Take Five With Lisa Dae

About Lisa Dae:
Lisa Dae's distinctive vocals have earned her a loyal and rapidly growing fan base. Classically trained she can sing what she hears. Considered the preeminent jazz vocalist in the NW, Lisa is well on her way to a long and successful music career. Look for an LP soon.

Instrument(s):
Vocal.

Teachers and/or influences?
Teachers were vast in the form of LP's! Kenny Rankin, Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald to name a few.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...
As far back as I can remember but at the age of five my friends would get mad at me because all I wanted to do was play their piano's!

Your sound and approach to music:
Less is more. I like to show people who I am through my music. I always look for the "goose bump" factor.

Your teaching approach:
Have fun. Be Patient. Listen to anything and everything and then listen some more.

Your dream band:
Jeff Hamilton: Drums; Christian McBride: Bass; Bob Sheppard: Saxophone; Brad Mehldau: Piano; Graham Dechter: Guitar.

Favorite venue:
Jazz at Joe's in Bend, OR

Your favorite recording in your discography and why?
Oscar Peterson Trio's We Get Requests. When you listen, you'll know why.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?
Gut wrenching vocals without all the gymnastics.

Did you know...
I'm an avid golfer :)

CDs you are listening to now:
Sinne Eeg: Face the Music

How would you describe the state of jazz today?
A lot of silver haired folk out there in the audiences today. Makes me concerned. Jazz is bigger in Europe than in the States. Makes me sad. However, there are a lot of amazing teachers and players out there in the grind and I believe they are making a difference.

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?
We need to get back to the roots. Jazz and dancing were two peas and a pod. If was meant to be fun! The players I hear today are technically amazing but are not too concerned about the audience. There needs to be a balance of "doing your thing" as a player and keeping the audience engaged...

What is in the near future?
A concert on December 17 with my college roommate and friend who is currently the jazz director at the University of Kansas and a composer/arranger himself—an amazing tenor player.

By Day:
Work at a music store.

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