMI, although I filled out numerous publishing and writer’s forms, in Europe. I’m waiting to see if ASCAP will pay me royalties. By the way, Freddie took the publishing for “Sweet Return”, so I was only paid writer’s royalties all those years. But my song is his song book, making me the only other composer in the Freddie Hubbard Song Book besides him!

Do you write your own songs? Do you play any instruments?

I began writing lyrics and songs, in 1977, in Philadelphia, where I was enrolled at LaSalle College in the Music Department. I had a wonderful private piano teacher, Gerald Price, who taught me music theory, piano and vocal phrasing. He taught me how to write music and put the lyrics on the paper with the notes and chords. By the time I moved back to NY, in 1982, I’d written several songs. To date, I have written over 60 songs and have 41 published in the Joan Cartwright Song Book, available at www.lulu.com

 

What is your funniest or most unique experience as an Artist? Like when traveling or performing.

The owner of the Gerlafingerhof Hotel, where I lived for two years, in Switzerland, was owned and operated by the lead gay man (the Puff Mommy) of the region. He said, “Joan, I have a gig for you!” The money was right and all I had to do was sing two songs for 500 gay men at a huge hall outside of Berne, the capital. Onstage, was a tall aluminum ladder that was placed there for me to descend upon. I practiced with two muscular males, standing with their arms crossed, at the bottom (security?!*) But, nobody told me that, when I did the actual performance, there would be smoke clouds all around me!!! 

I sang, “I Am What I Am” and “I Will Survive.” These men clapped and stomped so hard that I was told to go back out on the stage and sing another song. I sang, “Think”, Aretha Franklin’s hit! Now, Stephano, the show’s coordinator told me, specifically, that I was only to sing TWO songs. So, when he insisted that I go out and sing a fourth song, I was flabberghasted! I sang my song, “Treat Me Right and You Don’t Have To Marry Me”, during which I also sing, “Meet Me With Your Black Drawers On”, which is my signature song that I also make the whole audience sing, “Oh, Baby,” back and forth with me. 

Now, you would think all of that was enough. But nooooooooo! When I emerged from the dressing room, where I dried off from being dripping wet with sweat and changed my clothing, I met a 19-year-old Swiss boy who said, “You are great!!! But I have just one question.”

I stood there, waiting for the question and he queried, “Are you a man or a woman?”

After doubling over with laughter, I told him, “Baby, they don’t have this much silicon, in one place!”

I’ve told this story over and over and over again, to the amusement of many of my friends.

LOL That is funny Joan! How many CDs do you have and where can we find them?

I have two CDS: “Feelin’ Good” recorded in 1995, in Catania, Sicily, co-produced by my pianist Giovanni Mazzarino with Nello Toscano on bass, Mimmo Cafiero on drums and Oracio Maugeri on saxophone. This CD contains 11 tracks, with four of my originals. It was first released on Tireno Records in Milan, Italy, but the company went out of business, the next year and, when I returned to Florida, I repackaged it and released it under my own label - I AM Records, under my own publishing company, FYI Communications, Inc.

My sophomore CD, “In Pursuit of a Melody”, is a compilation of 15 tracks with seven originals and my lyrics to “A Night In Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie. It was compiled at our studio in Atlanta, GA, and released in 2005 on my own label, under my publishing company.

Also, on CDBaby is a two-song recording with my song “Love Translation”.

I produced the Women in Jazz South Florida Compilation CD Volume I, in January 2011, with 10 songs from 10 fabulous female composers, all of whom are member of www.wijsf.org

All three CDs are available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/jcartwright

Would you say your career is going the way you dreamed it would?

I have had a charmed life! My career took a marvelous turn in 1990, when I visited Europe for five weeks in the summer. First, I flew to Amsterdam, Holland, where I went to the North Sea Jazz Festival. There, I met members of the Lionel Hampton Band, who encouraged me to take the 10-hour train ride to Nice, France for the JVC Festival. I stayed there two days and got to see the Hampton Band, the Basie Band, Miles Davis, George Benson, Etta James, Digable Planets, and T.S. Monk! That was a very good move. Then, I took another 10-hour train ride up to Montreux, Switzerland. That’s where the magic happened!

A Belgique woman, whom I met at a telephone booth at the Montreux Jazz Festival, latched on to me and followed me everywhere for the next three days. We wound up at the jam session at the Duke’s Bar of the Hyatt Hotel, where all the musicians gathered at night, after the festival concerts were done. I sat in and sang “Georgia” and “Summertime” and Cecil fell in love with my voice. Three days later, we were at the Janus Club of the fabulous Beau Rivage Palace in Lausanne, Switzerland. I sang the same two songs with the piano duo who were booked there for the month of July. The manager Claude Gassette was sitting in a corner, talking with Cecil. The next thing I new, she had negotiated a $6,000 contract for me to sing there for the entire month of November with another pianist, Angelo Unia, from Cuneo, Italy. After our month was up, Angelo invited me to join him in Italy for some concerts. I never looked back. 

From June 1990 to September 1996, I toured eight European countries. In 1995, I sang for the Duke of Marlborough and the Duchess of Kent at their Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, England, for the fundraiser for the new Music School at Oxford University.

In 1993, a Sicilian drummer, whom I’d met in Switzerland, called my agent to ask if I would accept a contract to perform on the San Vito Jazz Festival, in Sicily. There, I met the pianist Giovanni Mazzarino, whom I toured with for four years and recorded my first CD, “Feelin’ Good”. We performed with his trio from Bolzano, on the German border of Italy, to Trieste in the eastern corner of Italy, to Milan, Rome, Calabria and all over the island of Sicily. Also, we did concerts on the islands of Lipari and Pantelleria. I received so much press, it was unbelievable. See this link: www.fyicomminc.com/jc-italy/index.htm

In Switzerland, I had the fortune of having a booking agent who booked me in beautiful hotels and restaurants all over the country. I performed two consecutive New Year’s parties at the Bellevue Hotel in Gstaad and was on the cover of that cities newspaper, as well as the cover of Jazz Times. I did a tour of the Spaghetti Factory chain and performed for the opening of the largest and most elegant Mövenpick Restaurant in Zurich. Also, I performed for one of the seven Presidents of Switzerland at the Classic Car Show in 1991, high up in the Alps.

You are quite a busy woman! You’ve traveled quite a bit.What is your favorite travel destination?

Taormina, Sicily and Bahia, Brazil.

Let’s talk about ‘Women In Jazz’ What is the organization about?

Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization that promotes women musicians, globally, through events, concerts, performances, clinics, lectures, workshops, articles, interviews, newsletters, courses, contacts, research, history, archives, websites, film, audio and video recording, and recognition.

You also write books. How many have you written?  They are all inspirational books aren’t they?

I’ve published nine books and have two more on the drawing board. The three poetry books: GaiaMind Poems, Rhythms of the Heart and The Moon, Sun Showers, Rainbows and Whipped Cream Clouds are inspirational. Two books are informative lectures: Amazing Musicwomen and So, You Want To Be A Singer? about The Business of Music. My history book is The History of African-American Jazz and Blues. The Joan Cartwright Song Book has 41 original songs, and Songs For My Children has four songs for kids. My first book is In Pursuit of a Melody, is an anthology of my memoirs, travels in Europe, 35 poems, 40 songs and the two lectures. All are in my bookstore at http://stores.lulu.com/divajc as soft and hard cover books, print-on-demand, downloadable and some ebooks. I’m compiling my 10^th book Melodic Memories about my travels in Africa, Asia, South America, Mexico and the U.S.A., which should be published before the end of 2011. 

Also, I’ve written books for others:

Nate Perkins Live (an autobiography of Retired Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Perkins)

Reminiscing Harlem by Charles Mills (first manuscript)

Recetas de la Cocina de Mami y Papi Grinan by Sylvia Grinan (a cook book of Cuban recipes)

 

What inspirational words do you have to share with Artists working on their dreams?

Keep your dream close to your heart and your mind will know the answer.

While your soul plays the chords, your imagination can be the dancer.  --  Diva JC

Where can we find out more about you and your organization?

• www.joancartwright.com
• www.fyicomminc.com
• www.wijsf.org

Thank you Diva Joan  so much for this interview. You are an inspiration and your energy is amazing.

Mr Instrrumentalist - A Musical Force of Nature!

Nick Jones also known as Mr Instrumentalist shares love of Music and Relaxation with us. If you weren't relaxed before you listen to his music you certainly will be after! His videos share beautiful live images and sounds of nature mixed with his jazzy instrumentals. Unique and Artistic, Introducing Mr. Instrumentalist!

MrInstrumentalist. Where did that name come from?

The name comes from my love of instrumental music. Even when I listen to songs with singing in them I'm paying more attention to the instrumentation in the background.  I write arrange, mix and play all the parts in my songs. The beauty of music is such a wonderful thing. I love the blending of different instruments, all contributing their part to create something that triggers your emotions. Whether it makes you smile, laugh, cry, upsets you or any other emotion.  I just want to put a smile on your face and/or get you up dancing. If you can't get out of bed you can dance in your mind. I do that all the time. 'scuse me while I dance in my chair.

What instruments do you play? Do you sing?

I started off playing the guitar, bass drums and harmonica. I became interested in keyboards very early and now keyboards has become my love. My singing is servicable . I'm no professional vocalist but I think I manage well enough for the songs that I write.  Don't book me to sing the National Anthem at the next Super Bowl though. I'll gladly play you an Instrumental version of it though.

Where did you grew up? And what was the musical climate like there?

I was raised in northeaset Houston, Texas. There was a lot of blues and country coming out of Texas. but I have to say though that there is music in everything to me so I got musical inspiration out of life and it's experiences more so than just listening to music. 

So, what was your childhood like?

I grew up in a very modest home. We were far from rich: closer to poverty than prosperity but my mother always made sure we were comfortable.  Sometimes we would have rice for dinner. My wonderful mother put so much love into it and she would say we're having "hot buttered rice".  I'ts such a beautiful thing to be raised by such an outsdanding special lady like my mother. Ms Willette Stephens is her name and I am who I am today because of her. I was into my music making so much as a youth. I had great friends and we played football outside almost everyday, much like the kids play basketball now. I remember running through all of our neighbors yards, touch in the street and tackle in the grass and I know you fellas know what blind man sidelines meant. Ouch!  I was shy unless I was performing. I enjoyed rapping and mixing and scratching as well as playing keyboards. Life was simple and good then. 

Are there musical influences in your family?

Threre was always music going on in my home. My mother would sing gospel songs, mostly mahalia Jackson. On the other end of the spectrum there would be Texas blues coming out of an. I used to try to get my brother involved in the music. I used to get into rap battles in high school. My aunt was an accomplished gospel pianist.  My first musical experience was making beats on an old desk while my cousin sang. I wish I still had the tapes we made of that.

Who were some of your influences growing up?

Roger Troutman, Lightning Hopkins, Phil collins,  Kurtis Blow and Gary Newman were my earliest influences. I like the innovators like Jimi Hendrix, Buddy rich, Charlie Cristian, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Barry White, Louis Armstrong Stanley Clarke, JS Bach, Afrika Bambata and Kurtis Blow. My favorite artists are the ones that came out doing something you had never heard before as opposed to the ones that when you hear them you say "oh he/she sounds like..." Ym exception would be Roger Troutman. now I knw there were talkboxes before him but noone did it like Roger. Roger is my all time favorite performer and artist.

Was it always your dream to be an entertainer?

Maybe not a big time star but I always recieved satisfaction from putting a smile on someone's face. I know that I was born to make music and even though I am my biggest critic my music is still my favorite music. now that may sound a it concieted but if I don't love my music I cannot expect others to feel what I am doing. I'm not the most technically gifted musician but every note that I play  comes from deep within my soul.  I am talking to you when I play music for you and fortunately there are some that like what I am saying. I am eternally grateful for all of you that support my music and I love you all.

When you realized that you were headed in the direction you wanted to be in what was that like?

I cannot see myself not making music. Music is in my blood and in my heart. It is my dream to be able to make as much music as possible all the time. I do believe there are enough good people that have the same taste in music that I have that will support the music that I play. I am trying to find them all. Of course not everyone will like my music and I respect that. I just have to keep playing and keep hustling until I find all of those that hear what I am saying through my music.

What inspires you to Sing?  

There is music in everything. every color has a sound happiness has a sound. the sky has a sound. I can see a dog walking down the street and music comes to me. Sometimes I am asleep and I dream Im playing a song and then I get up and write that song. I am inspired by the beauty, despair, sadness, humor and the colors of life.

What would you call your style of music? And why did you choose that Genre?

I just like to make music. I reluctantly use the term smooth jazz just because  you have to fit in somewhere. I like to think my music is "funky smooth relaxation" but there are no categories with such a name. Oh well. My classical music is more of a cinematic style. What I really like to do is blend elements and colors and come up with something different.  I am also a rock musician so you will hear some of that from me as well. In fact if you hear a style of music that you haven't heard from me before, don't think I'm selling out or anything. I'm just experimenting and enjoying all colors of the musical spectrum.

I read that you are a Studio Engineer. For those of us that don’t know, what is that?

A studio engineer is the guy that records your performance and assists the artist/producer in making sure your "tracks" gel together sonically into the  sound that the artist has in their head. That's oversimplifying greatly. You have to have an ear and you have to know what and what not to do. An engineer is your link  between you and all the equipment in the recording studio. He/she understands what all those knobs on the equipment in the studio. When you say to the engineer you can tell the engineer in laymans terms how you want something to sound and the engineer knows what buttons to push in order to make that happen. Most people see videos where artists are in the studio singing into a mic and then BAM, we have a finished song. Actually if you don't love what you are doing studio work can be strenuous. You might hear that song or parts of it over and over again, recording the same take over and over. I love it all though.

I am a total Nature Lover and love the fact that you put many of your songs to images of beautiful natural spots. What inspired you to do that?

Because there is so much music  in the water, the sky, the trees that those images just have to be accompanied by some soothing, funky relaxing music. The trees live for it.  As you know plants respond positively so soothing sound. This is why people talk nicely to plants and they grow. Muaic is such a wonderful thing.  

Do you play live any where? If so, where?

I am not playing live at the moment but I will play live where people want to hear me. 

What’s in the works for you?

I am currently working on a funky smooth relaxation album (can I still say album?) that will be available at my website. "Lake Travis" and "Galveston Beach"  are the first two singles so this is the direction I am going in with this project. My first album " So Much to Say" is already available on my website and features "Whats Next?"  and Midnight Livin. Both of these albums will be available on Itunes, Amazon Rhapsody and all major online retailers in the future. I am currently looking for radio on air and online that will play my music.  I am an unsigned artist so all of my support comes from the people.

Where can the readers hear more of your music and find out more about you?

All of you good people can head over to my website http://www.mrinstrumentalist.com

Join me on facebook  https://www.facebook.com/MrInstrumentalist 

and twitter  http://twitter.com/#!/MrInstrument

I sincerely look foward to hearing from you. You will see that I enjoy the friendships that come from meeting good people through music and I love to hear what prople actually have to say.

Always remember that the music dies without your support. I love all of you and I want you to stay positive because that's what I'm all about.

Mr Instrumentalist...Thank you so much for such a wonderful interview. Folks head on over to YouTube and listen to some of his other fabulous music. You'll love it! Have a great day!
Steph

Have you had your Coffee n' Blues today?

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Coffee n' Blues

Larry White is In-A-Fect!

One of my big fascinations is Artists that go on and on living their dreams and sharing with everyone. Larry White spent many years with Artists like the Whispers and Bobby Brown before forming his own band, In-A-Fect. This high energy band keeps the party moving in Las Vegas and anywhere else they can spread the party! Meet Larry White and In-A-Fect.

Hi Larry.  How are you today? 

I'm Good. 

Let’s start with where you were born and what the musical climate was there? 

I was born and raised in San Francisco CA.  The Bay Area is a very musical place and I was lucky to have been raised there.  Growing up in the 70’s in the Bay Area was definitely something any musician from that time would remember. 

Was music a part of your family life? 

Yes it was a part of my family life.  My father and grandfather are both guitar players and my mom and her sisters have a never ending love of music.  I remember my aunt Josie would come up on the weekends from L.A. with the latest 45’s and they would play those records all weekend long.  My aunt would also give a dollar to dance like James Brown

 

Were you inspired by any Artists when you were young?

 I was inspired by James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, EWF, Motown, Jackson 5, Temptations, Smokey Robinson.   

Larry Did you sing as a child? What instruments did you play?

 

I only sang a little.  I first started out playing the drums but living in San Francisco the houses are very close there.  Our next door neighbor became ill and she asked my mom if I could stop playing the drums.  My parents felt bad for me so my dad went out and bought me my first guitar.  I started playing along to records at the age of nine in my garage.  The guitar has been my first love ever since and bass is my second main instrument. 

What were you like as a young boy? 

I was respectful, but a lot of fun and a high energy child.  My parents made it clear that I had to do all my homework and chores before I could play my music so that always kept me in line because I never wanted anything to get in the way of my music.

Do you have one memory about your childhood that stands out Artistically?   

Yes, when Elizabeth Montgomery from Bewitched gave me $100 for playing a Jimi Hendrix  guitar solo.  I still have the napkin that she autographed for me to this day.  Some people may remember that she was also a guitar player and sometimes played on her own show, as her own sister I think. 

LOL I do remember that!

You were very young when you started your first group. What was the name of the group?

 

Larry and the High Tones, I put that group together in 5^th grade.

Was that the opening for your career?   

When I auditioned for The Whispers and beat out 30 other guitar players.  I was working on a beer truck for Olympia Beer.  I kept telling my driving partner that I would not be there for long because I’m getting ready to join the Whispers, he just told me that in the meantime I just needed to get the beer delivered!  

Did you know or feel then that your career would be as you wanted it?   

Yes, and I never stopped believing in myself or music.  Music just always sounded so good in my ears, it wasn’t hard to believe in.  It consumes most of my thoughts all day long and probably always will.  My drive to keep being successful in music is never ending. 

All Artists understand that!

Larry do you write your own Songs? 

Yes, I write all of my own songs.  I probably write a song a day or at least have a new harmony in my head for a song if I can’t get in my studio on any given day.

What are some of the other musical things you’ve done?  

 I write and produce.  I also enjoy helping  kids who have the same drive I had when I was young.  I have been fortunate enough to work with some really talented youth here in Las Vegas.  I was also on the Solar Record label for many years.

What other groups have you been a part of? 

I was with a group called Grand Theft out of San Francisco, Collage, The Whispers and Bobby Brown.
 

Did those experiences form the Larry White of today?   

I learned something from each experience that I keep with me today, especially from my time with The Whispers.  Each time I find myself in a challenging situation I often ask myself how the Whispers would handle it, or I actually pick up the phone and call them for advice.  They are a good group of extremely professional guys.   

It's great that you still have that connection for Inspiration Larry.

You now have a group, ‘In-A-Fect’. Tell us a little about your group? Who are the other members?

Larry White, Mark Brown, Clarence Harris, Charles Bush, H.B. Woods

 We are a high energy cool school show band.  We play Motown, R&B, pop and smooth ballads.  We never have a song list when we do a show, if you want to be a part of my band you have to have a large song catalog committed to memory because we play based on how the crowd is reacting and what they want to hear on that particular night. 

Now that sounds like a Musical rush!

What is your favorite song? 

After the Love is Gone by Earth, Wind & Fire  

Song Link

You’re traveling and performing practically non-stop.  Are you a workaholic having fun?

If you’re having fun and love your career, is it really work?  I’ve been told I am both a workaholic and a perfectionist, I could be called worse.

So, what makes you laugh?

I like a dry sense of humor, I like someone who can dish it out but can also take it.  I’m not a prankster my nature, but if you pull one over on me be sure I’ll be getting you back one way or another.  

LOL

As we know, talented and creative people have many Artistic outlets, do you have others? What Are they? 

I enjoy spending time with my wife and we also have a one year old golden retriever  (need I say more) but as far as an outlet, music gets 100% of my artistic outlet.

Where can we find out more about you and your group?

We have a great website at www.inafect.com, we are also on facebook.  We update both sites continually so anyone can always see where we are at and what we are up to.

What inspirational words would you offer to Artists out there working on that Dream?   

Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone or anything get in the way.  Love what you’re doing and do what you love.  

Larry, I can’t wait until I come to Vegas and catch your show. Thank you so much for sharing?

It’s been a pleasure, thank you.

Living In Color With Steph Jordan EP8

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Halloween fun with lots of projects, music, crafts, entertainment and more

Morgan Clayton -Heart and Song

I'd like to introduce you to Morgan Clayton. This beautiful multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician is on her Dream Journey and gracing us with her lovely voice along the way! 

 

Hello Morgan. How are you today? 

Quite wonderful actually! Thanks for asking.

Let’s talk about the beginning first.

How old were you when you first decided Music was what you wanted to do?

I have been involved in music since my grade school years; however it wasn’t until tenth grade that I wrote and composed my very first original song. I believe that experience confirmed my passion for the art of musical creation.

What types of things inspired you?

Foremost, my faith as a child of God and a follower of Jesus Christ is an inspiration in all aspects of my life. I know that all of myself and my talents are due to God! So I am very grateful for my abilities in an art form that I love. (=…  Now, if it weren’t for my parents I would have never been forced to audition for my first church solo in younger days! Haha, I hated it at the time, but assessing it in hindsight I can now say I am very thankful to them for it because I likely would have never mustered the courage on my own. My mother in particular has had a great impact on me musically. She grew up in a very musical family and was/is asked to sing at various events due to her beautiful voice. She was also the choir director at my former church for some time, so she has always been an encouragement and an inspiration to me as well as a major factor in my vocal development. My remarkable husband has always encouraged me in my music and he himself is the inspiration for several of my songs!  Also, my family in general has been a great inspiration. They have always supported me in my music and been present at all of my performances growing up. A lot of credit is due them for my musical progression.

When someone asked you what you wanted to be/do when you grew up, what was your response?

Well, if you asked me this when I was three, I probably would have answered, a lion! In third grade my response would have been a model/fashion designer/movie star/ singer/ writer. In junior high I was going to be a veterinarian all the way. In high school I was destined a future in music and theater. In early junior college I aspired to be a pharmacist/ coffee and book shop owner. Now, my response has evolved into a Chemical Engineer…  So, if I’ve learned anything in life, it is that the future is always uncertain; and though I may be graduating as a Chemical engineering major, I know my life is not limited to any prior direction. However, I do know that no matter where I may ultimately find myself at in life, music is certain to be there as well, anchored deep within, tugging at my mind and soul, and bursting forth into creation.

Great Answer!

Were there any major musical events for you in your childhood?

Ha, what is childhood exactly? I like to believe that we can always remain a child in spirit, regardless of our physical limitations!...but, I shall start from the beginning. (:  I sang in my church’s children’s choir growing up, however my first musical events of significance came about in junior high. I participated in singing competitions which were held amongst mine various other schools. These were my first experiences in solo performing. In ninth grade I auditioned, by means of parental coercion (as stated earlier), and received the part to sing “Breath of Heaven” for my church’s Christmas play! From that point I became very involved in music. I began singing many specials in church, and continue to sing in church even now. I became a member of my high school’s choir and show choir, which later led to my becoming a part of the choir and show choir at my junior college as well. So needless to say, I participated in many musical performances and events by means of extracurricular activities. However, of all the musical events I have been a part of, playing the role of Sandy in my community college’s production of “Grease” has definitely been the most rewarding. I love acting and singing, so the combination of both wrapped within a portrayal of a beloved American classic was certainly an experience to treasure.

How long have you been singing and playing the Piano?

 

Haha, I have been singing since before I can remember… I have been singing well since about eighth grade. (; I began learning the piano in elementary school and have progressed from there, taking lessons off and on throughout high school.

Do you play any other Instruments?

As of now, no. I had to learn a few chords on the guitar for a role I played in “A Piece of My Heart.” I was Mary Jo, a singing artist who performed for the troops in Vietnam. However, I have no recollection of those chord fingerings now. I would love to actually learn to play the guitar one day though, and possibly the harmonica.

Where do you see yourself heading with your career?

I’m not quite certain where I see my future self musically; my only vision now is more songs!  Currently my major focus is education, but my music is still a vital part of my life. When I need comfort, or relief from stress, music is always there reaching out to me. I just grab my notepad and pencil, head to the keyboard, and let my emotions take the reins. 

A dream I do have though is to one day have my songs professionally recorded and possibly even expanded upon with additional instrumentation. That would be simply amazing.

Have you performed Live yet?

Yes! I perform live quite often. However, I have only performed an original song of mine live once. It was for a talent competition and I placed second. It was a grand experience. 

What are you working on right now?

I have one song in the making that I believe has the potential to be my best song yet. It has powerful lyrics that encompass my outlook on life in regards to my faith and the necessity of personal goals and perseverance. So, not to give too much away here, it is a very personal song for me and I am very excited to discover the outcome!

We are excited for you Morgan. Colorful wishes for a long and exciting career!

To hear more of Morgans lovely voice be sure to watch Episode 8 of Living In Color with Steph Jordan or visit her YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/nagroMROC 

Lady of Soul - Renee Thomas

Cry me a River. Whew!  Renee your voice takes us back to a day when it was just as much about the delivery as it was about the message.  

Let’s just start at the beginning. Where did you grow up?

"Wow, thank you. I've gotten some really great feedback from that song. Even super producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (I thought I was dreaming) heard it, he tweeted me and told me my voice was "dope" and asked did I do R&B, then he said "Don't ever let no one tell ur voice is crazy! Ur voice is so sick its SWINE FLU sick! Love the raspiness in it. Use that more", something I will never forget, what an honor. And I grew up in Akron, Ohio :)

Was music an important part of your childhood?

Very. Especially loved listening to Whitney Houston and Anita Baker as a young child. Music took me to other places.

How long have you been singing?

Since a young child, started off in the 'Sunshine Band' at my church, we were a lil group of kids singing our little hearts out for God. I remember actually singing my very first solo at around age 10, it was 'His Eye Is On The Sparrow', the way I felt, the reaction from the congregation, I knew singing was something I was blessed to do and I HAD to do :)

Is this something you always wanted to do?

Yes, most definitely. Feeling I can't even fully describe, when I sing.

You sing with intense passion. Where do you draw that from?

From the depths of my soul. I am in love with music, and maybe music is in love with me as well, emotions totally take over, it's a great experience.
 

Do you write your own songs and do you play any instruments?

Yes I do. Lyrics, melodies, all of that. I love it as well as interpreting others' songs. I can play piano, my Mom put me in lessons early. I used to do piano recitals twice a year, my teacher had lots of students, she put one together in spring, the other in winter and we'd play Christmas carols. My passion doesn't lie as much in piano as writing and singing, so I really don't play anymore.

Many of the tunes I’ve heard are Gospel. Is that where your musical love is?

Gospel is where it all began, in the church, and gospel has been heavily requested & something I love to do. I'd say jazz is where my musical love is the heaviest, although I love many genres.

Who are some of the major influences in your life?
 
Stevie Wonder, he was another one I listened to a lot along with Whitney, Anita, Mary J. Blige, El Debarge, all great artists with tons of SOUL. It doesn't end there, there are soooo many artists I love and respect, far too many to name, but these are the biggest influences in my life.

What else would you like to do in life as far as your career is concerned?

I'd love to become an established songwriter, as well as singer, for myself and other artists.

If you could duet with anyone who would it be?

Mary J. Blige, but then again, I may not make it to the end of the song, I'd probably pass out on the stage hehe.

Are there other Artistic endeavors for you?

Most definetly, like I mentioned above, writing, and I'll add arranging to that, piecing the songs together, structuring, layers, harmonies, I love it. So, writing/arranging for others, something else I'd love to achieve.

What types of things do you do for fun?

I don't do too much besides the norm, but whatever I do, I try to have as much fun as possible, even if that's going to the park, roller skating, writing, out to dinner. I love acting silly, that's fun lol. I've had some family and friends say I should be a singing comedian lol.

What keeps you going on this path Renee?

My love and passion for music, and the overwhelming feeling that my gifts were not gifted in vain, I am to use them. As long as I have them, I'm writing and singing for life, no matter what.

Are there any inspirational words you would care to share with our reader friends?

Yes, about life. It's not who you've been. who are you being? It's not about what you've done. what are you doing? Right NOW? We can't change the past, our perception maybe, that's it, but it's plenty, because we grow from what we now know, all our experiences, good or bad, right or wrong, up or down. Some thing I've learned, & I hope, at the very least, ONE person finds inspiration in that. Forward progress.

We will you much success and colorful dreams! Where can readers hear more of your music and learn more about you?

"My social networking sites. I have a myspace: myspace.com/reneethomasmusic, youtube: youtube.com/reneethomasmusic, facebook: facebook.com/reneethomasmusic, twitter: twitter.com/reneemusic and reverbnation: reverbnation.com/reneethomas"

Have a colorful day. I think I have to go listen to Cry Me A River one more time.
Steph