Born in Pomona, California on June 7, 1972, I came out singing. I sang ever since I could speak, beginning at my family's Methodist church, and was the loudest voice in the school choir. I was active in the local theater and took voice and drama lessons from early on. My first influences were Barbra Streisand in Yentl, and Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. Discovering a love for musical theater, my early stage experiences included the role of Brigitte in The Sound of Music and Lola in Damn Yankees. More recent performances include the role of Rizzo in Grease, Svetlana in Chess, as well as the dramatic role of Kirsten in Days of Wine and Roses, and Antigone.After high school, I took a hiatus from theater to explore other interests which included travelling and a period of service work helping the disabled. After returning to the States, I held various jobs, attended college and got my degree....but I felt unfulfilled. I missed doing what I truly loved. However, fears and insecurities held me back from seriously pursuing a musical career.Starting voice lessons with Pablo Rodriguez in 1996, I was introduced to Speech Level Singing and Seth Riggs, both of which changed my life. This was a whole new way to sing, with the emphasis on an easily produced tone and healthful singing. Newspaper critics praised the "effective poignancy" that I brought to the role of Jenny Diver in Three Penny Opera in 1997 - and quickly it seemed I was reunited with my purpose. After a few more theatre successes, I became immersed in cabaret, improv classes and voice training in San Francisco and Sonoma County. I met my next voice coach, Edwin Gray, and began to seriously contemplate a stage career. My husband Steven Reed-Pittman encouraged me to go after my heart's desire to begin performing full time, which is what I began to do in 1999.I studied with Rachael Adler at Steinberg Studios, learning the Meisner Technique which propelled me into professional acting roles in San Francisco. In 2002, I was fortunate enough to win the Bay Area Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in the musical Chess, at the New Conservatory Theater. Another favorite role at this time was in Closer Than Ever, also at NCTC. During this time I met Richard Nickol at the San Francisco Academy for the Performing Arts, who assisted me with voice building (emphasis: breathwork!). Meeting Richard was another turning point for me: I started to sing out in more intimate venues... clubs, bars, etc.I made my first San Francisco singing appearance at the Lush Lounge, and was a finalist at the S. F. Cabaret Competition both years.Working with Steve Wolfe at Wolfetones Records, what started as a 5 track demo eventually became my Lush Life jazz CD, released in 2003
after 4 years of combined efforts. June of 2003 saw the CD's release at the Plush Room SF, after which I started working on a regular basis with James Campbell, jazz pianist and arranger.Other incredible musicians I've worked with: Jake Richmond, Daniel Patchin, Randy Vincent, Steve Wolfe, Richard Howell, Art Khu, Jeff Chin, Paul Distel, Bob Rife, Daniel Fabricant, Ron Belcher, Deszon Claiborne, Bill Hampton, Jesse Simpson, Richard Nickol, John Florencio, Kim Kuzma and Leo Frappier. Two other talents who have been pivotal to my "image construction" are Troy Ziel, SF based friend and photographer, and Tcherek Kamstra, friend/right hand wo-man extraordinaire who created the graphics for the Lush Life CD and countless other pieces of my promotional material.Currently I have joined forces with local rock guitarist and songwriter Jake Richmond and his band. That's right, I'm singing rock and roll now! That mixed with the blues, R & B, some latin, reggae etc etc, and of course, jazz. I am thrilled to be singing in my local county from a rowdier perspective these days. We are currently recording this year's album and working on the beginnings of a rock musical featuring the original music of Jake Richmond. Buy his latest CD Blind Curve at CD Baby.Check out the What's New link on my homepage for more on The Jake Richmond Band featuring Brenda Reed. Stay tuned, it's going to be a great year....I am truly grateful for my fans' support and am always looking to expand my arena of venues and events. Presently seeking new representation, my upcoming gigs with the band are all over the North Bay and include The Gualala Hotel, Forestville Club, Rafter's in San Rafael and Calistoga Inn.Be sure to check back regularly for updated show information. Check out my MySpace page too....new music from the band will be posted often before the record comes out....summer/fall 07.....!!
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