Voices to hear: May 2009

Monday, May 11, 2009

SONG OF THE WEEK

This week's song is "Orphan Train" by Julie Miller. Julie makes music on her own and with her husband Buddy, but she doesn't make enough of it. It's been a long time since she's done a solo album, but luckily she did work with Buddy on their recent album Written In Chalk.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Jazz Fest: Patty Griffin

Patty Griffin is an acclaimed singer/songwriter that gave one of the best performances of Jazz Fest. She's probably better known for some of her songs that other more famous people have covered. Dixie Chicks covered "Top of the World." Kelly Clarkson did "The Mountain" on one of those American Idol specials a few years back. I was surprised by the core group of her fans that were there. There was quite a group of people that knew her every song. It was a great show.

Jazz Fest: John Boutte

John Boutte gave one of his inspired performances at this year's Jazz Fest. Why this man isn't a bigger star I have no idea. His friend and frequent musical collaborator Paul Sanchez sat in with him for an amazing acoustic version of Paul Simon's "American Tune." With just Paul on guitar and John singing this was about as good as Jazz Fest gets.

Jazz Fest: The Revealers

The Revealers are a reggae/funk band from New Orleans that has changed its lineup a few times in its fairly long career. Just the week before I saw them at Jazz Fest I saw this band at the French Quarter Fest. They put on a killer live show.

Jazz Fest: BeauSoleil

BeauSoliel is a band from Lafayette Louisiana that plays Cajun music. They released their first album in 1977. Last year's recording from their Jazz Fest show won the Grammy for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album.

Monday, May 4, 2009

SPOTLIGHT: Jeannine Hebb

Jeannine Hebb graduated magna cum laude from Berklee College of Music at the age of 20. She's been singing since she was 11. Her home base is New York City.

For two consecutive years, she won both the Berklee Singer/Songwriter and Songwriting Showcase competitions. She was chosen as the recipient of the Frank E. Remick and E. Ione Lockwood awards for excellence in music and vocal performance, and was honored with the Susan Glover Hitchcock scholarship for outstanding musicianship. Upon graduation, Jeannine received the Scott Benson scholarship for performing songwriters - the highest honor in the Berklee songwriting department.

Her style has been called pop/rock but it owes a certain amount of debt to jazz. She's been compared to singers such as Fiona Apple, Laura Nyro and Norah Jones. In 2007 she released an ep of new songs titled "Too Late To Change Me." She is currently at work on a new album that should be out before long.

Currently she plays in many of the more well known clubs throughout the Northeast. She has played with many Jazz greats and opened for Grammy nominated Tracy Bonham.

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Sunday, May 3, 2009

SONG OF THE WEEK

This week's song is "Mercy Now" from Mary Gauthier. Mary was born in New Orleans and raised in Thibodaux, Louisiana. She moved to Boston and opened a Cajun restaurant. She didn't write her first song until she was 35.

Friday, May 1, 2009

SIMPLY SIX: Kayla Woodson

Kayla Woodson is a 14 year old singer from the New Orleans area. I first discovered her last year at the French Quarter Fest and was captured by the power of her voice. Seeing her this year again at the French Quarter Fest has only confirmed that she is growing in her ability and her voice is just getting better. She has released two albums locally and while they are enjoyable to listen to and have their moments, neither live up to her current potential. I think she has great things ahead of her.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?

I have always remembered wanting to be a singer. I started singing at a young age, so I have no particular defining moment.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?

When it comes to music I'm really not that picky, so I listen to a lot of different music. My favorites are country, rock, pop, and R&B.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I think every moment that I experience singing is a great moment, but my greatest to date is getting to travel to Europe to sing an original song live on the televised Children's International Music Fest. I was treated like a star. They did my make-up, hair and I even had dancers in the back ground.

4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?

I think that music can change the world because artists can express their beliefs through their songs. When listeners hear these songs it could change their opinions on things going on in the world. People write and sing about current events all the time.

5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?

With todays technology, you can advertise yourself and your music independently with sites like you tube and myspace.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I would say flip-flops because I like to be free and open-minded.