Celebrated jazz pianist Bertha Hope remarked, in response to this recording, “Laura Theodore sings rings around anyone on the jazz, blues or pop scene today.” This CD contains immortal standards, ranging from the Golden Age of Gershwin and Rodgers, and swinging us on to Bacharach and the blues, which Laura burnishes with awesome authority and authenticity.
2007
"GOLDEN EARRINGS," was selected to appear on the 52nd Grammy Award list in the category of “Best Jazz Vocal Album.” This intimate and inspired series of duets effectively pays twin tributes. Initially conceived by jazz singer Laura Theodore as a tribute to the revered vocalist and popular music icon Peggy Lee, whose alluring, "cool" style captivated listeners through the '40s, '50s and '60s, it also stands as a tribute to the late guitar great Joe Beck, who passed away on July 22, 2008 at age 62 due to complications from lung cancer. While Theodore may have sparked the notion of interpreting tunes written by the songwriting partnership of Peggy Lee and her guitarist-husband Dave Barbour, it was Beck who came up with the intriguing arrangements and reharmonizations that underscore this winning collaboration.
Jazzin: Most jazz female singers mentioned Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan as major influencies. Can you tell me what's the importance of these three ladies and why they were so good?
LT: Billie Holiday,
Her impeccable intonation, minimalistic phrasing and unique approach to lyrics, made Lady Day a top influencer in my overall singing style.
Ella Fitzgerald
No one can scat like Ella, and no one can deliver such a clean lyric at the same time. Her tone is one that many aspire to copy, and her intonation is surpassed by no one! The first time I heard Ella sing I was transfixed and amazed, and I spent two weeks with my ear "glued" to the record player, trying to copy her vocal techniques!
Sarah Vaughan
Since I have a wide range like Sarah (and often feel most comfortable in the lower, deep range), her approach to jazz singing truly speaks to me. Her deep dips into the lower depths of her voice, that then smoothly rise to the highest notes, (2 octaves above), are a signature in my style, that I learned from listening to Sarah! Her silky vocal texture and impressive emotional delivery of a lyric makes her one of my favorite vocalists of all time.
I was fortunate to see both Ella and Sarah, live, in concert!
Jazzin: Besides singers, are there other instrumentalists that influence the way you sing?
LT: Yes. Chick Corea, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Joe Beck, Tom Scott and David Sanborn.
Jazzin: How do you choose the Music you want to record?
LT: A song has to speak to me lyrically, groove-wise and musically. Whether it be hard rock, jazz, gospel, blues or contemporary - I ask myself: "Is this a song I can relate to and does it tell my story? Does this groove speak to me? Will this share a message that means something in my life?" If the answer is yes to all of those questions, I put it on the list!
Jazzin: Of all the musicians you had the opportunity to work with which one stand out and why?
LT: Joe Beck. He was AMAZING! I loved working with Joe. Neither of us were fond of over-rehearsing, because we liked the idea of leaving room for improvisation, keeping the track fresh each time. When we recorded Golden Earrings, we would choose a song, choose a key, go over a few options for the groove, rehearse a few bars and GO! The result was magical!
Jazzin: Is there any musician you admired you want to work with?
LT: Lynne Arriale. Love her style.
Jazzin: What characteristics do you look for in a musician?
LT: Agility and the ability to listen. Like acting, good improvisational jazz is created by listening to a phrase or chord, then responding to that phrase or chord. Talent is important, but listening is the key to great music, especially jazz.
Jazzin: Besides being a great jazz singer, you are an actress, a radio and tv show personality, plus an advocate for Healthy food. Can you talk about each one of these aspects of your career?
LT: I was a child actor and acting is still a craft that remains close to my heart! I starred in over 20 musicals and plays by the time I was 17 and learned so much by being part of the theater growing up. All of that training has been helpful and instrumental for forming my career in all other aspects.
Regularly being on radio and television is a natural extension of my musical and acting background! I am more comfortable on television (in front of one-million viewers), than in a room filled with ten people!
It seems you are as passionate working at this as you are as a singer, especially your Work as vegetarian educator.
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