Jazzyblues1

Below you'll find out how I evolved into becoming a singer.Since I was a little girl, I've always sung around the house. I have to say, my mother influenced me the most with my singing. I didn't have the greatest relationship with her. In spite of that, the most significant memory of my mother, is of her singing Ave Maria in her Soprano voice. The two things my mother bequeathed to me, for which I will ALWAYS be grateful for, is her love of singing and reading. Those are my two best memories of my mother. In another life time, she could have been a great Opera Singer or even a great fashion designer (that's a whole 'nother story).Anyhoo, with my mother always singing around the house, I was like, hmmmm....that's a very natural thing, you just sing around the house whenever the mood hits you! And, I've done that my entire life! Although we might not have had the best mother/daughter relationship, I thank my mother for bequeathing to me the love of singing and reading." Singing and reading have both saved my life.I was my mother's last child (she had a total of 8). In my childhood, it was just me, her, and my radio. I would listen to the radio constantly and sing along. My formative years occurred during the 70's. To this day and until my death-bed, I'm sure, whenever I hear any song from the 70's, it will take over my Soul.I listened to and sang mostly Soft Rock, Classic Rock, R&B, and Barbra Streisand. Although our voices are so very different, when I was in my teens, Barbra was a great influence of mine. I loved her when she was in her prime!When I was a young child, my dream was to grow up and become a famous actress. In my 20's and 30's I did pursue an acting career. But I learned that although acting was a great experience for me, and acting helped me to grow as a person, (you know expressing all the various parts of human nature) I will never be a famous actress. At one time I grieved when my dream of being an actress was deferred, but as the Stones say, "You can't always get what you want." And I'm okay with that. Because 7 years ago in the year 2000, I discovered my true calling---and that is singing.When I was pursuing my acting career, I took singing lessons. As I said, since I was a young child, I've ALWAYS loved singing, it brings me the greatest joy. So in my late 20's and early 30's I took vocal lessons with Mr. David Edelfelt (he received his Masters at Northwestern University). During these lessons, I sang mostly classical songs and show tunes.In 1990, I began working at DDB Chicago Advertising Agency. I LOVE THAT PLACE! Working there has been the best experience of my life! I make a living as an Administrative Assistant, not as the famous actress I wanted to be as a child. And you know what, I wouldn't trade my job at DDB for anything in the world! The creative energy that surrounds me is what my Soul in this lifetime needs the most!In 2000, I took a guitar class at Old Town School of Folk. LOVE that place!!! In that guitar class I became friends with two classmates and we started a band. We mostly practiced songs---blues, classic rock, Beatles, you name it.During those 3 years, new band members joined us, old one's left, we evolved and became the "Organic Soul Band." For 3 years we practiced every weekend. This practicing band was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much! The band only played out one time, but I gained all the experience I needed from practicing every weekend. With this band, I learned that singing the Blues was my forte.In 2003, DDB Chicago Advertising, invited their employees who also happened to be musicians to perform at their Enemy of the Ordinary Jam Band for the Christmas Holiday party at the Parkwest. I signed up because I felt singing with the practicing band, "Organic Soul" had prepared me for this event.I had the opportunity to sing with a blues/soul/classic rock band, the phenominal "No Excuses". Truth be told, I came up with that band name myself because--forget all your fears, just do it, and good or bad, there are "No Excuses".Most of the songs on all the set lists have been suggested by me, but with a little help from Rick Fobes and other "No Excuses" band members, in these past 5 years, we've had some great set lists! Every year, No Excuses played at least 1 Rolling Stones song. Most times, we've had a Beatles tune. Unfortunately, because of time restraints, in our 2007 performance we didn't do a Beatles tune. (In spite of that, it goes to show you the Stones and Beatles are the two best bands of ALL TIME). Love them both!!!!For the past 5 years, DDB Chicago management has provided me with the opportunity to perform with some of the best musicians at the best music venues in Chicago----ParkWest, The House of Blues, Wild Hare, Cubby Bear. Thank you DDB Chicago for helping me to accomplish my goal of being a Blues musician!You can't always get what you want And if you try sometime you find You get what you need.... Rolling Stones.