Showing posts with label Ray Charles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ray Charles. Show all posts

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Simply Six: Lenny Marcus


  
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?  
     For me, it was when I went to see jazz/blues pianist Ray Bryant perform at Blues Alley in Wash, DC.  He had the whole place rockin, I couldn't believe so much music could come out of one piano! I knew I wanted to be a jazz pianist right then.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?
    I listen to so many different bands and performers; some of my jazz favorites are Dexter Gordon, Ray Bryant, James Drew, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, and my rock favorites are Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, The Beatles.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
   My favorite recording was "Jazzaphrenia," in which I got to play and record with two of the greatest sax players in jazz, Frank Foster of Count Basie fame, and Sonny Fortune from the Miles Davis era.  They each did 4 tunes on the album, and I had so much fun during that whole session.  As far as live performances, getting to play in a big outside jazz festival with Ray Charles' tenor sax man David "Fathead" Newman; that was a blast!

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?
   I watched a documentary last year that told of archeologists finding primitive drums and flutes dating back to almost the beginning of man.  I believe music has shaped and continues to shape the world.
   Recorded music and masterpiece compositions can last for centuries, but for me, live music is where it's at; going to live shows, experiencing "once in a lifetime" moments....truly wonderful.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?
   I was a regular jazz pianist in New Orleans, LA for 12 years, and one of my gigs was playing solo jazz piano on the top floor of Jackson Brewery, where they made Dixie Beer.  I thought it was a steady gig, but one night I showed up to play, and there was a stuffed bear on the piano seat and one of those "new" CD players hooked underneath the grand piano; the piano was playing itself!  I think it was Oscar Peterson's music playing on the CD.  That changed my life, I went back to school to study other things besides music, just in case piano players were no longer needed.....

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
  I would be a pair of Frye boots, not sure why, but I had a favorite pair when I was growing up!


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Simply Six: Susan Picking

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 think back to when I was in elementary school and I loved vocal music. My favorite teacher was the teacher who had us sing everyday.   My mom took me to musicals and inside I thought I could do that, and would be fun.....and yet as a kid I studied piano and cello.

About 15 years ago in Long Beach CA, I was hitting some tennis balls with a 7 year old girl.  She sang a song for me on the court and told me she was taking voice lessons.  I got the name of her teacher and immediately started to study voice.  I was working as a flight attendant at that time, and could easily bring my voice along on my trips and practice singing on my layovers.  I would practice vocal exercises into my pillow in my hotel rooms.  As crazy as I knew it was, it was so energizing and fulfilling.  I continued private lessons and studied music at Long Beach City College.  It was at this point that it hit me. “ I realized it was my passion, when I could practice for hours in solitude in a college practice room and lose time and forget to eat.” At that moment It wasn’t about performing, it was connecting to my voice and my passion and realizing I’d found it,  both my voice and my passion. 

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



The    favorites list is sooooo long.  There is so much good music out there.  I love just about all genres from classical, to native ethnic, to any Americana, jazz, gospel R &B , hip hop to country. MY BIGGEST INFLUENCE IS  70’s folk rock.....Carole King, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits.  I also LOVE Willie Nelson and Ray Charles.  A few female jazz icons whom I adore are Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone.  Contemporary Artists that I listen to are Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, John Mayer, BrandyCarlisle, Cheryl Crowe, Alison Krause, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper..... I love to hear anything live, and listen to a lot of local Just to name a few......

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



There have been a couple of pivotal moments in my career this past year that confirm that I’m heading in the right direction.  One was my first appearance on eightWest  WOOD TV 8, an NBC affiliate in Grand Rapids MI.  It opened a lot of doors for me in Grand Rapids when I first moved there.  People took me more seriously as an artist.  Another one was being selected as a Top 10 Summer CD release in Grand Rapids by John Sinkevics writer for the Grand Rapids Press.  In Live performance there are always moments of feeling deeply connected.  One was performing as a vocal soloist and played the Bodhran,  with the Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra.  I performed a Traditional Gaelic Irish Tune with a Celtic group.  Another experience that was moving was having a Developmentally Disabled elderly man come up to me after a show and tell me that my performance raised his spirits.  That’s why I do it.

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



 Change starts from within on a singular individual basis. In other words, change happens when people change.  Societal or cultural  climate change occurs when collectively humans come together and create a shift.  Music can definitely influence a mood or a state of mind which can then influence change. Musicians and Artists are often at the forefront in leading this type of movement.  Historically musicians and artists have been visionaries who suggest different ideas and different ways of being through their art. Music can be inspirational and can inspire people to create change in their worlds.  It is also just something to listen to, if you are not open for change.  ;)

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



Technology has had a huge effect on the music industry.  From recording technology we have gone from very expensive studio recordings to DIY in home computer studio recordings making it affordable for all musicians. With DIY recording being so accessible to any musician......one does have to consider the varying expertise of this accessibility.  Technology has also made free music accessible corrupting the ability of musicians to make money off of their art, with piracy.  Technology has also made it accessible for the creative Indie Artist to make a living through various streams of social networking.  It has definitely assisted me through social networking to be able to reach larger audiences through the internet and social media.

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



I like making a statement while also being sensible.  I like a versatile shoe that is comfortable for the miles that I walk through life, as well as exhibits some personality of the wearer.  Ultimately I like it to have a lot of SOLE.  Chuck Taylor meets, Born, meets Manolo Blahnik, all with a reasonable price tag......DSW or Zappos.





Monday, October 10, 2011

Simply Six: Rahe


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?

When I was 5 years old, I would sneak out in the middle of the night to play Flamenco music with the gypsies in the streets of Sevilla. The passion and fire of the palmas, guitars, dancers, and wailing voices, the beautiful ancient versos passed down from generation to generation... it was all so magical to me. I remember a song by Spanish artist Antonio Flores that said “Oye, pero mira yo soy Flamenco, por mi vena yo lo siento” which translates to “Listen, I am Flamenco, I feel it flowing through my veins”. For these people, music is the essence of who they are as beings. The first time I sang those words I knew nothing would come between me and music, because in my veins, music runs thicker than blood. And in that moment, I knew my destiny was to pursue this path.


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

I listen to all kinds of music, everything from Jazz to Hip-hop, Afrobeat to Bossa nova, Soul and R&B to Singer-songwriters... so many styles. My very favorite stuff, though, usually falls into two categories: artists who are no longer with us or who come from other countries. Jazz legends like Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane really hit home for me, great singers like Nina Simone, Betty Carter, Otis Redding, and Ray Charles, and then there are my favorite Spanish artists like Joan Manuel Serrat and Concha Buika, Sara Tavares from Portugal, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 from Nigeria, Habib Kotié from Mali, as well as classic Brazilian artists like João Gilberto and Tom Jobim, Buena Vista Social Club and the Afro-Cuban All Stars (and anything Cuban, really), Jorge Drexler from Uruguay... and the list goes on. One of my recent discoveries and new favorites, who I just had the honor of meeting at the Globalquerque World Music Festival last month, is Nawal from the Comoros Islands - she is just stunning!

Music from the past and from foreign places is special to me because there is a whole different sensibility about it - it speaks to you on another level; digs deep into your core. To listen to it is almost like traveling to that other place or time in history and experiencing the hardships, the joys, the passion, and gaining an understanding of the unique perspective and identity of that certain country or period in time. 

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

When I held my CD, Out of the Box, in my hand for the first time - what a feeling! To have something concretely represent what you do, something you can point to and say "Wow, I did that!" - it feels like such an amazing accomplishment. And considering all the wonderful people involved, all the work and time and effort that went into the project… it's just a really special thing to have evidence of that collaboration, especially when it's something you are proud of. I feel such tremendous appreciation and joy every time I look at it.

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

Absolutely - I think music is the answer to peace in the world, the best means for creating harmony between people who are completely different from one another. Music lives inside the heart and soul of every person, no matter where they come from, what their beliefs are, what color their skin is, or how old they are. I’ve found, with all the traveling I’ve done throughout my life, that music is truly the universal language that unites all people of all walks of life. I’ve never experienced a more powerful force.

In terms of current events, I think music can be incredibly influential, because it hits you at another level – it feeds both the conscious and the subconscious mind, so it targets both your emotions and your intellect. It fuels the passion inside of you; makes tears flow, smiles linger, and bonds form. Music creates awareness of a very unique sort – which is why I chose to name my group illumiNation, because our purpose is to do just that – to illuminate; to bring consciousness and light into the world through our music. Look at the impact of artists like John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, John Lee Hooker, Bob Dylan, John Lennon – artists like these have shined a light on the issues of racism, sexism, war, politics… you name it. Music, throughout history, has always played a key role in making this impact on the public, of waking us up and inspiring us to make a difference in whatever way we can.

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

I have a love-hate relationship with technology. I’m such an old soul, so I have a hard time dealing with the way technology interferes with little pleasures of life I hold so dear – namely, the face-to-face connection with other human beings. It can become a really unhealthy distraction, because ironically, being “plugged in” seems to result in people “checking out” completely. I find that creativity is often thwarted by it because, if you have the right kind of gadget at your disposal – voila! – everything can be done for you instantly at the push of a button. I have also noticed that people are less likely to make an effort to go see a show or search for an album because they can easily download it for free or check it out on YouTube instead. That human-to-human interaction, the core of the musical experience, is lost. I find that part so heartbreaking, because that, to me, is where the magic happens. But I do also see the value that technology gives us in terms of connecting with people all across the globe, and being able to share my music with people I would never have contact with any other way is truly a beautiful thing.

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

High-Heeled Sneakers. Hands down.


Monday, November 8, 2010

Free Ray Charles Song

Get a free download of a Ray Charles song from Rare Genius and get a chance to win an 11 CD collection of the man's music.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

SIMPLY SIX: Jessie Murphy In The Woods

Jessie Murphy In The Woods is from New York City.

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?

Singing sort of found me through songwriting. There was no defining moment where I first wanted to sing however there very much was a moment like that when I realized that I wanted to play guitar. When I was a Senior in High School I was dating a kid who was already a gigging blues guitarist at 17. One night I went to one of his gigs at this crappy bar near the airport in Newark, NJ. I was utterly transfixed. I knew that I didn't want to be the girl out there watching - I wanted to be up onstage doing THAT. And so my torrid affair with the electric guitar began and some how I ended up an acoustic guitar playing songwriter...That said I think I hear my telecaster calling and will likely have to answer sometime soon. Telecasters are tempermental, if you don't take their calls they're prone to tantrums and fits of beating you over the head with their headstocks.

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

When I walk around the city and feel to tired to drag myself from Subway station to destination I like things like Chromeo, Michael Jackson, Jay Z... At home you can find me spinning Ray Charles, The Beatles and Joni Mitchell on Vinyl... Conor Oberst, Maria Taylor, and T Rex on CD...Recent MP3 purchases include Bon Iver, Ray LaMontaigne, Rosemary Clooney, and Midlake

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

I think our most recent show was our best so far - at The Living Room in NYC - but we seem to be hitting a benchmark like that every 3 or 4 months. We keep growing and brightening as a band and every few months we kick it up a notch. Thanks for asking.

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 music has a profound effect on both the individual and the collective audience. In a complete and transcendent listening experience, the listener feels so sympathetic to the music, so resonant with it's frequency that the music seems to becoming from within them rather than from an external source, that it seems to be their own voice singing to them and not the voice of a distant other. I believe it is through each individual's awakening to a larger consiousness that real change will be manifested in the world. Music already has and will continue to play an important role in this awakening.

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

God Bless Garage Band.
MP3s are so fun and practical.
and as Gillian Welch put is so profoundly in her song...
"Everything is free now
That's what they say
Everything I ever done
Gonna give it away.
Someone hit the big score
They figured it out
They were gonna do it anyway
Even if doesn't pay."

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

I"m going ot answer for all three of us woods on this one (that would be me, Jessie and Amy and Marcia)
Jessie: Nike Free
Amy: Prada Red
Marcia: Ballet Flat

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

SIMPLY SIX: Jeff Jacob

Jeff Jacob is a singer/songwriter from Nashville.

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?

My defining "moment" would have been a combination of being in school musicals as a very young kid all the way up through high school, quiting piano lessons after 6 years in my early teens and then realizing I could just write my own songs. They were pretty bad back then, but I recorded some with the guys in the house band on a river cruise ship and then just kept going...It was all about getting in the studio and recording for me.

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

I love SO much of a variety. Favorites include - Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Bryan Adams, John Waite,early REM, The Beatles, The Stones....Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Dobie Gray, Ray Charles....Billy Joel, Elton John...Elvis, Steve Earle, Tina Turner....

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

Generally speaking, I think there are small moments when people come up to me after a gig, or listening to a recording of mine and say how much a certain song moved them or meant to them. I have this song God Backwards, about a dog who has been put down by his owner as a humane choice, and the dog is talking through God back to his owner telling him how grateful he is....Only one time in the years I've been playing this song live, have I not had a least one person come up to me after wards and tell me how much that song meant to them because of their own experience with a loved pet.

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

Music can change the world, because change and revolution really happen one person at a time, until a critical mass or one huge unified voice rises up and demands that things change, and music can certainly if not directly lead to change, help inspire, galvanize and unify that focus.

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

Technology has been killing the commercial recording studios for the past 6-7 years at a very fast pace, but on the flipside here we indies have all sorts of digital avenues to promote and sell our products and gigs...that's pretty great. I really need to get more with that!

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

It's a battle between an old pair of "Chucks" and a comfortable pair of flip-flops these days. Check with me in the next few years...If I move to the beach as I'm hoping to do in the near future....you'll know which shoe wins!


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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

SIMPLY SIX: Nicholas Howard

Nicholas Howard is a singer/songwriter from New York.

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?

It was a moment about 5 years ago that I realized that I had to let this little voice out, that I had been pushing away, in trying to pursue other things. I took a step back and looked at the music I loved to be a part of and knew that I was the one that had to sing the words I was writing because it was my therapy, and because it was my therapy, it needed my own voice to make it feel right, to me. Also, at that point, there was a lot of crappy music coming out, and I think part of what drove me, was the need for the substance that we have been lacking. I'm trying to bring some of that substance to the table, and am thrilled that there is now, an emergence of the want for substance in other artists from the consumer market.

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

Lately I've been listening to a lot of 70's funk and soul, because my production partner plays a lot of it, but I can listen to it all. I love all kinds of music. I listen to Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Fela Kuti, Buena Vista Social Club, Metallica, System of a Down, Yo Yo Ma, Alice Smith, Janelle Monae, OutKast, Wu-Tang, Nas... I could go on, but I'll spare you.. :)

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

You mean, besides getting asked six questions by you? I think, one of the best times I had on record was singing with the choir on a song off my album called "Blood from a Stone" and singing and clapping and singing and clapping, inside the studio that Sly and the Family Stone recorded in, in LA.. That was pretty magical...

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

Music can most definitely change the world, and it saddens me that more artists don't stand behind causes in their music, or try to effect change with their words. We some times forget the power of our words and what they can mean to us AND other people. I think we could change our present set of circumstances if we just cared just a little bit more, and that is bigger than Music, yes, but Music is the key that unlocks all doors in this world. It's cliche to say, but it is truly a universal language, and if artists and musicians used their voices and instruments to move people socially, and not just on a dance floor, our world could be so much better.

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

Well, it's affected the record business in the obvious way but that was bound to happen, with all the bloated salaries and the overhead. Technology has been super impactful in my career as a musician, because truthfully, it's given an incredible avenue for musicians with small budgets to do some really great things, like talk to you! The downside is that there is a lot of stuff out there, for the good reviewers and critics like yourself to sift through to find the good stuff, if that's what we're calling my stuff today...

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

I'd be a sustainable pair of environmentally friendly sneakers that are totally grounded (no pun intended) and concerned with the well being and prosperity of the world and it's inhabitants, physically and otherwise.



Friday, July 3, 2009

ALBUM REVIEWS











Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra

This is an self titled album with a mouthful for a title, but it's a name you should remember. This is a band and an event, created by a man from New York but evoking the music and world of New Orleans. When I put this cd in my player and the first song "A Child Shall Lead" started I had to check the linear notes to make sure that this wasn't a record made in New Orleans. It has the good time, fun feel of the best music from the crescent city. Their description of their music is that it....
blends together the perfect gumbo of New Orleans party music, Soul in the style of Ray Charles and Al Green, a good helping of jam-bandy Roots Rock and a righteous splash of good, upbeat Gospel without the religious overtones (we like to call it "Secular Gospel").
This is an album I've listened to many times already. A Child Shall Lead, Bon Temps Roulez, O Moses, Bury Me In New Orleans are great songs. When he slows down and plays more of a love song he loses some of that energy, but luckily most of the songs more than make up for any such lack with more than enough spirit.


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Friday, April 10, 2009

SPOTLIGHT: Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra

It's been awhile since we've done a Spotlight here, the Simply Six have kind of taken over, but we want to get back to just Spotlighting some great artists also. Today's Spotlight is on an unusual band, Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra. The group lists New York as their home state, but their musical home is New Orleans. The group is lead by singer Brother Joscephus.

On their webpage they describe their sounds as:

BroJo blends together the perfect gumbo of New Orleans party music, Soul in the style of Ray Charles and Al Green, a good helping of jam-bandy Roots Rock and a righteous splash of good, upbeat Gospel without the religious overtones (we like to call it "Secular Gospel").

Their first album was just released on Feb 24 of this year. The group's intention is to do more than just create great music. Their stage shows are a spectacle in themselves. The group second lines through the auidence, throws mardi gras beads from the stage, in other words they have a good time Nawlins style. The group comprises of twelve members with additional members when needed. They have a horn section, a gospel choir section and the rhythm section.

In addition to its music and stage show Brother Joscephus tries to pass along the message of love. He reminds me a lot of the artists from the sixties that thought their music could pass a message of love and faith along with the feel good sounds of their music.

This month Brother Joscephus is touring throughout the New Orleans area. He has already played with such local greats as Trombone Shorty, New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars and Eric Lindell.

Lastly I'll leave you with a list of the members of the group:

  • Brother Joscephus - lead vocals, acoustic guitar
  • The Right Reverend Dean Dawg - piano, organ, conducting
  • Pastuh Peace – drums
  • Reverend Deacon Big Bottom - bass guitar
  • Friar Paisley - electric guitar
  • Lost Prophet of the Ivories - backup vocals and organ
  • Gospel Spice - tenor sax, clarinet
  • Low Flying Quail – trumpet
  • 12-tone Johnson – trombone
  • Alabama Red - soprano vocals
  • Ukulele Jackson - alto vocals
  • Jambalaya Jones - alto vocals




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    Friday, February 8, 2008

    Alexa Ray Joel


    Today’s voice to hear is probably the most famous name we’ve featured yet, but still is also one of the most unknown at the same time. Confused? It’s Alexa Ray Joel, the daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley. I have to admit when I first heard that she was trying to be a singer I wasn’t predisposed to like her, it was one of those gut things, she’s the daughter of one of the greatest singer/songwriters and most beautiful women in the world, what else does she want? You just know she’s going to be a prima donna with everything handed to her. Well, I learned that you shouldn’t jump to conclusions, because she’s nothing like that.

    I saw Alexa Ray perform at the last Jazz Fest and she put on an incredible show. She has a very strong stage presence, talking inbetween the songs and making the audience feel comfortable. After the show she went to the side of the stage and stood there talking and taking pictures with every fan that came up to her. Listening to her talk she sounded very down to earth and nothing like what I would have expected. I even got a picture with her and she autographed my Jazz Fest hat.

    Listening to her at Jazz Fest it is evident that her musical style is all over the place. She is willing to sing a pop song followed by a jazz number than a bluesy song to be followed by a country song. She is not going to be stuck in any specific genre. She even records a cover of a Neil Young song, the one featured for us today. The one constant in her music is the sound of the piano, which considering who’s daughter she is should be much a duh! thought.

    Alexa was born January 1, 1986 and her middle name was given in honor to Ray Charles. She started to take classical piano training for a few years before moving on to a five week study program offered by the Berkley College of Music. She only lasted one year at the New York University’s Musical Program before deciding to try her skills on the open road as a performer.

    You have to give her credit for not having her father pull strings for her and get her a recording contract. She has decided to hit the small clubs with her own band and build a following and get a recording contract on her own. Her first concert was at a club in Hoboken New Jersey. Afterwards she went on a tour of colleges on the east coast. Her next step was a Hard Rock tour of the East Coast. She has performed at Jazz Fest in New Orleans and the Bonnaroo Musical Festival in Tennessee.

    Still not signed to any label Alexa has released an ep of music on her own. It became the first cd sold by Target that was not from a major label. Rolling Stone Magazine named her an up and coming artist in its year end issue. She’s been featured in People magazine and on the NBC Today show.

    Alex is currently looking for a record label that will let her record the music she wants and not squeeze her into the style they want her to do. She is still touring and building her fan base the old fashioned way, one fan at a time. Her music is infectious, after one listen I was hooked and her ep soon became one of my favorite listens.