Gift of Voice and Music
About the Author
Screen Name: Brittany
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Date of Birth: Aug 8
Joined jazzwines.com: Aug 26, 2007
My Bio
As soon as I became aware that being a singer could be a career choice, I had a plan. At the age of 6, I decided “what I was gonna be when I grew up. I sang wherever and whatever I could. Singing was more important than the style of music. Little did I know that this was key.
Over the years I was exposed to all styles of music from jazz and big band to country and pop. My earliest influences were those from my Grandmother’s record collection, which included Pasty Cline, Sarah Vaughn and Patti Page. All of this would eventually define who I was as an artist.
My debut CD, “Like a Butterfly: reflects who I am today as well as the influences that have been ingrained in my musical memory since childhood. Moving to Nashville an immersing myself in the rich songwriting community was pivotal. Writing with some of the industry’s finest helped me to learn the craft necessary to mold all my influences into a sound and style that is unique.
The CD includes 12 tracks including 10 originals. It’s inspiration comes from the music of artists like Sarah Vaughn, Ray Charles, Patti Page and Emmylou Harris and my experience from having toured as a background vocalist with George Jones, Lorrie Morgan and Toby Keith.”
I’ve appeared on several CDs and countless TV shows and specials with them as well as other artists inlcuding Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith.
“Like a Butterfly” is an opportunity to share a gift and my passion - music.
Accolades and recognition of great significance to me
Supporting vocalist on the David Letterman Show, The Tonight Show and the AMA Awards
Background vocalist on multiple gold wining and platinum albums
Supporting vocals on TV shows with Alison Kraus, Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and others.
Toured and/or recorded with several national acts including George Jones and Lorrie Morgan
The song “Lucky Penny” is on a compilation CD given to patients at several hospitals.
Event or person significant in developing my talents
My producer, Chris Nole. We met as co-writers, but several years ago we decided it would be fun to perform together doing some standards and classic songs along with our originals. Performing this music reacquainting myself with all those wonderful melodies was inspiring and the perfect motivation for me to finally record the project that I’d always dreamed of.
I’m grateful to Chris for sharing his talent as a piano player, a songwriter and especially a producer. He chose the perfect musicians and arrangers to capture and capitalize on my artistic direction. His talent is indeed inspiring.
Improvisation & Collaboration
Collaboration is extremely important. I have great relationships with my co-writers. We are able to draw on each other’s strengths and at the same time tailor the songs to my style. I enjoy time alone, but for the creative process, on or off stage is something to be shared. It brings me such joy and I feel that joy carries over to the audience as well.
On stage, from time to time I enjoy doing a song that we all are somewhat familiar with, but have never played together before and do it to a different feel than the original version. That’s not exactly what most people think of in regards to improvisation, but we stumble across some pretty awesome moments.
Inspiration for my creative process
The Creator, where ideas come from. I tend to be most receptive to them when I’m home alone and it’s quiet, and I’m cleaning or doing dishes. I’d miss out on a lot of titles and/or melodies if someone else were to clean my house! I’m most creative in the morning. I get some good stuff while I’m doing my make up too. For me, silences is the key, to listen
My ideal work partner
I would have loved to work with Ray Charles or Frank Sinatra. Tony Bennett would be an unbelievable thrill.
There are so many great musicians – preferably those that listen to the vocalist, the lyrics and the melody and appreciate the beauty in them and play off them rather than to just improvise over the chord changes. I read an interview with Sting once. He said, “which is more important, the notes or the space between them?” I loved that quote. I need the space.
Most memorable wine tasting experience
Several years ago I was visiting my sister in Portland, Oregon. We set out one afternoon for a wine tasting. She took me to Sokol Blosser where I was introduced to “Evolution” – a wonderfully crisp citrusy alternative white. It remains a favorite of both ours. Discovering it together made it extra special.
Favorite musical experience
I was able to do a tour with the USO (United Service Organizations Inc.) Sometimes it seems sort of silly doing what I do for a living. So many people risk their lives every day, save lives every day – I sing songs. Doing the USO tour was a standout experience. Performing for young men and women so far from home and family and risking their lives gave me a new perspective. Their appreciation for our music was rewarding to say the least.
Musician or Winemaker I'd enjoy meeting and why
Of course there are so many great ones to choose from. However, I enjoy searching out new talent be it a winemaker or musician. It’s fun to have seemingly found them before the rest of the world. It’s so great too, never knowing when or where that’ll be.
Brittany was good enough to also spend time in a Q&A with jazzwines.com.
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