Category Archives: Singing

A Moment in Song: KOOP Radio 2010

A Moment in Song: KOOP Radio 2010

Gathering up the momentum to create new sounds, I look to times that led to growth. This interview, taken on my birthday two years ago, was one of those times. Here is just one of the songs performed, but of course, it’s a favorite of mine, Volver. Unrehearsed and raw, when it was over, the studio became very quiet. The radio host told me later there was something special happening in the studio that day; the moment of silence held the emotion of the song, and was wonderful.

You can listen to it on my Reverbnation page

Or You can download it and play it on your computer

volver

The guitarist on the song was my friend I visited in Nice, France, Christian Fernandez.

Photo is taken at Connie’s Beer Garden with Steve Vidal, congas,Christian Fernandez guitarist, Richard Price horns and Ed Friedland (behind me), bass and me.

Mi Música

Mi Música

Music is part of my family, and my life. It is in our blood. It is easy to hear, whenever we play. This special recording of Hasta Siempre was made on January 15, 2012, at Ruta Maya on South Congress at a event with Alianza Cultural Latinoamericana.  I had just returned to Austin, Texas from travels, and invited to step onstage with Mauricio Callejas, a wonderful singer-songwriter http://mauriciocallejas.com/  and Juan Antonio de los Angeles.

So Proud of My Brother/ Estoy Tan Orgullosa de Mi Hermano

So Proud of My Brother/ Estoy Tan Orgullosa de Mi Hermano

I’m very proud of my brother, David,

I visited him in during my Europe trip last month. Here is a video of the two of us harmonizing at a pub one night during our visit. It is priceless to me.

On another note, my talented brother has recently released an album called RACING AIMLESS and I wanted to share it on my site for any of my fans, friends and readers who might be interested in checking it out.

Video Unbroken Highway:

 

Check out the RACING AIMLESS Facebook page

You can listen to previews of all his songs and buy his album here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidrodriguez42

 

The Gift of Song

The Gift of Song

Waking up to cooler weather is enough to make me feel like I can write, not just a song, but a symphony. The energy it gives combined with the richness of an early day’s light, intoxicates. Listen first; then do.

My thoughts are running amok. I need to run, walk, ride a bicycle or just BE outside, before I can settle down and SING. (Laundry dirty dishes, bills, errands, etc., all take a back seat during this writing adventure. Yes!)

I am a dancer, who sings, and once a dancer, always a dancer. My physical being is tied to everything I do. I am the person in a reception room who paces. I twitch when I sleep, and rest in the shape of a big X, spread out over the bed.

When I close my eyes, I have visions of being upside down doing a handstand. Song is partnered with movement; it is a long term relationship.

I MOVE through the day, literally, singing and doing, doing and singing. Somewhere in between it all, I accomplish little pieces of a song, or thought for a show, a different idea about relating to an audience, something new when I suspend a note and focus on the meaning of that particular word and how it is pronounced. The creative process is my steak and potatoes; an entertaining evening, one end result. There are infinite details to mull over, and I savor it all. It is a process not unlike constructing a house.

Singing is motion, rhythm being in the vowels, the breath, the arms, the sway of the body and the sentiment of the lyrics. This dance, while appearing to have less movement to outside viewers, is just as rich as traditional forms of dance. The movement, the choreography, the feeling is more internal. Singing is accomplished by the diaphragm, instead of the torso. The mouth articulates, instead of the feet. The breath is similar in that it informs what is to come, and how the information is presented.

I’m very happy to have this gift of song.

Speaking of informing, my body is aching to get up and zoom around. My brain has already moved onward to next month’s shows, recording music for a CD and continuing work on vocalizations, diction, considering the meaning of the each lyric and the historical context in which they were written.

My spirit is singing a song already, lyrics are around the bend. Being in action creates inner stillness for me. Sing, dance, love life, always.

What MOVES you?