Spirituality

For me spirituality is a deeply personal experience that is between me and the Higher Power, whatever that may be. It is fascinating to me that as I get older I become more interested and curious about my Jewish heritage. Now that is not to say that I have become a religious zealot, but I have found a need to explore my roots and the culture of the Jewish people. This is what has drawn me, in part, to studying and performing Sephardic music. Not only is the music rich in tradition and history, but also rich in its melodic structure and blending of worlds. Maybe it can even be said--very loosely--that Sephardic music was the beginning of world music, since it combined styles of the Muslims and of the Jews and then later of the different countries where the Sephardim were displaced. The more I study Sephardic music and its origins, the more fascinated I become with the world as it was, the sharing of ideas, of music, of traditions. This is not to say that the "Golden Age" of Spain was all attar and roses, but it definitely shows worlds colliding together to create a body of rich artistry.

Music, Music, Music

I just got back from a drum/percussion clinic led by both Michael Spiro and Phil Hawkins. Being a closet percussionist, I am constantly trying to find ways to improve my skills and who better to learn from than Michael Spiro? He is such an unsung hero in these parts, so knowledgable, so talented and so engaging in his teaching style. It makes me feel as though I need to take some really serious formal training to hone my skills as a hand percussionist. I know better than to think I can dedicate the time to playing congas (which I absolutely love), but I know I can take the time to improve my skills and knowledge with the instruments I can play on stage--maracas, guiro, clave--especially clave, etc. All of this would no doubt improve my singing as well, both rhythmically and stylistically. the thing I DO feel confident about is that I have excellent rhythm and this helps me in my improvisations. Now, along with the hand percussion, I want to improve my skills as a sonera. I want and need to learn to have the confidence to improvise in Spanish with my inspiraciones. I've been listening a lot lately to Maraca, Los Van Van, Cubanismo, Ray Barreto, etc and how their soneros just take over with pure and complete confidence. It's really not about my knowledge of the music so much as it is about feeling strong in my convictions with what I have to say, and being able to say it in rapid fire form! I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I've also already done a lot of work and the foundation has been well established to be built upon. I'll be the Sara Winchester of soneros!! Building my chops more and more with each day that passes.

Making a Connection

This blogging thing has me baffled. How do you know if anyone is reading? If anyone is interested in what you have to say? My goal is to connect with people from all over the world and hear their stories. How are you coping as a single parent? An empty nester? Someone who has recently "launched" themselves into the kind of life they have always desired?

I am trying desperately to "launch" myself in a way where I can support myself both financially and emotionally. I try everyday to be productive, but I'm not always successful. I am easily distracted and sometimes have a hard time staying focused. What I want to do is develop a vocal masters class that I can take with me when I go on tour. It would be so wonderful to share what I have learned with other aspiring singers. My musical director Murray Low also has developed a really interesting masters class on the differences and similarities between jazz and latin jazz music. We have done the class together to demonstrate the different phrasings that are required to properly sing each style. It's fun and educational all at the same time.

If I could get a teaching gig like this at different locales across the country then I could book gigs in those same towns and finally have my opportunity to tour. That is my goal right now--get out on the road as soon as I possibly can. What is your goal?

Media Guide and Radio DJs

So I was just sent the Media Guide report for the months of April and May and see that the DJs around the country are still supporting my music--months after my radio campaign has ended. This makes me feel so GOOD and honored that my music is somehow reaching people's hearts in a way I never expected. I had only hoped that people would be able to hear the passion, emotion and soul that I feel when I sing my music. Apparently that dream has come true!! :) Now it's time to take this show on the road. That's the biggest challenge right there--how to afford to tour. But somehow I've GOT to find a way to bring my music to the places that have been supporting me so much. It is another way that I can reach out to my fans--and of course make new ones. And the opportunity to perform in places around the country is so exciting to me. Having the chance to meet people face to face to thank them for their support would be another dream come true.

Wow!! I'm a Blogger Now!

Hi there and welcome to my blog. I've been thinking about doing this for awhile but just never got around to it. Now it's time to see if anyone out there is interested in the things I have to say! I'm now a full-time musician who is also experiencing empty nest syndrome for the first time in my life. I successfully raised two amazing "men" on my own and now find myself living alone and trying to reinvent myself in the image I used to only dream about. Yes, I waited to pursue my passion of music until my children were old enough to make it on their own. So, I guess you might call me a late bloomer, but in my mind that allows me to bring that much more depth, emotion and experiences to my music, as well as my everday existence. I would like to know who else out there has taken their own personal "leap of faith" and who is considering this kind of risk in their life. Maybe we can all be a support to one another and find a way to virtually aid in each of our selected successes. I look forward to the beginning of some interesting conversations. Until next time...