tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72756757195856524902024-02-07T06:54:54.594-05:00Boppin with NancyHi Everyone . Welcome to my Blog. Here you can keep up with news regarding gigs and all kinds of other fun observations on the life of this Jazz singer! You can leave comments and your own feelings and observations as a fan of my music and jazz in general or what ever your heart desires.Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-29883836952541852932012-05-09T20:43:00.002-04:002012-05-09T20:57:18.702-04:00“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Oscar Wilde.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayLJvJ_OUMbM01YX1GhhY9qP355gLpwnu02OOKlvJpYLtIp2os1jPnPsT8qD5BvNOrUP7fQVr0dsAlmINvgOiRDSnctQiIXxewpuPrNtR3vTrTZ2sd2QGzJg8NjLMhGqkClVwWRua-y3G/s1600/P1040547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayLJvJ_OUMbM01YX1GhhY9qP355gLpwnu02OOKlvJpYLtIp2os1jPnPsT8qD5BvNOrUP7fQVr0dsAlmINvgOiRDSnctQiIXxewpuPrNtR3vTrTZ2sd2QGzJg8NjLMhGqkClVwWRua-y3G/s320/P1040547.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Scott Dennis had been sinigng most of his adult life when he found his way to my studio over a year ago where I began intensive study with him. A year later this sight challenged highly gifted man has transformed into a first rate jazz singer. Id like to share his thank you note with you. It is humbling and at the same time a reason for great celebration. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">"How do you thank someone who has not only changed your life, but enriched it
beyond your wildest dreams? How do you thank a person who has made you embrace
what you already have, and like it enough to want to make it even better? Who
inspires you to not only do your best, but see your best? How do you thank a
person who shares their music, their gift, their soul so openly with you, and
teaches you that the best way to show your appreciation for such a gift is to
share it? Who's voice can stop you from looking down at the ground and stare
into the stars? How do you thank someone who has become an inspiring teacher,
gentle philosopher, part-time psychologist, and treasured friend? ...I guess you
just say "thank you". Scott Dennis, Jazz singer</span></div>Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-11832371532548622522012-04-06T09:05:00.006-04:002012-04-06T13:21:54.396-04:00The future of Jazz<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD03UYuCOpPUMV1E6IFY5cYov4rj8wREFrDgtK-SOOiRsuwc0fo-dAEWeqzNvOKdfrHbwfrstNKUjKHYC5IQIBUa0qje65fvDrGfov4dX6vNPCeUVCuqLDotsVxkAnUAw-17E83MACOtbr/s1600/louis_armstrong_7_h_snitzer_AG.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD03UYuCOpPUMV1E6IFY5cYov4rj8wREFrDgtK-SOOiRsuwc0fo-dAEWeqzNvOKdfrHbwfrstNKUjKHYC5IQIBUa0qje65fvDrGfov4dX6vNPCeUVCuqLDotsVxkAnUAw-17E83MACOtbr/s200/louis_armstrong_7_h_snitzer_AG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728338468098453570" border="0" /></a><br />People often ask me will jazz ever come back and my answer is always no. The music popular during an era is the result of the emotional state of mind of the society at that time in history .The people are or never will be in the frame of mind that created the music again or in the frame of mind to enjoy the music and those circumstances will never happen again. It was unique to that time in history .I think with some guidance and education the listener can be taught to appreciate it but it will never be popular again. <br />There is some good news, it is an art form and will always be at the top of the musicale mountain. <span class="comment-body" text="The music of an era is the result of the state of mind of the society at that time. People often ask me will jazz ever come back and my answer is always no. The people are or never will be in the frame of mind that created the music or in the frame of mind to enjoy the music and those circumstances will never happen again. . It was unique to that time in history . I think with some guidance and education they can be taught to appreciate it but it will never be popular again. There is some good news, it is an art form and will always be the top of the music mountain. Soon it will be once agin up to the family as it was centuries ago to expose their children to art. Capitalism has all but destroyed art in our country.">Capitalism has all but destroyed art in our country. </span><span class="comment-body" text="The music of an era is the result of the state of mind of the society at that time. People often ask me will jazz ever come back and my answer is always no. The people are or never will be in the frame of mind that created the music or in the frame of mind to enjoy the music and those circumstances will never happen again. . It was unique to that time in history . I think with some guidance and education they can be taught to appreciate it but it will never be popular again. There is some good news, it is an art form and will always be the top of the music mountain. Soon it will be once agin up to the family as it was centuries ago to expose their children to art. Capitalism has all but destroyed art in our country.">Soon it will be once again up to the family as it was centuries ago to expose their children to art.<br /></span>Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-2391276855991835792010-07-30T14:25:00.005-04:002010-08-01T10:45:05.044-04:00No Justice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJxxbE4dVxVPkdn9nBFQzpsaZSXM1CZAJ48Nr-aANURlYWw1knEilv6xL0RFLn0AYlSpcSJKHU6aQVkMyuHUCzA2skuTROcqsSDfDJIESDk1GeDLo-idGBTY-HJVZ6PvQBe5OdchwotLO/s1600/justice.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 143px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499768587349756786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJxxbE4dVxVPkdn9nBFQzpsaZSXM1CZAJ48Nr-aANURlYWw1knEilv6xL0RFLn0AYlSpcSJKHU6aQVkMyuHUCzA2skuTROcqsSDfDJIESDk1GeDLo-idGBTY-HJVZ6PvQBe5OdchwotLO/s200/justice.bmp" /></a><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">oooo</span> I'm tilted right now. Just heard a musician told a comedian I work with from time to time, "You don't have to pay her big money ,she works for cheap" You better hope I don't find out who you are.. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">There's</span> a big difference between Local Jazz club work where <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">there's</span> no cover charge and show and concert work. Every cat in the business and I mean every cat and I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ain't</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">droppin</span> names, takes gigs at their local clubs and they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't always</span> do it for the bread but to keep the chops up. Now you understand why It pays to stay home period? I have cut way back on "Local " gigs just for this reason. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'm</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">between</span> a rock and hard place not being a really big Marquee name that can take only the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cream</span> of the crop gigs .There is no justice or anyone that can be trusted in the music business or any <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">business</span> for that mater.. ooh I could just bite someone.</div>Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-29065535567851834322009-12-20T12:40:00.019-05:002012-03-23T11:57:16.360-04:00Lyman "Butch "Strong<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTkvMAnQNzhwhyphenhyphen5sliqa2-q3rXcoNtGko1_PGSeKVOaA63R6REqkngTLOPKv9nxYWCNUnZ41OYNEOjZkrTeyCnv4mpnaD29TUMQ_VTymknhK1GdVrqh7KRwqGUGNl2afs-Iw_FWrpx2PH/s1600-h/IMG_0139.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417375172499800322" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTkvMAnQNzhwhyphenhyphen5sliqa2-q3rXcoNtGko1_PGSeKVOaA63R6REqkngTLOPKv9nxYWCNUnZ41OYNEOjZkrTeyCnv4mpnaD29TUMQ_VTymknhK1GdVrqh7KRwqGUGNl2afs-Iw_FWrpx2PH/s200/IMG_0139.JPG" border="0" /></a> The passing of yet another great musician. Lyman “Butch” Strong. I met Butch 15-20 years ago. He Played the B3 and we gigged at a black jazz club in Auburn NY. His ability on the organ was astounding. We became musical friends and then real friends over the years into his smooth jazz era where he gave up the Organ for a keyboard and did Orchestrations that Johnny Mandel would be envious of.<br />I often called Lyman for duo gigs. He was perfect for the small gigs with the entire band under his hands. Our ballad work together was legendary. I loved his work so much I used him on my 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span></span></span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">cd</span></span></span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Singin</span></span></span></span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Swingin</span></span></span></span>. Which was ,as all my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">cd</span></span></span></span>’s, released nationally and internationally. I felt so happy and proud to share him with the world. Check out "Come in from the rain" on that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">cd</span> , Its all Lyman and his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">arrangement</span>.<br />We worked all over upstate New York . We developed a wonderful following around central New York as a duo. We became very good friends. I work with many piano players and have my favorites But Lyman and I shared more than just the music. He called me, I called him, and we chatted for hours. He loved to sew and made many treasured things for me. When I called him for a gig he never asked me “What does it pay?” He trusted me. I could call Lyman and say “Hey I need to learn some new tunes” and he’d drive up to my house to help me... He spent days sequencing my shows. We were invested. We recorded tunes for free to raise money for Children hospitals at Christmas. He was very giving and loving. We were getting ready to put together a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">cd</span></span></span></span> of our beloved Ballads when I heard of his passing. I will truly miss him and his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tremendous</span> talent. I’m so grateful he shared his many “gifts” with me.Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-48201897871203677752009-02-11T19:42:00.006-05:002009-02-11T21:25:13.381-05:00Return to Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyyZz7SH7hYQQec_Z8EfLSA-FkilxyYdmx7sw6MQq9hCsicn7cXt9qJJj-Zo7PCzBqJOcGA8Sb98CwqK9k_w14AruqPa0TwNuw-oC4qX7BBN_6WNtOxPUXNjgvIE2ZbBQz67BNxEXeS4r/s1600-h/Blue+dog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301706670791636098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyyZz7SH7hYQQec_Z8EfLSA-FkilxyYdmx7sw6MQq9hCsicn7cXt9qJJj-Zo7PCzBqJOcGA8Sb98CwqK9k_w14AruqPa0TwNuw-oC4qX7BBN_6WNtOxPUXNjgvIE2ZbBQz67BNxEXeS4r/s200/Blue+dog.jpg" border="0" /></a> For the past 4 years I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> basically lived alone. Oh I would Love to have a fabulous guy in my life but life just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">doesn</span></span>’t agree apparently. So I forge forward without. But I am not without love. Unconditional love from my family which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">include</span>s our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wonderful</span> family pets. There’s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cubby</span></span> that lives with my sister and family and there’s little Miss that was my mother’s cat I took in when mother passed away. Missy has been my true sister and love, always there at the door to greet me and make me feel needed.<br />Then there is Blue dog that lives with my daughter and family. Blue dog was rescued by Kellie (my Daughter) when she was a pup. She was bred to fight and kill by some very misguided neighbors .The puppy cried for love and Kellie saved her. Blue has been a part of our lives for 14 years. Blue and I had a very special bond which I will be e<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ver</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">grateful</span> for.She is possibly the most compassionate being I have ever known. She has been a very important part of all our lives. She went back to spirit today. We are all lost without her. I will never walk in the woods again without feeling her spirit. I will never walk down Graham ave in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Williamsburg</span></span> without thinking of her and our late night walks there. She loved me and I loved her. She loved us all. Now <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">anit</span></span> that what life’s all about... Thank you Blue dog.Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-46685414542486399822008-11-28T16:39:00.005-05:002008-11-28T17:29:41.584-05:00Joe Romano<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0b1MSmE5lJfsMEanmWSikVziCDTKTNG0HN7XO-tUAagCqaNu8oI1AJdkbqRRBkvWDbc1HhY3txVB8iptC9YWaxrdIBacU5caJ5YmbUgg4ZiT7kgcH8Xobn6l55ECTnjUZ-IJyeEhCqI1/s1600-h/004_006_6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273837302006875954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0b1MSmE5lJfsMEanmWSikVziCDTKTNG0HN7XO-tUAagCqaNu8oI1AJdkbqRRBkvWDbc1HhY3txVB8iptC9YWaxrdIBacU5caJ5YmbUgg4ZiT7kgcH8Xobn6l55ECTnjUZ-IJyeEhCqI1/s200/004_006_6.jpg" border="0" /></a>Joe Romano.....April 17, 1935-November 26, 2008<br />Joe was the real deal. He lived the “jazz life” and his playing was authentic. The sound Joe had was from years on the road working and playing with the best cats out there. You can’t get it from a classroom, you have to live it. Working with Joe was a great learning experience for me. He pushed me to uncharted territory and we flew high on the band stand. Hearing of Joe's passing has not been easy for me. When Joe was on the gig I never felt uncomfortable. Joe always made me feel valid as a singer. His style of playing encouraged me to take musicale risks and he genuinely liked me and my work and trust me that’s not the case very often as we singers at best are a necessary evil for most musicians and I know who digs me and who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">doesn</span>’t. He did and I loved him big time. We became friends and kept in touch all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thru</span> the years and gigged when we could. He was very giving and forgiving on and off the bandstand. He was a great hang too.. Thanks Joe for everything you shared with me. I have lost one of my brothers in deed. I gonna really miss you...Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-9881752231775856622008-08-17T10:27:00.009-04:002008-08-17T14:02:29.245-04:00Not so " Menza Menza"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3DQxPgY4G0-nrsGtBYC9bH49hh_BaTaAfEbDloRS9fVc9AwsfRi7Szp1rL8u59RsWNQcb47Cnhk0mgVPxShQZBsaQYGiOCoOIUknVrfT0lhLm96DwXgGgEt0Xtenp9IcHeObyq9bmgs7/s1600-h/N+and+Don+crop12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235496988516863970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="136" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3DQxPgY4G0-nrsGtBYC9bH49hh_BaTaAfEbDloRS9fVc9AwsfRi7Szp1rL8u59RsWNQcb47Cnhk0mgVPxShQZBsaQYGiOCoOIUknVrfT0lhLm96DwXgGgEt0Xtenp9IcHeObyq9bmgs7/s200/N+and+Don+crop12.JPG" width="200" border="0" /></a>You often hear folks talk about the talent that was born and bread in upstate New York . Many have made history and will be remembered for their contribution to the music. Don <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Menza</span> is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">definitely</span> one. Nice gig with Don Friday night. Don is originally from Buffalo now living in L.A. Plays his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">everlovin</span> butt off and has a ball on stage. What a gas. It's good to know your not alone sometimes. Thanks Don..Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-33617260290573917412008-05-16T16:25:00.007-04:002008-06-02T16:36:30.570-04:00How Bout Them Apples<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ysQPldi_0GvHR-DIUqPs776ebJwdeUxl2DI8QuZTP8HPupw20PPPYQTq-nYTmGMjFdbgZq1_yFrNjAXx8mAAiHaW2W44MX3wbSbY1fAO4aYn_gK_FzDyLlYB702Fa-nkvFAmzsQDhneH/s1600-h/IMG_0485.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201074984519619682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ysQPldi_0GvHR-DIUqPs776ebJwdeUxl2DI8QuZTP8HPupw20PPPYQTq-nYTmGMjFdbgZq1_yFrNjAXx8mAAiHaW2W44MX3wbSbY1fAO4aYn_gK_FzDyLlYB702Fa-nkvFAmzsQDhneH/s200/IMG_0485.JPG" border="0" /></a> I took this picture at the public market in Seattle. It turned out to be somewhat serendipitous and right on . I went out there to work a wonderful Jazz room called Bakes Place. It was a rewarding experience on many levels. The musicians were 1st rate and were great guys. The club was 1st class as well . Joan Merrill Books the room. I had met Joan at IAJE several years ago. She was and still is managing Rebecca Parris and several other notable jazz singers. I, needless to say asked her if she'd consider booking for me to which she replied she was not taking anyone new on. We stayed in touch and she brought me out to Bakes in May. Houston Person had been telling her to take a serious look at me for several years and after seeing me live Joan had a change of heart and is now my manager and agent for which I am grateful as I had just recently thrown up my hands to cold calling festivals and clubs. It becomes redundant for some artists to do so and Joan is a blessing.. In Joan’s words: <em>Suffice is to say that I’m taking this on because I think you’re a terrific singer (Houston was right!!); probably the most authentic and pure "jazz singer" out there and I think other people ought to have the joy of hearing/seeing you. </em><em><br /></em>We are doing a live Cd at Bakes place in the Fall. It’s all very delightful. Now let’s just hope I can afford to travel by this time next year. LOLNancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-54854159285162392852008-01-19T10:40:00.002-05:002008-06-21T14:27:21.547-04:00Darwin's Theory of Jazz<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U4VF_vha7_BLcPwzyrpKgFp7bZOmy_6Jkd6sghqFkXZNihW9iyrY_maBuhSmKJzA0KhfdBcfFZ0PrHMohFGVn8n9Aw5q2DV-0xKjDCGhtYU8htlHK0JyhzUJoYRovGC2rBfFcFHc94dt/s1600-h/Image5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157324720327346162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U4VF_vha7_BLcPwzyrpKgFp7bZOmy_6Jkd6sghqFkXZNihW9iyrY_maBuhSmKJzA0KhfdBcfFZ0PrHMohFGVn8n9Aw5q2DV-0xKjDCGhtYU8htlHK0JyhzUJoYRovGC2rBfFcFHc94dt/s200/Image5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />There is a big movement towards academic Jazz singing and playing and what I am calling Folk or Pop Jazz. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sadly</span> some are calling it a natural evolution of the music.<br />How did we get here? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I'm</span> sure the Beatles had something to do with it. That’s another whole blog. There was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">definitely</span> a decline in people going out to hear live music after the drunk driving laws affected most of the club scenes around the country. Jazz musicians ran to the universities looking for work. 30 years ago there were only 3 colleges in the U.S. that offered a jazz program. Now almost every school in the country has one. We are turning out factory made jazz musicians faster than Detroit could make the Edsel .It’s a “Catch 22” educating so many to the music is priceless and important to its preservation but, they are released into a market that has about as many opportunities as Siberia. Every young jazz wannabe in the country is borrowing money from their family or sugar daddy, depending on their ethics, to make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cds</span></span></span> and flood the market with them. While getting the American songbook out to the masses is important, it could be seen as music inflation and a product of commercialism and capitalism. Those of us that came up learning our craft by actually living it for 30 years are finding it harder and harder to find a new audience as they are now exposed to “new Jazz" by the commercial jazz machine that can make a jazz star out of anyone that has enough money, is 19 and good looking and can sing or at least know how to use Pro Tools. Hey after all it’s the land of the free and everyone depending on how cunning they are can have a big piece of the pie<br />There’s a few good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dj</span></span></span>’s left in the country like Ross Gentile at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WSIE</span></span></span> in St Louis. Ross plays what he deems great jazz and great singing period, but countless Jazz radio program directors because of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">various</span> factors of the nature of the new beast,are under pressure and are forced to feed the commercial jazz machine<br />I am, in no way bitter and consider myself to have a blessed life and career and to be alive to watch any transformation, not just this one. I am proud of every line on my face and proud to be a part of the “old” jazz that’s left. I’m not Doris Day, I’m not Frank Sinatra. I don’t sing the melody all the time. I sing jazz standards and the American songbook my way Like Ella, Carmen and Billy and Betty.<br />Whenever I am asked if I do anything original my answer is, “Yes everything I do is original “ </div>Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-18730655542419503352008-01-18T10:04:00.001-05:002008-06-21T14:25:40.475-04:00shhhhh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFxrLiwz7KVnfHr3iR9ZeuxuhkNJc8IdO5SVFxXNq8k9tkYmCH0qfUB4v-xAKpq67MZWd71FJBl6Ocbx3A-1gzt7zDktvYPqhRPS3EnUKLe_aGznAQO8gJ04BjC-H6eIIqSOnvh3VsDkN/s1600-h/shhh.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157598099290703906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 109px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px" height="200" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFxrLiwz7KVnfHr3iR9ZeuxuhkNJc8IdO5SVFxXNq8k9tkYmCH0qfUB4v-xAKpq67MZWd71FJBl6Ocbx3A-1gzt7zDktvYPqhRPS3EnUKLe_aGznAQO8gJ04BjC-H6eIIqSOnvh3VsDkN/s200/shhh.jpg" width="109" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am old school jazz singer. There are only a handful of us left. I came up in the “real east coast jazz houses” swingin, with just enough grit and bop. I learned my craft from cats that couldn’t read a damn note and knew every tune in every key, some drank like fish’s and other things we don’t need to mention and played with a passion, like their life depended on it. The crowds screamed with glee and excitement cheering us on higher and higher. There were jazz clubs like that in every town. Your feet stuck to the rug and Billy and Ella and Dizzy poured from the juke box. Steam rolled out onto the street while the musicians played till dawn. (By the way there is still a jazz club like this in my neck of the woods called “Green Pastures” in Elmira N.Y.). Things have changed and the music is mostly played “in concert” and mainstream jazz rooms. The crowd is told to be quiet during the performance. Not because we don’t want some feedback but simply because they talk. As a musician I can tell you there’s a big difference between a room that is buzzing because they are physically and emoitionally involved with the music and a room of noisy listeners that don’t “get it”. We have come to this and it is necessary at this juncture but man do I ever miss hearing “Yeah Baby”or“Amen”or“You go Girl”, pushing the music to higher heights with levels of excitement that have now been forced almost into remission. The environment has become sterile and the “lost chord” may never be found. The days of spontaneous acknowledgement are all but gone. </div>Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-14272665443992636142007-12-17T10:09:00.000-05:002008-01-22T10:08:07.049-05:00Winter Blues<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YoKpUtCoqxi6ItfIqwze-GSbBo9kvMTFIWGf90eQBDnoeRlmvPdA3QrkeQ53r-VIDC4urIpH9fI2Tc0cLtQYh2WddCobVP_7psNLy03jBV3XMp0J6aGJXZsQNuc9qdlTcuDEVMKJkPYR/s1600-h/2039280384_37bbe49ddd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158317020981479586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YoKpUtCoqxi6ItfIqwze-GSbBo9kvMTFIWGf90eQBDnoeRlmvPdA3QrkeQ53r-VIDC4urIpH9fI2Tc0cLtQYh2WddCobVP_7psNLy03jBV3XMp0J6aGJXZsQNuc9qdlTcuDEVMKJkPYR/s200/2039280384_37bbe49ddd.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We have survived our first big storm up state. Luckily I did not miss any gigs. I’m off to NYC to spend Christmas with my daughter Kellie and son-in-law Greg and grandson Graham Jackson . Cant wait to see him! Yup that's him! Our Little Viking! and my Daughter Kellie. I often take the train to New York. I Love the train! It's so relaxing and the ride along the Hudson is stunning .No gigs in NYC this trip. <strong>1/22/2008</strong> My trip to Brooklyn was wonderful. I so enjoyed the time spent with my grandson. It makes me sad to think I can only see him once in a while but I feel lucky to see him whenever I can. He and I had a ball this trip. As he grows we bond more and more. Kellie put the tree up on a table for this year so he couldn't grab at it. It worked out great. He really was to young yet to "get" the Christmas thing. Next year will be different I'm sure . Cant wait! What fun! Looking forward to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">their</span> trip upstate to my house on the lake this summer! Happy New Year everyone ! </div>Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7275675719585652490.post-3697372941322607222007-12-12T09:21:00.001-05:002008-03-18T10:02:22.540-04:00The Gig Chronicles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pjzyhVemXJ7n7q1hOTsX3cQqu9tBwEgpoknnld9k4Ewh3UJPIz-xWg8RbJyKnixhwCIlB4i_ExW54iuhOl00pPU_x8RQgH2ZBfNpBE9F9W5MisgKb9KlRD3MHt0UCyn5WmOCSyhydYlj/s1600-h/Nance++low+res.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157937560620877970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pjzyhVemXJ7n7q1hOTsX3cQqu9tBwEgpoknnld9k4Ewh3UJPIz-xWg8RbJyKnixhwCIlB4i_ExW54iuhOl00pPU_x8RQgH2ZBfNpBE9F9W5MisgKb9KlRD3MHt0UCyn5WmOCSyhydYlj/s200/Nance++low+res.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Im often asked how I get most of my gigs. Well ,most of my work comes from concert and club owners that I have worked for before or have heard of me and wish to book a date. The rest of my work is about me calling and asking for a gig. Those that know me are very respectful and happy to talk with me but if they don't know me it can be a challenge and sometimes a bit degrading. For instance, last week I called a famous cub in New York hoping to book date. I have worked the room at least 20 times but the new young man booking the room did not remember me. That’s when I have to send them to my site or send a promo Pac and cd out to them and play phone tag for weeks on end.The Yin and Yang of Gigs . This fall I was out in CA. playing a GREAT Jazz festival called "The West Coast Jazz Party". (BTW they called me) It's a very hip premise.( Calling me !and the gig!) They hire all big names as solo acts and then form bands and play together. I sang with many big names it was a total gas! Terry Gibbs, Lew Matthews Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen Jeremy Pelt, Tamir Hendelman, Jay Leonhart, Clayton Cameron,Terry Gibbs Sextet featuring Ken Peplowski with Tom Ranier, Tony Monaco, Chuck Berghofer, Frank Capp, Chuck Redd. The list goes on. Butch Miles who played drums for the Count Basie band for years, was a big highlight for me. We really rocked the joint! It was the highlight of my year, big time! Plus I was the only Chic singer! After the gig, Ken Peplowski and his wife and I drove back to L.A. (Lovely People). We had a great talk about how difficult it is to go between being treated like royalty half the time and then having to beg for work somewhere else and schlepping equipment to gigs and being made to Pay 12 bucks for a glass of wine "No you dint just make money on me, did yu? It’s a real test of composure at times... Alas we do it because we love it. We live for the music and live to share it with you. Looking forwad to hearing from you. Nancy Kelly<br />To leave a comment, click the comment link below.</div>Nancy Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11359513401049391976noreply@blogger.com4