Gathering great women musicians together and getting their music heard by multitudes! Spring 2023
Issue #5
spring 2023
G N I EK
S I N DE 14
south florida
since 2007
MEMBER
Denise King, Vocalist by Yanina Carter
Where were you the first time you heard music? The first time I heard music was growing up in West Philadelphia. We listened to everything R&B, Soul, and Gospel. In the late 1960’s, I was a part of the desegregation program. We were bussed to Woodrow Wilson Jr. High School, in the far Northeast. There were only 10 Black kids that went to the school. That’s how I was exposed to the groups, The Nazz and Strawberry Alarm Clock. That’s when I was exposed to Jazz. I was 13. My Uncle, Herbert Tatum, had a massive Jazz collection. I discovered Lee Morgan and The Sidewinder, the first Jazz recording that I heard. My cousin introduced me to Nina Simone’s music. I found Sarah Vaughn by listening to one of the many Jazz stations in Philadelphia - WHAT, WRTI, and WDAS. That’s where I discovered a wide variety of musicians and singers. I learned most of the lyrics to songs, listening to Frank Sinatra. Every week, it was Fridays with Frank and Sundays with Sinatra. I listened to Sid Mark on WHAT 1340 AM. I didn’t realize that was school. My father was a want-to-be drummer, so he got my brothers into drumming. Max Roach was one of my father’s friends. Music was in my genes. My mother sang in the choir and my aunt played the piano. Do you compose? How many songs have you composed and published? Are they in a book?
I do compose. I’m a lyricist, primarily. I sing the melody on a recorder and a pianist writes it out for me. I find words and then get help with the music. I just completed 10 songs, co-written with a composer in France, Joseph Langley. I have 18 to 20 songs composed or published. I’m working on other songs. Everything I wrote or co-wrote is not in a book, but some of the songs are recorded. Do you have a music publishing company? Are you with BMI or ASCAP or another royalty collection agency? I belong to SACEM and the ADAMI, both in France. I have written with composer Steve Rice. We just had a song picked up by an Australian Soap Opera. That’s pretty exciting. Are you aware of the challenges women face in the male-dominated field of music? Absolutely! Women are still fighting an uphill battle. We fight every day to be taken seriously as artists. The level of respect is not where it should be. Inclusion of women in many festivals is rare. Singers are more likely to be invited to festivals, but female musicians struggle for that placement. Things have changed but more should and could be done. It’s nice to see that some promoters are offering gigs to women in Jazz festivals or series. That’s a big step towards women being included and more visible. Do you work with women musicians? Whenever possible, I do include women, but I work with men,
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primarily. When I’m traveling, I connect with a band in that place. I would like to have an all-female band, one day. When I am touring, they plug me into bands already in place. Flying a band from the U.S. is expensive. Many promoters will not do it. When I’m producing a show, I hire women. I like to have a woman on my bandstand as often as I can. But Jazz is definitely a male-dominated field. What advice do you have for a young person entering the world of music? Listen to music from different genres. Find a seasoned musician for mentorship. While their formal education may come from academia, furthering what they’ve learned will come from the bandstand. Sit in at jam sessions, learn the etiquette of the stage and make this your passion. Sometimes, I think young musicians are not getting vital information about their craft. They should leave the attitude and ego at the door. Be great, but remain humble, and learn as much as they can. They need to be able to play different types of music. Like me, I learned Jazz. It is my forte. That is what I do. But if I get the call to do R&B or Gospel, I can do it. Versatility makes you more marketable. What lies in the future? I have so much that I’m working on with touring, learning new music, and composing more. Through my non-profit, Hope and Healing Community Arts Project, I will produce more community-based
Denise King, Vocalist by Yanina Carter (con’t)
concerts. Everyone should have access to music, art, and cultural events. In today’s climate, music can change or save a life. During the summer, I will do some performances in Europe. My Jingle Bell Jam and Toy Drive starts around Thanksgiving and ends near Christmas with The
Jingle Bell Jam session. The Toy Drive helps people who run into problems and cannot provide toys for their children. I’ve been there. So, I help to remove negative feelings they have about being unable to give a gift. We provide something that they can give their children for the holiday. Last year, we expanded to include socks, coats, and pajamas for adults.
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We finish with a big Jazz concert. I distribute the items to four organizations that I adopted and that is how I close out the year with a Bang Gig! photo courtesy of www.denisekingsings
Yanina Carter
MUSICWOMAN RADIO 2023
Since 2008, MUSICWOMAN Radio with host Diva Joan Cartwright (Diva JC) features women who compose and perform their own music and men who support them. Music, the sound of the shperes, begins in the womb! ~ Diva JC Call in on (515) 602-9603, hit #1 to talk to the host www.blogtalkradio.com/musicwoman
ENROLL
SHOP
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N O T ER
H T A LA
PAU 40
south florida
since 2007
MEMBER
Paula Atherton ~ Sass N’ Sax By Paulette C. Jackson
Paula Atherton is a New Yorkbased saxophonist, songwriter and vocalist, who shared the stage with jazz icons, including the late guitarist Nick Colionne, Gerald Albright, and David Sanborn. Paula worked in the traditional jazz field with Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival, and Hank Jones at the Blue Note in New York. Ms. Atherton’s amazing artistry and musicianship takes her all over the world, spreading her musical sunshine to everyone from all walks of life, proving that music is universal, bringing us all together. Aside from her live performances and wonderful recordings, Paula lends her gifts and talents to different populations, through music therapy for Music that Heals, proving that Music is Medicine. Her grace and style, on and off stage, is second to none. The femininity and strength Paula exudes makes it worth getting to know her phenomenal music and her as a human being, who shares her music and light with those fortunate enough to witness her greatness. She has collaborated with great names in the industry because of her diversity and professionalism. Ms. Atherton is a sought after musician, singer and songwriter. Atherton’s impressive resume has chronicles her amazing works like her latest release, Can You Feel It (2020). The title track, Can You Feel It, reached #1 on Billboard, Mediabase, and the Smooth Jazz Network. This album is full of amazing tunes.
This contemporary release has everything jazz lovers need from funky grooves to sass, warmth and class. One of my favorite tracks is A Night in Madrid, featuring Bill Heller on piano. The musicianship is brilliant and does not overpower you. It is a nice, easy groove. I feel like I’m on an island with soft, warm breezes and a little sand between my toes. I can escape to a peaceful place, listening to this album. Paula’s rendition of Patrice Rushen’s Forget Me Nots shows off her vocal skills and adds her special touch to this memorable melody. Paula puts her magical touch on it, while not taking away from Rushen’s original composition. Besides the shows, recordings, and community contributions through her music, there is a sassy aura around Atherton that makes her stand out in the musical crowd. The fact that she can wail on that saxophone and bring a crowd to their feet, on stage alone, or with other tremendous musicians and singers, her spirit adds to her wonder. She takes the time to interact and have discussions with her audience is why I am a fan of hers for life. There aren’t many artists that are approachable but, Paula Atherton is and her care for people shows. Her fans appreciate that about her. It’s one thing to give a great performance or record a great album. But to be likable is a plus that adds to the artistry and that is definitely the case with Paula Atherton. It is an honor and privilege to be
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acquainted with Paula Atherton and I urge all jazz lovers of contemporary or traditional music to add Atherton’s music to their library. If you have the opportunity, go to one of her live shows. You won’t be disappointed. To learn more about Paula. Atherton’s upcoming shows and releases, visit her website at: www.paulaatherton.com. Paulette C. Jackson Published Author
www.authorpaulettecjackson.com inquire@authorpaulettecjackson.com (855) 232-9993
Blended
by Mothers & Daughters
Gail, Tamina & Aankha
Mimi & Diva JC
Blended by God
Daughter, Mimi Johnson & Mother Dr. Joan Cartwright, Singers, Songwriters.
Based in Los Angeles, these two young, dynamite, former Berklee College of Music vocalists and instrumentalists, play piano, drums & guitar, compose and teach music. Their voices are as harmonious as their sweet spirits, blended into one voice. Individually and collectively they have performed with many artists over the past 10 ten years, namely: Nona Hendrix, Ledisi, Bobby Caldwell, Kim Scott, Norman Brown, Burna Boy, Alicia Keys, Jazz In Pink, Pan African People’s Arkestra, Lyke Li, Gene Evaro Jr., Proxima Parada, Diamond White, Randy White, Phil Perry, Bill Withers, Taboo, Black Eyed Peas, Melissa Manchester, Boostive, Karen Briggs, Angie Stone, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Chico Bolivar Guadalupe Jr., And Phat Yaki.
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