Home » Member Page

Kind Essence

About Me

My Jazz Story

I was first exposed to jazz as a teenager because my father woke us up every Saturday morning to Billie Holiday, Stan Getz, Satchmo, and Thelonious Monk, to do our chores. I could go on and on! I hated it. I wanted to listen to Georgie Woods, the man with the goods. Then one day I did an audition and I sang a Billie Holiday tune. Well, thinking about my Daddy and Jazz, brings tears to my eyes. I met Barry Harris at one of his workshops for singers and players. He is a New York hero in the biz. I was a neophyte, scared out of my witts, and my first time. I'll never forget I sang, "Sweet Pumpkin", by Gloria Lynne. When finished he told me, "I can't teach you the most important skill a singer should have, you have, "You have Phasology!" Didn't know then but I know now, that was the best compliment anyone could have given me. God Bless you, Barry Harris.

My House Concert Story

Oh boy oh, boy, I was celebrating one of my birthdays here at The Haven with Warren Oree and Arpeggio, entertaining the Crowd. They were slamming out the tunes. The house was packed. Music was pouring out of the windows onto the front and back patio. People were jamming, and DANCING, but the best part was my Uncle Billy who's been singing, jazz, in Philadelphia jazz clubs forever, (William, Blythe), stood up to sing with the band, and Arpeggio graciously accommodated him. The crown loved it, it brought tears to my eyes, and my friends couldn't stop saluting!