Take Five With Liza Lee

Meet Liza Lee:

Recording artist, performer and composer Liza Lee is a breakout talent rapidly making her mark on today's jazz scene. Her personal and haunting musical interpretations exhibit an emotional vulnerability laced with a confident understanding of life's realities.

Liza's highly praised first CD, Scarlet Mark, was released on the Jazz Doll label. Her latest project, Anima, was released on January 27, 2009. As on her previous album, the material she has chosen for Anima is fresh, unpredictable and innovative. It also includes some of her highly praised yet controversial original compositions.

Instrument(s):

Vocals, songwriter, lyricist.

When were you happiest? I am happiest in Paris... Also anytime that I am swimming in the ocean...

What is your greatest fear?

That I will turn out just like my father. He has given up on his writing. He says that his muse has flown. Without creativity and writing I am not sure if I could stay on this plane.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Jaye Davidson... Oh, wait Jaye is really a man. (Though he makes a prettier woman then most women.) How about Rae Dawn Chong from the late '80s-early '90s?

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Like... like everyone else.

Where would you like to live?

I would love to bounce between NYC (my current home), Paris and anyplace where I may swim in the ocean (Since those are the places where I am happiest!).

What makes you depressed?

My lack of trust in our government. Big Brother seems as if he is ready to step in. Also the state of the world in general. There is a heavy feeling out there right now.

What is your favorite book?

Sophie's Choice (Random House, 1979).

Who would you like to invite to your dream dinner party?

Carl Jung, David Bowie, Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Gabrielle Zevin, Tori Amos, my brother Zach, Sidney Poitier, Peggy Lee, William Styron, Sylvia Plath, Bruce Barth, Rebecca Martin, my band(!), Brett and Jemaine from The Flight of the Concords (2007), Lupe Fiasco, Frida Kahlo, and many more.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

A cure for autoimmune disorders!

What keeps you awake at night?

Sometimes melodies and lyrics creep in and I think, "Oh, not now. I'm trying to sleep!" Other times it's the everyday things that keep me up. When I am rolling around worrying about bills, the world, friends, love...

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