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"What can I say," she said, refusing to refer to herself in the third person. "I've been an entertainer, in one form or another, since childhood." She took a sip from the glass bottle of Coca-Cola in her hand and lit another cigarette. After a moment, she continued, "I love music and being able to share that love, to bring a little joy to the folks listening... well, that's special." Her fingers reached to the leather string around her neck, absent mindedly playing with the glass bead bearing her name. "I'm blessed to have a supportive family, to be able to play music on a couple of different instruments, to sometimes be able to come up with some lyrics and music that work together, and to occasionally hit the right notes when I'm singing."
Yes, I do take my music seriously, No, obviously, I don't take myself too seriously.
I got started in music as a kid in the early 60's. I was fortunate to grow up during a time when rock was going through a huge evolutionary phase; The Beatles, Dylan, Neil Diamond, Joan Baez, Dusty Springfield, Carole King, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, and Cat Stevens . This gave me a wealth of pioneer artists and styles to absorb as influences, and I hope my music reflects that. In the later 70's, I discovered 'outlaw' country and found that it was a welcome relief from the disco craze. From country, I latched on to Waylon Jennings, WIllie Nelson, and most particularly Don Williams on one side, and the cutting edge styles of new country; ladies like Rosanne Cash and Juice Newton, on the other. They were blended into my influences as was my discovery of Cajun and Celtic music.
My constant collaborator, Rick Michaels, and I began working together in 1970 in a variety of combinations: in bands, as a duo, and occasionally solo. Rick always had a fine ear for blending our voices in harmony, and adding unique twists to my arrangements. We sang and performed our songs and others, but always spent the greatest amount of energy in recording. In those early days, we used the traditional style of using two 2 track machines, and building a song by bouncing tracks between them.
But in 1984, the writing was on the wall for me with the birth of my second child, and by 1986 I had retired from the business. At that time, there wasn't room for being a mom and a musician, and I wound up retiring from music. Ocassionally, I'd go into the studio and mix and produce demos for local bands, but no more than that.
When my (now) adult children got into MySpace, I discovered the wealth of talented ladies and the delightful venues that were open to solo acts. I got inspired, my kids did a little pushing, my partner encouraged, and I decided to give playing another go. I'm really glad I did. It's awfully strange working without my old friends, who have either moved on or passed on, but I'm adjusting.
When my music makes a connection with someone, in an audience or listening to a recording, it makes all the hard work worthwhile to me. And, if I can make someone laugh with a joke, a one-liner, a self-deprecating observation, a stream of consciousness riff . . . well, that is a great joy. I love to laugh, and it's wonderful to share laughter with others. But there's also a time for serious music, and I believe I can rise to the challenge there too. Hopefully, these recordings offer a balanced glimpse into those styles.
