By Carolyn Lee Jones
It’s finally here and on October 27th 2018 I celebrate my ten year mark as a full time vocalist-bandleader. These past TEN blogs in 2018 have been a way for me to share my music projects and thoughts with you and to keep me inspired while I remember all that has been accomplished both this year and the past TEN YEARS.
Many of you know that I had a long, successful and creative career before as a luxury gift buyer traveling the world. Not many people have had that opportunity and I enjoyed every moment of retailing. Music has always been a part of my life in some way and I knew that one day I’d make the leap and do it full time. It is a business for sure and my marketing experience has certainly helped me. In 2000 I really got serious about this idea and began preparing by 1st throwing myself a big birthday cocktail party & singing with a live band for the first time. Thanks to Julie Bonk ! It was GLORIOUS and a little scary too!
So here I am, getting ready to have another great big evening to celebrate this occasion as I enter my 10th year. The Kitchen Cafe is such a great listen room and fantastic dining spot it’s reminiscent of the small lovely music cabaret rooms of NYC. I’ve put together a backing trio of some of my great musician friends whom I’ve made music with during these past years. Friends are invited to ” sit in” during the 2nd set to help celebrate
I’m releasing a new single that’s soon to be on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon and all of the streaming sites. It’s my GIFT to anyone attending on the 27th. The song is titled “I Was A Fool”, written by world renowned bassist, conductor and arranger Johnny Pate. My good friend Jennifer Martin introduced me to him when she was recording one of his songs for her 1st CD.
Johnny arranged and produced Shirley Horn’s Travelin’ Light Album, wrote the music for Shaft In Africa in the 70’s, played with Ahmad Jamal Trio in th 50s and was the ABC- Paramount producer for BB King and many others. Joe Williams pulled him out of retirement in Vegas to conduct and arrange some of his final projects. Johnny is 94 now and I am so honored to have recorded this song (given to me in its original handwritten form ) upon my first meeting with Johnny a couple of years ago. What a thrill!
Thanks to all of you for your ongoing support these past TEN YEARS by coming to my various gigs, shows, house concerts, jazz festivals and on and on…… I can’t wait to see what 2019 holds for me and look forward to being with you. Till then…see you around town and THANKS! Love , Carolyn