Musicians who have played in my quartet include: Yoichi Uzeki, Alex Layne, Bill Davis, Bob Mocarsky, Cathy Harley, Cecilia Coleman, David Shaich, Doug Drews, John Davis, Peter Brainin, Ralph Williams, Rahn Burton, Motoki Mihara, Kaori Yamada, Elias Bailey, Randy Napoleon, Jun Saito, Sean Higgins, PJ Roberts, Richard Padron, Noriko Kamo, Esdras Lubin.
Influences
Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Anita O'Day, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Hartman, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Kurt Elling, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Bill Evans, Sonny Rollins, Lou Donaldson, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington
I started my journey with music when I was 8 years old, playing the violin in a classical orchestra, but later in life I decided that singing jazz was my true path. Having first been inspired by R&B and soul, I began singing at the Channel Inn Lounge in Washington, DC, sitting in weekly with the house funk band. However, after being soul struck - initially by Billie Holiday's recordings, jazz quickly became my main focus. After arriving in NYC in 2004, I joined the staff at Birdland jazz club where I further developed my ear for jazz and also performed at the club's "Cast Party" on Monday nights. Since my arrival, I have performed at various venues in NYC, including the Nuyorican Poet’s Café, Dillon's Restaurant and Lounge and most recently at EZ's Woodshed/Big Apple Jazz in Harlem, where I played bi-weekly with my trio for nearly two years. The versatility, depth, beauty, playfulness, freedom, history and cross-cultural appeal are the things that inspire me to sing the great American art form or jazz. I also work with various populations, including disabled children, the homeless and inner-city students to help them use music as a healing medium of expression.
How are ya Alicia! Do you ever make it down to Philly? Have you talked with Althea lately? You are singing two of my favorite songs" "Goodmorning Heartache" and "Stormy Weather" :-).
Thanks for the add. When are you going to have Bill Davis as part of your trio again? I love his playing! You really groove together. Peace, Love and Music Hathor
right on,i get to leave the first comment which is only fitting since i am your biggest fan and admirer.i think you sing good,too. much love and full respect, -peter
