Thursday, January 31, 2013

My Jazzy Love Song Collection and a Special Dedication

I'm building the perfect collection of  jazz love songs because I have something very special planned for my next show.

The show is this valentine's day at Missoula's Montgomery Distillery and pianist Keaton Wilson and I are planning to create the most romantic and classy environment for your valentine that Missoula has ever seen.




I would love to fill this show with songs that are truly special to all of you, and to let your love stories create the energy behind my delivery of these songs on the day of the performance.  

So, Keaton Wilson (pianist) and I are working together to provide a list of songs you can choose from as a dedication at our upcoming show: Valentine's Day Jazz at the Montgomery Distillery

Is there a song below that you would love to hear sung especially for your valentine?

You'll just need to tell us: the name of your valentine, the song from the list, and bonus!!: how long you've been together.



A Time for Love
Alright, Okay, You Win
Autumn Leaves
As Time Time Goes By
Come Fly With Me
Comes Love
Corcovado (Quiet Nights)
East of The Sun’
Estate
Every Time We Say Goodbye
Fever
Fly Me to The Moon
A Foggy Day
I Could Write a Book
I'm Beginning to See the Light
It Had to Be You
I've Got You Under My Skin
I've Got The World on a String
Just in Time
Just the Way You Are
Lets Fall in Love
Misty
My Favorite Things
My Funny Valentine
My Old Flame
My One and Only Love
My Romance
Old Devil Moon 
Peel Me a Grape
Our Love is Here to Stay
Sway
There Will Never Be Another You
They Can't Take That Away
This Can't Be Love
Unforgettable
What A Difference a Day Made
What A Wonderful World 
Witchcraft
When I Fall in Love
You Made Me Love You
You Go To My Head

A song doesn't have to reflect a certain person to make it memorable, it can also remind you of a certain time in your life, or a certain day, or just a feeling you once had that you can't quite put into words.

Whether you can make it to the show or not, I invite you to place your dedication below in the comments. We will still perform the song and will make an announcement in your valentine's honor as a thank you for being our faraway fan. I appreciate you so much!

To stay in touch, the best place to be is my facebook page: www.facebook.com/laura.sings.jazz

Happy Valentine's Day, to you and yours!


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

My vocal coaches, and my first lesson in years, with Eden Atwood

Lola, my microphone.
Can you put a price on a good vocal coach? Beginning from a very young age, my mom always did her best to connect me with great teachers. Now it's my turn to start seeking one out for myself, and I must admit, I've been delaying it for far too long.

In my life, finding a great teacher has been as much a product of divine providence as dumb luck. I was lucky as a little girl living in Niskayuna, NY to be shaped by Holly Johnston, then known to me as Mrs. Peirce. Her passion for music and ability to make music fun really made an impression on me, as you can probably tell.

After learning that I had chosen to pursue music as a career, Holly invited me to lead a Rosendale Elementary School assembly featuring me and my band, and later perform with the kid's choir. But it wasn't over yet- there was a second assembly at my high school, Niskayuna High School where I was able to show my love of jazz before my entire peer group- forever emblazoning my pursuit of jazz as legitamite- and maybe even cool. 

It was my first glimpse into life's greatest mystery-  its tendency to circle back and make sense of itself over time. When we look carefully, life rhymes like a beautiful song. Holly and I are still in touch today and she regularly cheers me on through my facebook fan page. She is a teacher who really cares, and I am blessed to have her in my life.

I've had other great teachers, Sylvia Kutchukian, Sasha Dobson, Laurel Masse, Eileen Bush, Jobelle Yonely. I wish I could say I made the most of all of the learning opportnities I've had over the years, but I can say that my life has been blessed by coming into contact with these great women of music.

After booking a few upcoming performances at some new venues, I realized... I'd better get practicing, and although I've been a bit shy of being taught again, I heard about Eden Atwood 
and knew I had to reign in my little crazy horse self once again for life and music's next big lesson.

I'm looking forward to my lesson- it is my first voice lesson in over two years. But I'm more ready than ever to learn about the art and business of music. Can't wait to report back!

Never stop learning, growing and reaching.

~Laura
www.facebook.com/laura.sings.jazz
Twitter: @NowItsLaura

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

2013's Best New Shops in Missoula

You know I'm all about a good deal.

Best new store in town... Scored some Express jeans and an Angora sweater for less than $10/each. With the prices going sky-high at Goodwill, this is a great alternative.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Things I Believe

I believe in the power of uncompromising feminine class, I found that this ideal has been mostly lost to this generation, especially in the music world. I endeavor to create some of that good music here to fill the gaping void I almost fell into years ago. This world and this life are what we make it.

I believe in an awakened society of people who are true to themselves, freely expressing and celebrating a different kind of beauty that eminates from within.

I believe in an ultimate †ruth, and it guides me.

I believe that great music has healing powers... the power to make a bad day good, and to make a good day better. I believe that no matter how poorly someone's day has gone, they can come to one of my shows and get their night saved. That's what I'm striving to create with The Salvation Blues.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Announcing: Valentine's Day show at the Montgomery Distillery


Join me at the Montgomery Distillery in Missoula for a beautiful night of love songs this Valentine's Day. The talented Keaton Wilson will be on the piano to help me make this a night you won't forget. I'm so excited for this performance! If you'd like to dedicate a song to be sung in honor of your loved one on this special occassion, please visit my Facebook page: Montana Jazz Vocalist and see how to request a song. Or, see my blog post with my song list right here: (coming soon!)

More details to come. The Montgomery Distillery is located at 129 W. Front St. in Missoula, MT and music will be between 6pm-8pm.




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