Nina Braith, Vienna, Austria

Hi, Clairdee!

I just found your version of "Alright, Okay, You Win" at iTunes and I love it so much! You have an amazing voice and style! I am also a jazz singer and would appreciate it very much, if you came to Vienna! Maybe to Porgy and Bess or to the Konzerthaus?? Hope to hear and see you somewhen, somewhere!

Best wishes from Austria,
Nina Braith

Artists comment on "Artists Playlists: Part 1"

Marcus McLaurine
Bassist, composer, educator

Clairdee,

As I was listening to the September Playlist favorite music picks, I remembered that "Just Friends" on the Charlie Parker with Strings recording was the recording that got me excited about playing jazz. Stemsey Hunter, a local alto saxophonist in Omaha, Nebraska, said to me, "Marcus, I want you to hear this recording by Charlie Parker." I was blown away because I had never before heard anyone play like that. My life has never been the same. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.

Marcus
www.marcusmclaurine.com

Sheila Jordan
Vocalist, educator

My dear Clairdee,

I thank you and I'm sure Bird thanks you for keeping his music alive. A great display, too. I am honored to be part of it, my dear. I am currently in Sardinia (Nuoro) teaching and doing a bass and voice concert for the week. Stay well and singing.

Love and kisses and many thanks,
Sheila
www.sheilajordanjazz.com

Phil and Linda Stewart

Hi Clairdee!

I felt I must let you know how great it was to hear you on Sunday at the Montclair Jazz Festival. It has been far too long! Just downloaded your CD, Music Moves, to my iPod this morning. (Even us old farts are getting into the 21st century — LOL.) I am always so pleased how your music gets better and better! Thanks for the opportunity to hear and see you.

Phil Stewart

James Knox

Clairdee,

Thank you again for the wonderful workshop at The Jazzschool. I definitely look forward to the next one. Who knows? One day you might see me standing at a microphone. :)

And I will definitely see you at Monterey Jazz Festival. My dream would be to take a photo with you and Nancy Wilson. I am going to keep my fingers and toes crossed!

Hope you are enjoying the warm summer weather.

All the best,
James
www.j-notes.com

From foster care to loving care!

We received a lot of feedback regarding the Thomas family, featured in my August 2008 newsletter. I am in frequent contact with Natalie, Rachel, and Ashley, and I'm happy to report that the girls are thriving in Natalie's loving care.

Here are a few of your letters. Thank you so much for sharing.
— Clairdee

Rita Sokolowski

Hi Clairdee,

I loved reading about the beautiful foster family who won your contest. My sister, Irene, has just become a foster mom. She lives in Sacramento. It's a sad story of a friend's relative who is a meth user, and not a contraceptive user. Irene's friend adopted twin boys last year or so, and when Ben came along, there was no other family member to step up as there were older children also placed with family members. My sister could not bear the thought of this baby not knowing his siblings, and volunteered to foster Ben until she can adopt him. Here are the photos of this beautiful baby boy. I can’t wait to meet him!

Regards,
Rita

Charles Brinkley, Jr.

Clairdee,

Now just how did you know that the caption “From foster care to loving care” would freeze me in my tracks and make me open that article first?

You are such a warm-hearted and BEAUTIFUL Sista!

Charles

Suzanne Russell

Hi Clairdee,

I loved your story about the winners of the contest. Very heart warming with great photos of those adorable girls and their dedicated new mom.

You are something else.

Love,
Suzanne

Clara Hines and daughter

Clairdee,

Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed and was moved by the story of the Thomas family. Here's a photo of my daughter and me.

Clara

Ginger Berglund

Clairdee!

What a great story! My first job was taking care of kids at a foster home. Thanks for posting my pic while listing my fav tunes list. Best wishes for a wonderful Monterey with Nancy Wilson...wow!

Lotsa love,
Ginger

Hear What You're Listening to!

Subscribers Kent and Jill Lauder introduced me to Sir Colin Davis conducting the London Symphony in a recording of Hector Berlioz' "Romeo and Juliet." The Lauder's message not only inspired me to find the recording and listen, it prompted me to want to know what other subscribers are listening to. So I asked, "What's on your playlist?" Read on, then listen to the August 2008 Playlist. Look for more in September.
—Clairdee

Erienne Poole, Blackwood, New Jersey

Hi Clairdee!

I am so excited you asked me to share what I am listening to because I think you will love it. My best friend, Rickey Tripp, (pictured with me) is a part of the "Original Broadway Cast of In The Heights." I have been wearing this CD out! It is the most innovative CD to ever hit Broadway. It has Latin styles, hip-hop and musical theater all in one CD. My favorite songs are "The Club" and "Blackout!"

The next time you are in New York, go see this show! The dancing is incredible as well. In The Heights just won four Tony® awards, including Best Musical and Choreography!

I hope you enjoy the CD!

Erienne

Dodi Young, New York City

Hi Clairdee,

Since I never had cable TV in California, I've become a TV addict here in New York! Therefore, I don't listen to music very much. When I do, it's usually a classic like Kind of Blue, or Somethin' Else by Miles Davis. I also love your Destination Moon album, which puts you here with me. Carmen McRae and Nancy Wilson bring me instant joy, also. My all time favorite song is "Never Let Me Go," and I have versions of it by many different artists. Of the "new" artists, my very favorite is Regina Carter and I try to see her whenever she has a gig here. She is a virtuoso!

Love,
Dodi

Ginger Berglund, Los Angeles

Hey beautiful!

I'm listening to Dale Warland Singers, Cathedral Classics, Frank Martin's Mass, the Agnus Dei, and then in the same album, is Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei. I'm a choir junkie.

Also, Storyville Presents Jackie and Roy. I love "You Smell So Good." (I'm on a Tommy Wolf/Fran Landesman kick). FYI: Scott Whitfield has a "Jackie and Roy Fan Club" on Facebook.

Hope you're having fun this summer.

Love to you and your loved ones,
Ginger

www.gingerberglund.com

Ed Wright, Hercules, California

Clairdee,

My favorite artist is keyboard player, Brian Simpson. I'm listening to his CD, It's All Good, and "Twilight" is my favorite song on this CD. Check it out!

Love,
Ed

Kent and Jill Lauder

Hi Clairdee,

Since you informed us as to what you listen to [see Clairdee's playlist], I thought I would throw in my two cents (ten in today's market). I am primarily a classical listener, and right now I'm listening to a very old favorite. "Romeo and Juliette," a dramatic symphony by Berlioz, with Colin Davis and the London Symphony with chorus and soloists. Incredibly beautiful and powerful. Exceptionally modern having been written in the 1830's. The last scene of forgiveness is a real heart tugger.

All the best,
Kent and Jill Lauder

Greg Bridges

Hey Clairdee,

I really dig the Podcast section of your website. You know there are some of us who view every month, every day, as a moment to appreciate Jazz and your site is reflective of that.

Be well,
Greg Bridges

Ansgar Furst, Isabelle Coste and Remy Furst

Clairdee,

We are SO honored that Remy makes it into your "favorite moments" along with Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marian MacPartland and so many other distinguished artists!

I told Ken about Remy's amazing encounter with Ellis Marsalis, sitting...

Read more...

What's Happening in Your Neighborhood?

Clairdee subscribers were asked to share their favorite summer community events — in particular, music, art, dance and literature events. Based on responses, I was surprised to learn how few people actually spend leisure time in their communities and even more surprised at how little they know about cultural events happening within their communities.

Check out these ideas. Your recommendations are welcomed. Thanks so much. —Clairdee

Bill Easley, Hackensack, New Jersey

The enormously talented saxophonist, Bill Easley, who plays on my upcoming recording, had this to say. I am hopeful as I read his last sentence.
Thank you, Bill.

Clairdee,

I just drove up to my hometown of Olean, NY (400 miles NW of New York City). I was reminded of my boyhood days in the mid-50s and early 60s. This small city of 20,000 people had a symphony orchestra, three big dance bands, and dozens of small combos that played a radius of 50 miles in neighboring towns. The hard working public needed...

Read more...

Bob Weisgerber

Dear Clairdee,

Whenever I receive an email note from you, or check out your inviting, stimulating website, I come away changed — for the better. I decided to tell about the effect you have on others, because...

Read more...

CONCERT – Jazz at the Chimes, Oakland, California

George and Penny Siegmann

Dear Clairdee,

We have enjoyed your music for ten years now. Attached is a very special request for a song we have heard you sing beautifully.

Love always,
George and Penny

Annie Lem

Dear Clairdee,

I just want to say thank you. Mom and I were so glad we were able to catch your concert on Sunday, May 18! Thank you so much for honoring us with your marvelous and thoughtful dedication. Please pretend that I threw you a kiss instead of acting like a deer caught in some headlight. I felt extremely lucky that Mom was lucid enough that day for us to attend. Catching your show was like catching a bit of sun during this trying, cloudy period. Thanks for the sunshine!

Love,
Annie

Tom and Marge Kassis

Dear Clairdee,

Marge and Dick and I so much enjoyed your concert. The way that you treat lyrics reminds me of a trip Marge and I took through Vermont and New Hampshire a couple of years ago in the fall. Each day...

Read more...

Torbie Phillips

Dear Clairdee:

What a great show you had today! I enjoyed it immensely and consider you a great role model not only as a fellow human being (you have such an honest, kind, positive way about you!) but also as a singer. Really, what a treat it was to see/hear you!

Please keep me posted as to your whereabouts, and please give my regards to Ken, too. I was unable to introduce myself to him but wanted to thank and compliment him, as well, on his stellar performance.

L.,
Torbie (I was so tickled you remembered my name! What a doll you are.) Phillips

Judith Gottesman

Thank you, Clairdee, for introducing me to Jazz at the Chimes. You were wonderful, as always, and it was such a magnificent venue.

Can't wait till your next concert.

Judith Gottesman

Ellen Olson and Dick Williams

Clairdee,

Thank you so much for your wonderful performance at the Chapel of the Chimes this afternoon. My fiance, Dick, and I were so thrilled that we had a chance to see you in person. We loved the entire program.

One of the things that Dick and I share is a love for music — especially jazz. We have been supporters of SF Jazz for many years; going to the concerts and meeting new people who love jazz has been an important aspect of our relationship.

We have listened to your CDs and love your vocals and your arrangements. But your personality and stage presence is just another thing entirely! You are just stunning on stage.

Anyway, it was such a joy to meet you today. Good luck with your recording project!

Kindest regards,
Ellen Olson & Dick Williams

Russ Gates

Hi Clairdee (and Ken),

Sunday was just too much fun. Clairdee, I can only describe your performance with a Tina (Turner) song, "You're Simply the Best!" Ken, if the original Rat Pack were still alive, they would kidnap you and have you on stage with them! You both are so "groovie" and you just get better all the time.

Love,
Russ

Tessa Loehwing

Clairdee,

What a pleasure to hear real jazz singing. Like I said, I sing as well and it's hard to find really good jazz singers. When Betty Carter died I thought, "Well, that's it. They're all gone now." So, thank you for reminding me that true jazz singing is not dead.

Tessa

PowerSpeaking, Inc. was featured in our March 2008 Discoveries. Rick is also quite a talented photographer, whose subjects include landscapes, musicians and community-based projects.
—Clairdee

Hi Clairdee,

As usual, your newsletter is full of passion, warmth, and good music. I so admire you and what you are doing with your career and outreach. It is like your music is a vehicle through which you touch others and express your basic joie de vivre — of which you have so much.

Also, thanks again for your kind words about our program in your last newsletter.

Best,
Rick Gilbert
Founder, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Victoria "Torbie" Phillips

Dear Clairdee,

Your website is superb, and my fave item that you recently sent out is the April-is-jazz-appreciation-month, print-it-up, 'Ella' poster!

Thank you for your lovely presence, voice, warmth, and invite-to-write.

A fan and fellow vocalist,
Torbie (Victoria) Phillips

Hello Clairdee,

I saw you here in Washington years ago at Jazz Bones. I would LOVE to see you perform again. I also have family in Chicago that I have talked to that enjoy jazz as well. I have purchased your album 7 times to pass on the wonderful music that you have given to us. My family in Chicago would also like to know when you may be performing there. You are not only a wonderful musician but it is rare to find a live performance that is worth talking about and seeing again. You are awesome. I feel fortunate enough to be musically cultured especially given my age and where I grew up. I can't wait to see you perform again. Suggestion: Chateau Ste Michelle Winery in Woodinville, Washington would be a divine and classy place to perform.

Sincerely,
Luvienna Peyton

Bob and Jane McWilliams

Hi Clairdee,

Our question is: WHEN ARE YOU COMING BACK TO NAPA???? We miss seeing you. Also, please note our new e-mail address. We don't want to miss any of your news!

Hope all is going well for you and yours.

Bob & Jane McWilliams

Bryce Rohde, pianist, composer

Bryce Rohde and I met in 1994 performing together in a duo setting at a beautiful supper club in San Francisco. Bryce's composition, "Knitting Class," is featured on Nancy Wilson's Grammy® winning recording, Turn To Blue. —Clairdee

Hello Clairdee,

You certainly know how to put a website together. It's GREAT! Wonderful to get the Manchester Guild item on Bill Strickland. I suppose you received a copy of his book which I received in the mail recently probably as it related to my tune on Nancy's recording.

Read More...

Podcast Comments

Hi Clairdee.

I enjoyed your conversation with Dianne Reeves. You ask good questions!

Thanks.

Ken Muir

Hi Clairdee,

Thanks for staying in touch. I enjoyed your Dianne Reeves and Ivan Lins podcasts. You're a terrific interviewer; really good at connecting with folks on a very personal level. That comes through in your music, too.

I hope your spirits are on the rise. I know how hard you work and push yourself. But be sure to take time to nurture yourself too.

Love from us all—

Jon Herbst
Coventry Studio
www.herbstmusic.com

Performance

Hey Clairdee,

Oh, I enjoyed you at the square on Valentine's Day in Oakland. I get so excited when I hear you sing. I just love you, love you. My friend Isa relishes her new CD. We love it and play it in the office all the time. I love DOOOOO Something. That's my favorite. So wonderful to see you. I will try to catch another performance before you pop out of the Bay Area.

Many Blessings!
Kelli Marie

Thank You from the Bottom of My Heart

My mother, Georgia Roslyn Wright, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2007. Your many, many messages, cards, poems and stories have touched my heart deeply and will always be remembered. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As I begin a new chapter in my life, I celebrate my mother's wisdom, laughter, and love. I celebrate her devotion, independence and humor. I sing in celebration of her life now and always.

With love and gratitude,
—Clairdee

Dr. Herb Wong's Class, "Ella Fitzgerald: The Peerless First Lady of Song"

Clairdee,

Last night's class was fantastic. I enjoyed your stories. You are a great speaker, too. Please let me know when your ballad CD is reissued with the new material.

Attached is the photo I took of both of you and Herb. I hope you enjoy this keepsake.

Best Regards,
Richard Brooks

John Schroeder's Curry Chicken with Chutney

You've got to try this! It's delicious!
—Clairdee

Hi Clairdee,

All of us thoroughly enjoyed your appearance at Herb Wong's jazz class to give us your insights and comments on Ella Fitzgerald. The one selection you played, "Supper Time," was especially memorable and prompted me to go on a search for The Irving Berlin Songbook.

Read More...

Ken Taylor at VMWorld 2007

Hi Clairdee,

I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much I enjoyed your performance at the VMWorld 2007 event. I was 3,000 miles from home and having an awful week on many levels. You completely turned it around for me! Between your gorgeous vocals, your souful/playful interpretations — and the smoking-hot quartet that Ken put together, I was transported to a completely different place.

Read More...

Chanell J. Wilson: Divine Delays

A few years ago, this bright, energetic and talented singer/songwriter put her dreams on hold to help take care of her family. Through the experience, Chanell discovered something more valuable.

Read More...

Jimmy “Jazz” Hayes’ Kahlua Chocolate Cake

Do you love chocolate? Then you'll enjoy the recipe for this delectable food gift I received from a fan at my 5th annual Christmas show at Yoshi’s.

Read More...

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