It's amazing how fast time flys. After the CD release party in February, I found my self putting my whole heart and soul into making my mother as comfortable as possible. Both my time and energy were focused on mom. Her health went down hill fast. She was this outgoing person who all of a sudden didn't remember things anymore. She passed away June 14th. Almost made 90. But gee, no more shots, pills, and someone changing her, which she hated the most. She was a pretty woman. The last week of her life she made friends with a nurse. He complimented her on her beauty. I miss my mother. She never hit us, but man she'd put us on 'punishment' for a long time and take away the amenities. She was so so sweet; never a hateful word about anyone. But, I've got tons of pictures of her to sort through. One shows her standing on the steps of the 'Negro Public Library' in Kentucky. Another picture shows her and friends at a 'Negro Public Beach'. So I'm getting to know her, from pictures of her, before I was born. I gave her a very nice 'Celebration' and she is in a very beautiful resting place. For all of you who have passed through a public high school, you probably remember a favorite class. When mom and her silbings went to Dunbar High School, in good old Little Rock, Ark. the girls had to take Laundry, and the boys Masonry. My aunts and uncles all went to college, and never washed cloths or did manual labor for the white folks. How about this, if you wanted to get a masters degree you had to go to a college in the north! Don't be mad at the youngsters when they say.."the dirty South".
Next!! R.I.P. Buddy Collette. Wow!! Talk about a special person in the L.A. jazz world. He gave me my first big break! I met so many jazz legends, working with Buddy. I loved it everytime he'd call me to do a gig!. I kept every program cover! I sang at his daughter, Cheryl's wedding. In 1990 he asked me to sing at a concert at El Camono College, in Torrence. A CD was made from the master in 2006, and I got a call to participate in the CD release party. Well those two 89 year old Leo's, Alice and Buddy are ridin' in that big limousine in the sky. I'm going to miss them both. Talkin' 'bout a class act!!
Why did a classmate and my computer repairman have to go so soon? Just a few weeks ago!! R.I.P. James Adams and Jim Andric.
S I D E B A R: Okay..so I'm in a small company called Theatre Americana. I like it because it keeps me in line makes me clearly understand that jazz isn't the only music around. There are two main shows "The USO Show" and "60's Revisited". Your girl does a mean 'Tina Turner' plus 'Martha Reeves' and the lead on 'Please Mr. Postman' and Rte 66 (USO) The 60's Revisited will happen Friday Night October 8, 2010 during ART NIGHT in the City of Pasadena. We will be on the steps of City Hall!! Come out and have a good time!!
Try to make it over to CAFE 322 on Wednesday evening October 13, 2010, 8:00- 11:00 pm A little known fact..Your girl opened Cafe322 back in July 2005. Yes, thats right ..the first jazzsinger on their stage. The food is very good, with a full bar. I'll be there with the guys who are on my latest CD 'Lemon Twist'. Bassist Isla Eckinger will be on a plane headed for Switzerland, so you'll miss him but his sub is supurb. SAVE Dec 17...for another 'Santa Baby Christmas' at Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue, in Clarimont.
To my students. My goal was to teach for 25 years. I achieved that goal. A new goal is in the plan. I will miss you.
.......Time keeps movin' on, Friends they turn away. I keep movin' on, But I never found out why. I keep pushin' so hard an' babe, I keep try'n to make it right to another lonely day. Well, Dawn has come at last, Twenty five years, honey, in just one night, oh yeah. Well, I'm twenty five years older now So I know it can't be right! That I'm no better babe, And I can't help you no more than I did when I was just a girl....
"Kozmic Blues"- Janis Joplin/Gabriel Mekler
BYE for now Cheryl