Many vocalists have influenced my style over the years, my favorite of whom is June Christy. As a little girl I used to sit in front of my parents’ stereo console (wearing headphones bigger than I was) listening to her for hours.
As I considered what direction to take with this project, it seemed fitting to put together a collection of some of my favorite songs that June recorded. This has become my tribute to her, with a sincere appreciation and gratitude for her gift and the way she shared it with us.
The last few months have been peppered with very musical and very fun gigs, bringing out lots of friends who enjoy live music and good food! LOVE my friends, and feel very blessed to be making so many new ones along the way. PLUS, I get to work with amazing players, like Mike Horsfall, Kevin Dietz, John Gilmore, Dan Schulte, Lee Wuthenow….to name a few that have been with me recently.
Check out the photos (just over to the right a bit.) I’ve uploaded some new ones, and they are of YOU!
Hope you are enjoying LIFE, and hope to see you soon! Linda
December 10, 2009…a day I’ll never forget! Tony Starlight’s gradually began to fill up with friends and colleagues enjoying dinner until we had a full house by the start of the show. Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us!
HIGHLIGHTS:
We played several tunes off of the album and added in some Christmas too. Tony Starlight graced the stage for a duet that was, shall we say, entertaining. Who knew he could sing so high…and so low?
The amazing snack we invented in the studio, “RIFFS”, was served just prior to our break…thanks to my “Riff Girls”, Dondi, Jenn & Tabs!
Helen Dietz won a CD for remembering which scene from the Charlie Brown Christmas has “Christmas Time is Here” playing.
Family drove all the way from Utah to join us, and other family members helped with CD Sales.
Art & Yvonne Abrams, and Melodie surprised me with a dozen red roses.
The evening went entirely too fast! But the guys are all ready to load up the tour bus We’re all looking forward to working together again soon!
Probably one of the best Monday’s a girl could hope for…normally we start out the week longing for another weekend, but this week I was headed to Falcon Recording Studios to meet up and record with some very creative, highly talented, and fun musicians.
We brought in the whole horn section on this day, and someone had the bright idea of recording the most challenging song first. That ended up being a very good call. Everyone was “on” and they nailed it. In fact, with the exception of one or two songs, most of the songs on the CD were completed on the first or second take…these guys are just that good.
Mike Snyder began what became to be an ongoing series of comical intros and endings, many of which we have somewhere on an outtake CD…I need to get a copy of that! Mike Horsfall directed the band superbly. I just got to show up and sing…and listen…and laugh. Nope – not a bad Monday at all.
We recorded 5 songs. Check out the pictures by clicking on “All Pictures” to the right!
Only 23 days until the CD Release Party! Don’t forget to make your reservations!
Summer morning….amazing musicians….good snacks. That’s a recipe for a good day We met at Mike Horsfall’s place to run through the charts before our studio time. I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before (shame on me!!) so let me just say that Mike did all of the arrangements, co-produced, and was the musical director for this project. Can you say “Pot O Gold”??? The man is BRILLIANT.
Featured on the CD: Mike Horsfall (Producer/Arranger/Piano/Vibes) Mike Snyder (Drums/Percussion/Comedian) Kevin Dietz (Beautiful Bass/Bass/More Bass/ piano when Mike H is dinking around) Dr.Dave Parker (Trombone Extraordinaire) David Evans (Sax/Philosopher/Cool Cat) Mike Doolin (Guitar/Wise Owl..but not old) Paul Mazzio (Trumpet/Make me cry) Eddie Parente (Violin older than the USA) Dennis @ Falcon Recording Studios (I’m Glad There is YOU!) Dondi (Friend/Photo/Food Mastered by the Kevin Nettleingham (Need I say more?)
We had a great rehearsal. No sweat. Everyone knows their part. Next….the first day in the studio. Stay tuned….. (And check out the rehearsal pics…..)
Last spring I was hanging with my friend Dondi at the Elbo Room and we were talking about all of the amazing experiences I’ve had over the last 4 years as I’ve begun to pursue singing professionally. I’ve had the privilege of meeting and singing with many of Portland’s best musicians at some great venues and events.
Then…she asked the question…”When are you going to record a CD?” And so, the adventure began. I’ve got lots of notes and memories and pictures…and am looking forward to sharing them with you here.
I’d love to hear your comments! Wishing you the very best,
We’re all looking forward to working together again soon!
We met at Mike Horsfall’s place to run through the charts before our studio time. I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before (shame on me!!) so let me just say that Mike did all of the arrangements, co-produced, and was the musical director for this project. Can you say “Pot O Gold”??? The man is BRILLIANT.
