There's a diversity of gifts, but the same Spirit (I Corinthians 12:4).
A good singer makes the old folks scream and holler, and sends babies to sleep. A bad singer makes babies scream and holler, and sends the old folks to sleep. - DN
Dawn-loads are available of selections from my self-produced, debut recording, FOR YOUR INNER EAR.
Yes, these songs are a bit pricier than some other downloads, but proceeds will go toward completing my first studio recording. So please support a sister and purchase a song -- or five.
BIO
I'm a flutist, vocalist and composer who is influenced by sound, energy, life and love. I grew up in the Los Angeles area with a musical family. Intrigued by the East Coast, I graduated from Wellesley College, then studied Western Classical Composition and Ethnomusicology at Columbia University. For more info on my academic journey and awards I've received, please visit my website, www.dawnnorfleet.com.
At the same time, I also absorbed the thriving underground jazz scene in NYC, traditional and way beyond. I was influenced by some amazing young innovators, such as Andy Milne, Vijay Iyer and David Pleasant. Working with these masterful musicians really helped expand my ears, and I'll always be grateful for that experience. I also had the exciting experience of recording with the great Malian producer and musician, Cheick Tidiane Seck and Daniel Moreno. After moving back to my L.A. hometown, I continued to write and perform, having appeared on the Tonight Show with R&B star, Monica and leading my own projects at various spots. Artists I've worked with run the spectrum of expression, including R&B jazz pioneer Jeff Lorber, Obie-winning actor Roger Guenveur Smith, and the eclectic classical composer/pianist, Mother Tynetta Muhammad.
In a parallel existence, I'm also an educator, who's taught and/or lectured at UC San Diego, Grinnell, Columbia, Spelman, USC, UC Santa Cruz and University of Virginia. I also teach and mentor youth to become the next generation of musicians.
MUSIC
The six songs heard on this site represent contrasting sides of my musical personality. On "Roam," "19 Gone," and "All That I Do," I'm doing all instruments, vocals and production. "You Walk, Then Fly" is from a live performance with Cora "CC" Dunham on drums (now with Prince), John Rangel on piano, and Andre Manga on bass. "Live Sound Check" and "Flute Improvisations" were from a stint with a New Age/World Beat group known as Indigo Triangle, led by EdWing. These were recorded live in Palm Springs.
Check back for updates and new music!
STUDIO UPDATE: I started my current recording project in NYC, but will be completing it in Los Angeles. The NYC leg of the project features pianist Andy Milne and bassist Muzz Skillings. The LA project will be underway in early 2008.
OTHER INFO
Favorite Movies: Amadeus, To Sleep With Anger, Eve's Bayou, Once Were Warriors, The Best Man (The Ultimate Black "Chick Movie").
Odd Hobbies: Improvisational cooking and crocheting.
Desert Island Discs/Most Significant Albums in My Life: Steely Dan - AJA (and everything else they did '70-'80); Milton Nascimento - MILTON; Stevie Wonder - TALKING BOOK; Q-Tip - KAMAAL THE ABSTRACT; Quincy Jones - WALKING IN SPACE; Cassandra Wilson - SHE WHO WEEPS.
What I'd like to see in the world: An end to warring and violence--overseas and in our own communities. And Barack Obama as President.
