Please Vote for Me in the Sarah Vaughan Internation Singing Competition

I love Jazz music and have been truly inspired by so many jazz artists that have come and graced the world with their wonderful talents. Sarah Vaughan is definitely one of those artists.

Her voice is da bomb. She has such an incredible range and her vocal stylings are fantastic. Some of the riffs that you hear in her songs, you do not hear from any other vocalist's voice. I love the depth of her voice and I like her approach a lot.

Often times, I find myself doing searches on artists or singing opportunities on Google. And surprisingly, I came across the Sarah Vaughan International Singing Competition and so decided to join in. For one, Sarah Vaughan has the biggest playlist of songs on my IPOD. I could listen to her voice and sing along with her all day and never get tired. Her songs and the way she sings them always makes me feel like getting on my feet and singing; wherever I am.

So when I went to the Indaba Music site and saw that this competition was live and on-going, I decided that it would only be right to honor such a wonderful singer as the Divine One.

The contest directs each singer to upload three selections that Sarah Vaughan sang by either downloading the track made available to competitors or some other suggested songs featured on a PDF file to choose from.

 

 

 

I'd like to invite you today to listen to y submissions and please if you listen and you liked what you heard, vote.  The only way for me to advance to the next round is by the votes of anyone willing to vote for me. I hope you will! Here are the links:

 

What Is This Thing Called Love https://www.indabamusic.com/opportunities/sarah-vaughan-international-jazz-vocal-competition-2014/submissions/7dfe51ca-257f-11e4-a0d0-22000b300299

 

Tenderly https://www.indabamusic.com/opportunities/sarah-vaughan-international-jazz-vocal-competition-2014/submissions/9f9ae646-257e-11e4-ad7b-22000b238357

 

I Can't Give You Anything But Love https://www.indabamusic.com/opportunities/sarah-vaughan-international-jazz-vocal-competition-2014/submissions/371c2f62-257e-11e4-816c-22000b2808b7

 

Thank you in advance for voting!

 

 

A Poem & Song for Music Monday: Music Never Stops Raising My Heart Beat Premiums

Inspired by a writing prompt by Mama Kat; a blog post triggered by the word punched. And so here it is: a poem and a video blog post for music Monday entitled:  Music Never Stops Raising My Heart Beat Premiums by Stephanie Jeannot. Basically the theme of this whole thing is out with the old and in with the new. The onld being the cover of a classic tune by the Brand New Heavies, "Never Stop." The new being the theme song by BeatlifeLI and Stephanie Jeannot, "Premium" and also, the opening slide show and video editing by Melodiaz Creations. Praying you enjoy this!

 

The music playing

through my B28 eyes

Is making passionate love

to my ears and confines

Enough to fill my cup

Right up to the top

For I’ve been yearning for a melody

to get me to bop

It has that what you can say

crunch to it

The one that adds this tender

touch to it

It’s slurring and un-loose

enigma me

I’ve been punched in to that vision of lovelies

of Fresh sixteens and harmonies.

But first we start with

shells and boxes

the kinds that case

divas and foxes

before we enter into

them hopeful doors

to the rhythms of the soul

tearing up birthday suits on all fours

 

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my blog post.

Cover of Groove Theory's "Keep Trying"

My older sister was always an inspiration to me. 

As I was growing up, I always saw her moving about and being her; beautiful and strong.  Though we are different in so many ways, I always hoped in the back of mind to be as beautiful, strong and classy as her so that maybe my parents and the world would see good in me as they did in her.

Not only were her mannerisms influential, but so was her taste in music. She listened to such wonderful music. 

I was in High School when Groove Theory had that popular song “Tell Me” blasting all over the air waves. I always liked the song. 

A few years later, my sister introduced me to the music of Amel Larrieux and that is when I fell in love with her music.  She is such an awesome singer.  I have seen her about four times in concert and have since purchased all of her albums or singles that feature her on it. 

Oddly enough, I never realized that Larrieux was the lead singer of Groove Theory until then and that is when I began listening to Groove Theory even more.  Whether with the group or on her solo projects, I like the music that she breathes.  Pure fire!!!

Larrieux's voice is so serene.  I can listen to her music all day and never get tired.  There is one song in particular that I love.  “Keep Trying” was originally performed by Groove Theory back in the nineties.  The lyrics are positive and motivational.  I like how uplifting the message of the song is. But also, the groove is nice, the melody is cool and I like the way she sings it.  I am so happy my sister put me on to her.

This has been a remarkable year.  There have been both good and bad moments, but the important thing is that I survived it all and I am still here. Especially with school, singing, work and even love, I am learning to keep a more positive outlook on things,

A few days ago, I listened to this song for the first time in a long time and it made me realize that.  The hardest thing to do in life is to stay on course and not give up, even and especially when things do not go my way or someone lets me down. I know God still has the upper hand.

 

 This song says to keep trying. And since it has been on my mind, I felt like singing it.  Please check out my cover of “Keep Trying.”  Thank you for checking out my blog.

Cover of Mariah Carey's Hero

I was in the fifth grade when Mariah Carey came out and inspired the world.  One song in particular that has a lot of meaning to me is “Hero.”

The words are just beautiful. It reminds me of the modern day “Greatest Love Of All.” Not only is it one of my favorite songs but it is also one that speaks life.  

The message that it gives inspires minds to follow dreams and to believe in something. I have so many heroes in my life: my parents, my sisters, my teachers and professors, friends, history makers and more.  Because I like to sing so much, I think it is a appropriate to start this cover series with a song to dedicate to all the heroes in my life.  You inspired me to be more than just myself but a greater version of who I am and for that I am grateful.