tag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:/blogs/news-and-updates?p=2News and Updates2019-11-15T22:47:47-05:00Jennifer Gammillfalsetag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/59585772019-11-15T22:47:47-05:002019-11-15T22:54:00-05:00Piano, My Old Friend<p>This past year I’ve been reconnecting with the piano (which I credit to having gone through <a contents="The Artist’s Way" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252/ref=sr_1_2?crid=U5N53ZSYIT6B&keywords=the+artist%27s+way&qid=1573876382&s=books&sprefix=the+artist%27%2Cstripbooks%2C139&sr=1-2" target="_blank">The Artist’s Way</a>). It was my first instrument, which I started when I was 6; I took private lessons for 10 years, played in countless recitals and in church, accompanied a few choral groups in high school, and as a teenager learned basic theory and playing from chord charts with the church band. </p>
<p>I never stopped playing, but when I turned my focus to jazz a few years ago, I decided to hone in on flute and voice, since flute seemed to be a rarer instrument in jazz than piano (plus, it looked incredibly difficult to play jazz piano. Ironically, it’s been hard to find jazz piano players in the area who are not already booked for the quartet gigs I do get). So I dug in and studied and strove and tried my hardest with having three young children at home. When I started booking duo gigs I would hire a piano player, because I knew I was not competent in jazz piano, and also so I could play my flute. :) </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/d99f85c1d58085c67324b81ccc4e786c4d6caa3d/original/house-concert-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Fast forward to last year: my duo partner, Joe, said I didn’t give myself enough credit for my piano playing. I was comparing myself to the great jazz pianists (and Justin Kauflin was my closest local exposure to it), so I felt completely intermediate and like not a great player. But we so often focus on our weaknesses and not our strengths. Joe encouraged me, and I began doing one set piano and vocals when I was on the late shift at Gershwin’s. I’ve still felt awkward so many times, and even as a singer-songwriter and worship leader in my earlier years, both vocal and piano suffered when I did both at the same time, so I got frustrated and gave it doing both simultaneously, for the most part. </p>
<p>I started doing more and more gigs piano and voice. Then I did my solo shows at Live on Atlantic with keyboard, vocals, and flute utilizing my loop pedal! That’s fun but challenging. Then, a soul/R&B vocalist got my name and asked if I would accompany her. I explained to her that I wasn’t primarily a piano accompanist and that she might want to find someone else more qualified, but she told me that her other people had flaked out and weren’t reliable, so she wanted to give it a go with me. We did and I’m still playing with her! It’s been challenging, to keep the time steady, and then to venture in to the R&B land where I don’t have as much experience or knowledge. I know I’m not tearing it up like some of the players out there, but I’m doing well and always striving to improve. </p>
<p>I’ve been regularly subbing at a church playing just piano, did two funerals this past weekend solo piano. </p>
<p>I’ve also been slowly working through Mark Levine’s Jazz Piano Book. Strangely, I’ve been gracious and patient with myself in working through it. I only take a little bit at a time; I practice it and make sure I’ve got it before moving on. I wasn’t so gracious with learning jazz flute - maybe because I was booking gigs and feeling the pressure to be a good improviser right away. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/a9087bffb2022cdccbd73e16064730d384674385/original/jazz-piano.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>A few weeks back I started on the chapter about left-hand voicing and comping, and I got so excited. I’ve always been fascinated by comping and thought it so mysterious and unattainable, but now, I had the visual tools right in front of me! It felt and can still feel so weird to stretch my left hand into chords when I’ve been so used to tonic and fifth in my left for pop/worship/original music, and even jazz as I’ve accompanied myself and had to play the bass. But I started slowly going through the ii-V-I forms and assimilating them little by little. </p>
<p>Then a place where I regularly play solo asked for a jazz trio for a special event. Since as a flautist and vocalist I usually go for a quartet so I have piano or guitar, bass, and drums behind me, this time I thought, “You know, why don’t I go for the piano trio and I’ll be the pianist!” So I booked it and began going through each tune (carefully choosing ones that wouldn’t stress me too much, but I still learned a whole lot in preparing them) and its form for comping and such, and training myself NOT to play the bass notes since I’d have a bass plater. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="rslveZHm2Mw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/rslveZHm2Mw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rslveZHm2Mw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Folks, I played my first jazz piano gig as the bandleader on Monday! It was so joyful. It felt like real jazz, and we get that so little these days. The piano I played was a beautiful instrument, making it easy to milk the keys. Being part of the rhythm section was grounding and fueled a deep pool in me. I may even be a better improviser on piano than flute, because I can see it in front of me. I’m a very visual learner, and that’s been one of the hardest things for me on jazz flute, trying to visualize all the notes and scales and licks when I don’t see it in front of me. I’m naturally much more comfortable reading music. </p>
<p>My favorite jazz sound has been and probably always will be jazz piano trio - piano, upright, and drums. Skip the strings, the saxophones, the horns, just give me piano. Maybe it’s because it’s where I started, and it still thrills me to be able to press the keys and make something inanimate sing. </p>
<p>So, hello, piano, my old friend. Let’s play.</p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/58774142019-09-01T17:58:54-04:002019-09-01T18:03:09-04:001 Year of Heart, Soul, and Fire<p>In August of 2018 I held my months of hard work and investment in my hands, a square-shaped cardboard sleeve containing a compact disc with my most important and best album to date. Jae Sinnett really helped craft this album from start to finish - polishing and arranging my songs, getting his own trio to record, recording the drums, and then helping to mix the final product. Half jazz, half pop/funk, this singer-songwriter album held all the sensibilities of my singer-songwriter self, which had been around a long time, and my newer jazz self, who was still (and is still) figuring out where she fits in jazz, but loves it and writes in her own way all the same. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/25b847c6c93f727267cfa0a9f99973c32d80f7c9/original/coverimage.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>It was such a triumph making that thing all on my own. My former spouse had always held my hand through the others, but this one was MINE: I wasn’t afraid to say what I wanted to say, to put out there the songs I wanted, to give a picture of my heart and soul and the fire that fuels it. I did just that. </p>
<p>In September my neighbors put on an outdoor concert right in front of our houses, and neighbors from all around came to hear me perform to the tracks on the album. Jae also started playing my songs on our local WHRO station and brought me in for an interview. People still come up to me at gigs and say they heard me on the local radio and that they thought it was so neat I was on there and how cool it was to meet me in person. (Thanks for the cred!) </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/d47fc2d2ec2ebb296a5ee49922e94acb6f2256b1/original/img-1186.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>October brought my official release concert: October 12, 2018, at Zeiders American Dream Theater. It was the first show I put on myself - renting the venue, planning the event, running promos and trying to get the word out, and then of course doing the show. There was a bigger turnout than I expected - about 50-60 people. What surprised me the most were how many upper middle-aged couples came, and how much they enjoyed it. I hadn’t expected my music to connect with that crowd; I had expected people more my age to do so. The admission price was the purchase of a CD, so luckily I broke even, with a little extra on top! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/8fcf1a447be38b7e880afd3f806b49ed13cc88f5/original/img-1383.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>We pushed my radio release to January - a promoter in the industry Jae has known for a long time promoted my album, but we decided to wait until after the holidays. It was subsequently played in California, New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, Washington, South Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Internet radio, Simply Timeless, A Broad Spectrum, and soulandjazz.com. Now, it didn’t receive many plays, but it’s still really cool that it has been played around the country to people I otherwise may not have been able to reach. This next time around, though, I may do my own promotion through Facebook ads and such, to reach a more targeted crowd. :) </p>
<p>February brought the Veer Music Awards, a local annual awards show, in which there are nominees chosen by committee and then winners chosen by popular vote in each category of music. I was nominated in the jazz category (a thrill by itself!), but did NOT expect to win. I was up against John Toomey, jazz professor at our local university, RaJazz, a well-established local smooth jazz group, and a few others. I almost didn’t go to the ceremony, but at the end decided to. I was all mentally prepared not to win, telling myself it would be okay when I didn’t, so when they called my name I was shocked, but sooooooo thrilled!! It was one of those perfect moments where all your hard work comes to a culmination and you can feel that sweet taste of victory and success! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/3e746e5dfb7b077f3b156d35fb9e596d1a52aeb9/original/img-3178.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Winning the Veer Award also opened up other opportunities for me - Port Warwick called me to perform in their April Jazz series, and has asked me back for September 22, 3-6 pm! </p>
<p>It’s so neat to look back at a chain of events that started with my pen and my piano, became a full-length studio album, and has been the best-selling of my albums to date. I am SO grateful and humbled and blessed to do what I do. The best keep moving forward and improving and not settling for the status quo, so that is what I shall continue to do! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/c202f70261d7c834cdde7f5aea61849ccb59d2d2/original/songwriter-charts.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>VERY soon I begin working on my next album!!!! I’m so excited, and I’ll have more to share with you very shortly about how YOU can be a part! </p>
<p>You all rock my socks off! The best part of my job is bringing a smile to someone’s face, a serenade to someone’s soul… </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/ddc76bb0ebfdc244695f06f8d42ff182050dcae3/original/dsc-0040.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>until later, Jen</p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/58647682019-08-21T00:05:31-04:002019-08-21T00:05:31-04:00To travel or not to travel...<p>As this sultry summer comes to an end, I have a few thoughts about my 15th year performing at Live! on Atlantic (formerly known as Beach Street USA). I have performed in quartets with the Doorway Singers, solo, a few different duos, a trio, and most recently with the house band. It’s hot, it’s sweaty, it’s long, but we are doing what we love and getting paid for it. </p>
<p>A few weeks ago a gentleman came up to me as I was performing on Atlantic Avenue. He said, “It’s such a shame that all this talent is wasted and you don’t get to travel around.” I looked at him in shock, because actually, people from all over the East Coast, even Canada and overseas, come here, to my city, to vacation, and I get to stay in one spot. I get to wake up on a Saturday morning and go see my son’s baseball game, and then go gig that same night. I’m not sitting on a hot tour bus trying to make it to the next city and calling my kids to say a quick hello and that I miss them. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/c79a21ac0ee3cd9c085278d59a955cfeb482bee9/original/img-4780.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The old mentality is still that a “real” and “famous” and “successful” musician tours around the country and possibly the world. While these things still do happen and many love and thrive in that lifestyle, that’s not the only model of musician that equals success. Most musicians would say that success is being full-time doing what they love - writing, performing, arranging, teaching, whatever it is that brings them joy in their art, and not having to work another job. I’ve gotten asked several times over the last few weeks, often by other musicians, if I perform full-time. And when I say yes, that I perform, and then teach and perform for Young Audiences, they are surprised. I’ve been blessed to work up to where I am, gigging 3-5 times a weekend, with other gigs sprinkled here and there. I don’t say that to boast, but just to show that being an employed musician is attainable. </p>
<p>Now, I don’t make three figures, but I am content with two, and I would not trade what I do for that. Nor is it easy. When self-employed, there is always work to be done, the next hill to climb, the next album to write, record, and fund. </p>
<p>And would I like to travel someday and tour, getting my name across the country, performing for thousands at a time? Sure. But right now, I’m not pursuing that while my kids are young. I’m extremely happy getting to do what I love and make a living at it. </p>
<p>So, cheers to the successful artists and entrepreneurs out there!</p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/57285072019-04-22T22:46:07-04:002019-05-22T22:23:28-04:00I Have a Master's Degree in Theology...<p>How do having a Master’s Degree in Theology and being a full-time performer make sense? Rewind to my high school days; you’ve already read about how enthralled I was with being in the orchestra and playing my flute. I was on a trajectory for a classical music career, in which the next logical step would be a music conservatory. My flute teacher already had several picked out. </p>
<p>At the same time, that phrase “I’ve been in church since my mother’s womb” was literally true for me. My father was a full-time pastor, so I spent many weekend days and evenings in the church building. On the positive, my best friends were at my church, I received a great foundation, and there were plenteous musical opportunities in our fledgling church. By age 15, I was playing keys and leading worship for the youth worship team, giving me experience playing chords (like pop/rock piano), playing in front of people, and leading a group of musicians. </p>
<p>When we look back after we’ve matured and developed, <a contents="often we find we would have made different decisions" data-link-label="Discography" data-link-type="page" href="/discography" target="_blank">often we find we would have made different decisions</a> had we known ourselves better. But at 18 we rarely do, so we look to our elders to guide us, and in this case, mine was my father. He strongly urged me to follow the path to music ministry and becoming a full-time worship leader, and I acquiesced, choosing to go to Bible school rather than music conservatory. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/80a86a9022600ab85bea12b603364bd607a11637/original/cassie-boca-290902-unsplash.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Graduating from undergrad (without a Bachelor’s but I was able to transfer straight into a master’s program), I transferred to Regent University where I majored in Theology and continued my worship music studies. </p>
<p>Upon graduation, I took time off from being directly involved in church ministry because I had gotten married and also was burned out from capacities I had served in while a student. A few years later, a singer friend mentioned the Doorway Singers to me and that I should audition. It was a group that performed in quartets and specialized in themed programs like 50’s, 60’s, and Dickens Christmas. I tried out and got in…. </p>
<p>My first summer performing with them, I would still be singing at the top of my lungs on the way home with an endorphin-like rush after singing for 4 hours in heat and heels: I had found what I loved, and there was no stopping it from then on. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/47f73bca6b04a36cda4b7e693ab2c5162982bda4/original/img-2569.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>That group and experience led the way to so many other performance opportunities, and on to the path that I follow even to this day.</p>
<p>Thank you for walking with me a little bit on this journey, and as a THANK YOU for reading and listening, you can <a contents="download one of my faith-based songs for free " data-link-label="Discography" data-link-type="page" href="/discography" target="_blank">download one of my faith-based songs for free </a><em>[scroll down to the Echoes album to Change My Heart, O God]</em> (you can take the girl out of the church….), and if you like what you hear, you can <a contents="check out my most recent, award-winning album Heart, Soul &amp; Fire as well" data-link-label="Discography" data-link-type="page" href="/discography" target="_blank">check out my most recent, award-winning album Heart, Soul & Fire as well</a>.</p>
<p>Talk to you soon!<br>Jen</p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/57279992019-04-22T09:22:18-04:002019-04-22T09:22:18-04:00All About my "Echoes" Album<p><em>Liner Notes </em></p>
<p>Echoes of my distant and more recent past, Echoes is a reflection of where I’ve come from and who I’ve become. The worship choruses recall my upbringing in the church and services at the church my father founded and pastored, where we would sing the songs we loved for hours. Incidentally, all three of the choruses were written within a year of my birth. The second track is a song my sister learned in middle school choir and used to sing to me at night when we were going to bed. Its beautiful - at times, haunting - melody I’ve always loved and wanted to record; the title track I composed to introduce and segue into Mountain Song. The style of Change My Heart, Oh God reflects my recent study of and performance in jazz; its rich chords and timeless melodies are home to my soul. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/1079604d3ffe086f53452c878d460d0464798685/original/img-3416.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><em>Echo/Mountain Song</em> </p>
<p>Mountain Song is a song from my childhood. My sister learned it in choir and would sing it to me at night to help me get to sleep. The opening Echo is my own original composition, built mostly on the whole tone scale, a melody which I would not have composed before studying jazz and more advanced theory. The little voices you hear are my children. :) </p>
<p>(To the best of my knowledge, Mountain Song is public domain; after much internet searching I was not able to find any copyright information.) </p>
<p><em>You Are My Hiding Place </em></p>
<p>A beautiful round that states a poignant truth of our faith: we can always turn to God, no matter what. I met young harpist Sophia Shedd when we were matched for a flute and harp gig a few years ago. At the time she was only 14! I was excited to bring her in on this track to feature the tranquil combination of harp and flute. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/0f31229704e33b0021e15f8463175c9dbdc1079c/original/img-4913.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p><em>Change My Heart, Oh God </em></p>
<p>This track offers the biggest surprise for the listener. Jazz is rarely combined with worship music, but this song lent itself to it very well. The nuances in the melody are my own, and halfway through the song we “swing it,” as we say in jazz. The piano provides a walking bass, and the vocals move into scatting, which is improvised syllables over the chord changes of the song. It ends with a flourish. </p>
<p>That Justin Kauflin agreed to come in on this song is a real honor. I met him a few years ago and had the opportunity to sing with him at a local jazz club right before his big break. He holds my highest respect both as a person and a musician, and I am thrilled that he lent his magic to this track. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/130020b985961ccab48e6997cf3b2c3d9b2441da/original/img-3393.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p><em>When I Look Into Your Holiness </em></p>
<p>This tune is another one of the undercurrents of my life. My mom used to sing the “echo” part in the chorus, and for a long time I have wanted to record this with multiple flute parts. The result is harmonious, earthy, intimate. </p>
<p><em>Closing Notes </em></p>
<p>I hope you enjoy this recording from my heart. It was a step of faith to record it and put myself out there, but I’m so pleased with the album. I hope it brings you many moments of peace and ministers to your heart. </p>
<p>All my best, </p>
<p>Jennifer </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/c16d0cf992181cf85c67b9937148557e52747937/original/img-5041.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p><em>Thank you </em></p>
<p>To my Mom and Dad, for giving me the foundation of my Christian faith, and for being brave. Thank you to the worship leaders who influenced me and the songwriters who wrote these songs. To my husband Christopher - you know the good, the bad, and the ugly, and yet you love me. Jae Sinnett - thank you for teaching me, believing in me, and not being afraid to let me know when I’m “stinkin’ up the joint.” Rob Ulsh - I’m so glad we got connected. You were wonderful to work with in the studio, and I appreciate you taking this project to a high quality level. </p>
<p><em>Dedication </em></p>
<p>To my children: Thank you for being a part of “Mommy’s music” and recording with me. May you always know the love of Christ and the joy of going after your dreams. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/96020a6231a03f7c957bbee87c13f626024250f6/original/img-3399.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/56004562019-01-17T16:09:36-05:002019-01-17T16:09:36-05:00New Year, Expanding Career!<p>Hello, readers and fans! So much has happened in the last few months. I read a book, <a contents="The Artist's Way" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1547759120&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=the+artist%27s+way&psc=1" target="_blank">The Artist's Way</a>, that really helped me work through things holding me back as an artist, and to focus more on what my strengths are and pursue those interests. My conclusion is that I am a songwriter at heart; yes, jazz means so much to me, and I will always study it, but when I look at who I really am and what I could do for hours without realizing the passage of time, it is writing songs. I always have done so, sometimes with greater prolificness than others, but no matter what genre I have performed or studied, I have composed. Doing so for all those years has finally brought me to a place where I feel really good about what I am putting out there - my crafted lyrics, the way I write harmony, and then the arrangements and production for a band or live performance. Working with Jae Sinnett on my songs and recording last year helped immensely. The first was that he gave me confidence when we would work on tunes, and as I was leaving, he would say, "These are good tunes." And that filled me up like I hadn't been in that way in so many years. Other song submissions to TAXI or to my church in the past were met with "We're not looking for that style right now, but keep writing; you have good potential," and then many times no response. So I got discouraged back then. </p>
<p>But with my new album I've had great success so far, and I feel so blessed. I've gotten to go on local radio 3 different times, local TV, and performed and/or did interviews on all of them. We waited to release my album nationally until January because the market was inundated in the fall. So I just went to Jazz Congress (had a blast!), and mailed 156 albums and one-sheets to radio stations all around the country. It was a really cool moment with my kids, because they helped me label, sticker, fold, and stuff, and they would say, "This one's going to Los Angeles!" I would say, "This one to Wisconsin!", and it was such an amazing feeling to be sending my music all around the country! This first week it has been played on 9 stations and gotten 24 spins - a little bit of a slow start, but many haven't gotten the chance to add it yet, so I look to see those numbers rise significantly in the coming weeks!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/9164391e0d0aecbc48ad9475e92b0b487d63c63b/original/img-2669.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>I just found out yesterday I WAS NOMINATED FOR A VEER AWARD! Veer Awards are local awards given to artists and venues by category; I was nominated in the jazz category for my album, and it is a dream come true just being nominated. (You can <a contents="VOTE HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://veermag.com/2019/01/vote-2019-veer-music-awards/" target="_blank">VOTE HERE</a>.) I do hope to win!! So please vote for me if you get the chance. </p>
<p>Other developments in my career are that after 14 consecutive years, I am stepping down from the Doorway Singers! It has been extremely formative in my career, helping me to develop my voice early on, giving me a lot of performance opportunities, getting to dress up in different costumes and sing, and I've met so many wonderful people and venues because of it. But I am doing so to leave room for my own solo and ensembles to progress.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/f969d5f83aaa61b5d943f0df6f914a57811aa185/original/img-2535.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>My last Christmas season with the Doorway Singers</em></p>
<p>I'm starting a band!! I put together a band for a New Year's Eve gig and we discovered that we have a very similar philosophy of music and performing, and the songs and styles that we all like to do are on the same page! We're the four J's - Jennifer, Joe H., Joe M., and Jeff. We're calling ourselves Blue Orpheus, taking the name that Joe M. and I had created for our duo. We're going to be dynamite, and we already have a gig booked at <a contents="the Bunker " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/598694387241243/" target="_blank">the Bunker </a>on Feb 1st. I'm going to be promoting and trying to get us booked in the coming months, especially as summer performance season opens up. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/608d0a5f8beeaec6a0702628601798aa187eb74a/original/301fa473-e3fe-4252-bc36-95146b3cf045.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Blue Orpheus for NYE Prohibition Party @ River Stone Chophouse</em></p>
<p>I got so many new ideas from Jazz Congress this year, including how to make engaging videos, how to start getting on the road with my music, and various social media marketing tips and strategies. So here I come, 2019!! May you be filled with much music and much success! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/d465e021f5ca46790ccf008f0cdbe7b6ef470689/original/img-2768.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/54514732018-10-01T22:24:04-04:002020-01-24T04:36:43-05:00Heart, Soul & Fire<p>I put my heart, soul, and a whole lot of passion into this recording. It is my best to date and I am immensely proud of it. Recording the rhythm section and many of the lead vocals and flute in May, we spent the next few months editing, mixing, and mastering. The result is an explosion of harmony as I navigate pop, jazz, blues, bossa nova, and funk. All my influences came together and I wrote every single song, with some production help from Jae Sinnett. I received the hard copies in early August and started slowly spreading them around to donors, digital distribution, and even a local <a contents="record shop" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/Birdland-Records-Tapes-Compact-Discs-52478671965/" target="_blank">record shop</a>. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/99bb85b76cbf26ae55cfe5f65370eb6a2a6a3a4a/original/img-7313.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Jae Sinnett, me, Terry Burrell, Allen Farnham</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I've had more media exposure than ever before, and it's been exciting to have been on local TV, 2 radio shows, and 1 more radio spot coming up! I have my official release show at Zeiders American Dream Theater Friday, October 12th, 7:30-9:00 pm. We plan to release it nationally in January, because the jazz market was so inundated with new releases this fall. You can find it on spotify, iTunes, cdbaby, and of course here on my <a contents="website" data-link-label="Discography" data-link-type="page" href="/discography" target="_blank">website</a>! </span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/25b847c6c93f727267cfa0a9f99973c32d80f7c9/original/coverimage.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Take some time to check it out! You'll be glad you did. :) </p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/51701742018-04-07T22:52:19-04:002018-04-07T22:55:41-04:00Performing & Proliferating<p>Almost a year of news to catch up on....</p>
<p>In 2018, I've been booked for 11 Ella Fitzgerald shows, and I've had an absolute blast teaching kids about her legacy and performing her music. I've had great response from kids and teachers and hope to market it to 2nd and 3rd grade this coming year! Also in the works is a new program with flute and drums. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/ab4d2b43a5c46987937916ce4d7e50704748d17a/original/ella-at-school.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Young Audiences has also had me in a few unique residencies, one focusing on the military child, with a series of after-school workshops focused on storytelling, movement, and song; mine was the song part, and as a group, we wrote a fun song about unicorns. This residency has the potential for more bookings in the coming years, and I also may present our results with a fellow Young Audiences artist at YAV's Inspiring Teachers Conference this summer!</p>
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<p>On April 16 I begin a residency in Norfolk middle schools with my co-teacher Manaah Blackwell, with whom I have had the pleasure working with on several Young Audiences events. We will be teaching about Romare Bearden and how strongly his work was influenced by jazz, and how he used jazz musicians as the subject of several of his works. Using those principles, I will play jazz music from the Harlem Renaissance period and following, while the students collage new works of art, to be displayed at MacArthur Mall at the end of May! I'm thrilled to be a part of this and can't wait to inspire and interact with the young artists.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/4bcf1844425bb19277b43b21b2c6f854b1db3989/original/yav-childrens-museum.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>This is a lot of Young Audience news (they're keeping me daytime-employed!), but I've also joined Artsong Trio this year, and we perform a program about friendship with myself and my good friend Kerri Hardwick on vocals and Allen Decipulo on piano. I continue to perform with American Jazz Ensemble also, and we've had a few bookings this year. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/d4f9fd19d4306fabfd7d86a6000992c063ccea61/medium/yav-artsong-trio.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Performance-wise, I've had the privilege of branching out to Varia, the new wine bar/restaurant at the Main (Hilton) in Norfolk, at the brand-new Cavalier, reimagined for 2018 but still holding the classic charm of the original Cav. For these gigs I have been performing with my friend Carl Olson, a fine piano player with a great stride piano, soulful feel, and ear. We hope to book more of these gigs as the year goes on. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/2871a4892cb93288d074c435660056b0d7046d54/small/varia.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/a3d6ec4438e202c68829d4e1a679e96d6fcaef19/medium/duo-with-carl.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>I still perform several times a month at Gershwin's, which has come under new ownership, and was a win-win for the previous and the new.</p>
<p>My original songs that I wrote about in my last post are FINALLY getting recorded this spring and summer. My teacher has urged me to be patient (not in my nature!!) to get the songs exactly where they need to be, have everything charted out, not just in music software, but who plays what, the feel and tempo of each song, and demos of each. In reward for my patience, however, I get to have my dream band for my rhythm section: Allan Farnham, smokin' jazz piano player, Jae Sinnett (my hero!) on drums, and Terry Burrell on bass. Basically it is Jae Sinnett's trio, and as he is helping me produce the album, he suggested and was able to pull in these players. It's been a blessing working so closely with him and becoming great friends through it. </p>
<p>My first studio dates are May 14 and 15, and I am starting a GoFundMe campaign!<a contents="&nbsp;https://www.gofundme.com/heart-soul-amp-fire" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.gofundme.com/heart-soul-amp-fire" target="_blank"> https://www.gofundme.com/heart-soul-amp-fire</a> You can contribute to recording costs, studio time expenses, mixing and editing costs, and duplication and distribution. I am so excited about this album, as it puts me on the map as a singer-songwriter/jazz artist, and it has the potential to be distributed to many rewarding outlets! </p>
<p>I appreciate your support as I slowly climb this ladder of being a great musician, building my career, and being the best person I can be....cheers to great music ahead!! </p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/47631792017-06-30T18:30:58-04:002018-07-11T10:17:55-04:00Summer Songwriter<p>It's been a year of tremendous changes: so big, that it can be hard to decide where to draw the professional/personal line in sharing with the general public. Let's just say they are both personal and health-related. Message me, or better yet, come chat with me at a gig, and I'm happy to have a heart-to-heart about me. :) </p>
<p>I'm swinging back to my singer-songwriter self. It never went away; I've been writing this whole time, just not as prolifically with the busyness of life and raising three young children. When I moved to jazz, I imagined that I would start writing jazz songs. I'm happy to say that it has deepened my knowledge of harmony, sense of melody, and the flow of a song, but when I create, it still comes out in lyrics and melodies that are closer to singer-songwriter style than jazz. But, many of the songs I've written are in bossa nova style or follow a Blues progression, and the harmonies and progressions are more jazz than my previous Sara Bareilles-esque-style. I think I would call it singer-songwriter with jazz sensibilities. Maybe some brilliant critic will come up with what my style is. Until then, you'll just have to listen and find out for yourself! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/c202f70261d7c834cdde7f5aea61849ccb59d2d2/original/songwriter-charts.jpg?1498861664" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Some of them I've been performing for a few years, like "Mojito," "Ran in the Rain," "Capitulation" (the only instrumental), and "Your Name is Music," which I wrote at the very beginning of my jazz education, and which Justin Kauflin harmonized for me, since my knowledge wasn't up to speed with my ear back then. I have finally charted almost all of them into Finale with some free time I've had this summer, so that my studio musicians can follow the progressions easily. Now I'm going to "scrub" them, both with my teacher (Jae Sinnett), and a fellow songwriter that I met recently and also has jazz roots. </p>
<p>Yesterday I met with Jae and we went through the first of my songs together; he helped point out where I had some awkward chord resolutions and gave me some ideas for how to make that flow better. I'm adding 8 bars that I think really embellish the song! And he helped come up with a cool groove for the end of it. I'm blessed to learn under such a master. Sometimes he'll play chord voicings (and he's primarily a drummer!) that I can't even decipher while looking at his fingers on the piano. Cool cat he is!</p>
<p>Most likely I'll keep going through this process the rest of the summer, and I'll hopefully record in the fall -- look for a kickstarter campaign in the coming months. :) I'm going to need some funding for the project. I'm super excited about the product, as my quality as a musician, songwriter, flautist, and vocalist keeps improving. </p>
<p>A performance highlight was being the guest performer for the Jae Sinnett Trio in May! Here is a clip. Visit my <a contents="YouTube channel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DjlNZ0FGEdreWnFQZpfkg" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> for more. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="y0yGhVBxgBI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/y0yGhVBxgBI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y0yGhVBxgBI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I haven't been driving across the water (to Hampton and Williamsburg) as much for gigs this year, but Young Audiences has kept me teaching and gigging on that side of the water. </p>
<p>This summer you can find me at Gershwin's, Town Center of Virginia Beach July 20 and September 1, and at Beach Street with the Doorway Singers. See my <a contents="home page" data-link-label="Home" data-link-type="page" href="/home">home page</a> for performance details. </p>
<p>Thank you for your support! Much love to all......</p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/45099542016-12-13T22:30:36-05:002017-02-18T14:05:57-05:00Young AudiencesOne of the most wonderful things to come my way this year is Young Audiences of Virginia. They both teach and inspire through workshops that underline SOL standards with different forms of art; so far, I have taught through theater, writing, history and theater, and words in motion. I swear I fall in love with the kids every time; they are beautiful and a joy to teach. Don't get me wrong, I do have my difficult, rambunctious groups! But the good makes the challenge worth it. And I surprisingly enjoy it much more than I did teaching private lessons. So for now, I am getting some steady, part-time work through them. <br><br>And that's not all: they also engage students in live performances featuring a wide variety of subjects and programs. I brainstormed with the artistic director last year about what kind of program I could develop, and I mentioned Ella Fitzgerald, since being a jazz singer, she is my favorite one, and Ella was born in Newport News. This immediately interested the director, and as I researched, I found that she was born in 1917 - 100 years ago next year! So we were excited, and bookings already started coming from the Newport News school district. I have done 2 so far this winter, have some booked for this coming year, and hope to have many more to educate and pay tribute to such an amazing artist! <br><br>I continue to do a lot of solo and ensemble jazz work. At Gershwin's I have moved to weekend nights, so I regularly play and sing to a full restaurant and bar. Doorway Singers has had a busy Christmas, and that is wonderful as always to be able to bring Christmas cheer through the simple beauty of a cappella voices. <br><br>I will continue to be open to new opportunities; right now I am content to keep gigging as I am and keep improving my musicianship and craft as much as possible! <br><br>Merriest of Christmases to you, and here's to a wonderful new year ahead!Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/39254602015-11-16T22:26:25-05:002017-01-13T19:15:56-05:00Jazz Festival!<div>My dreams are coming true: I just got booked for my first jazz festival, the Williamsburg Winter Blues Jazz Festival, on Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend this coming January! I'll be playing with live quartet for one of the jazz brunches on Sunday the 17th. <a contents="Festival Site" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.winterbluesjazzfest.com/#!performer-lineup/c6v5" target="_blank">Festival Site</a>
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<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.winterbluesjazzfest.com/#!performer-lineup/c6v5" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/38ed5f5468d9af946f0137411fe2772d978b18da/original/jazz-fest.jpg?1447730516" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br>This has been a goal and dream of mine, to start playing local festivals and local jazz spots, and eventually to move into a wider area of where I play and perform - first Williamsburg (which is happening!), then Richmond/Charlottesville/DC, and then eventually (this might be in 10 years), performing in Boston, New York City, and Philly. I happen to have family in all three of those locations, so I would have a place to stay! That is, of course, when the kids are a little older and it is not as hard on them for me to travel for a weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/1f430a43986c35e3ac681a5022cc40b5010a6497/large/scenery-11.jpg?1399641893" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></div>
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<br>I am also booked for the Cabin Fever series at the Freight Shed in Yorktown on March 3, 2016. On that gig I have Jae Sinnett playing drums with me! I tell you, it is a real honor to have guys of this caliber playing with me. I've played a few gigs with Terry Burrell now, and he's so solid and with amazing solos, yet so encouraging and complimentary of my performing, that I feel even more fueled to become all that I can be as a jazz artist.<br> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/79c3cf2b8e667bc8d3854e598ffd35b035bf70a7/original/img-3457.jpg?1447729765" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></div>
<div>Lastly, I was booked for a wedding next September!! That is the first time I have been booked for something a year out from the event, but it is exciting because the couple saw me perform at Gershwin's and wanted me as their first choice for their wedding! So I'll be playing the ceremony on piano, then rocking it out with a jazz quartet for the reception. </div>
<div>I'm just so floored that I'm seeing success! There were so many years of floundering and finding my way musically, where I had 3 people show up at a coffee shop where I was playing, when I gave away more CD's than I sold. But it seems those days are over, and I'm so glad I've found my niche. Here's to many more dream jazz gigs to come! </div>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/38367302015-08-30T16:02:30-04:002022-05-27T09:13:21-04:00Echoes<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span class="font_large">It’s been a turbulent last few months with trying to work toward a work and home-life balance; now that the kids are getting older, there are kids’ activities to think about for which I want to be present. And it can be taxing for my husband to watch the kids as many nights as I’m out gigging. So this fall will be a little quieter than my busy summer. Don’t get me wrong; I loved performing at Beach Street both solo and with Doorway, at Gershwin’s, and even performed with a few live jazz trios, the highlight of which was playing at the Triangle in Williamsburg. It’s a new small plates, live music venue, and John Calisto joined me on guitar and Terry Burrell on bass. Terry is an amazing, experienced player - he regularly plays with the Jae Sinnett trio, so it was a huge treat to have him on the gig. And having musicians like that who encourage and inspire one another to greatness is truly a treasure. One of my favorite things is to vamp and scat at the end of a song and just let my musical expression loose. That’s where I feel the most free and most myself, doing exactly what I was created to do. I hope to do it again! We are booked at the Triangle again on October 29th.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/119338a61f41cb446cea6bffcd0337cd93ee4593/medium/triangle-trio.jpg?1440964685" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px;" /></span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span class="font_large">So this fall I will buckle down with practicing - my youngest starts 2 mornings a week in preschool, which means PRACTICE TIME! I am really excited about this. Time to focus on harmony and arpeggios and scales, beefing up my repertoire, and my teacher now has me learning some bop tunes. Joy Spring I feel like I have down and have been performing it this summer. Confirmation and Donna Lee are new ones that he’s given me - Confirmation I almost have memorized, but I groaned when he gave me Donna Lee - it has lots of really fast notes. But, he says you have to learn the language of bop because it helps with your phrasing, and the modern jazz musician can’t function without it.</span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span class="font_large">Probably the biggest news of the year is the release of my album “Echoes”! It’s a 5-song album with 2 songs that are light and ethereal, and three worship choruses that feature harp, flutes, and jazz pianist <a contents="Justin Kauflin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.justinkauflin.com" target="_blank">Justin Kauflin</a>. I’m really proud of it and had the opportunity to record with Rob Ulsh, one of the top recording engineers in Virginia, if not in the country. (He recorded exclusively with Pharrell as producer for 7 years.) You can read more about it <a contents="here" data-link-label="Echoes" data-link-type="page" href="/echoes"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none">here</span></a>, and watch the video below to hear me talk about it! </span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span class="font_large">Please pick up a copy - it’s available on <a contents="CDbaby" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.cdbaby.com/jennifergammill3" target="_blank">CDbaby</a> and <a contents="iTunes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/echoes-ep/id1024716626" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. I’m also looking to book some churches to play and promote the album. </span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span class="font_large">Thanks so much for being a part of my musical journey. Your prayers are appreciated as I look to the future!</span></p>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/34954282015-01-30T10:17:21-05:002015-01-30T10:17:21-05:00New Year, New HorizonsHi, all! It's been awhile since I've posted. Christmas season with the Doorway Singers was busy and rewarding, as always. As the new year has come, I'm focused on several things, and I'd like to share them with you! <br><br>CD Recording: Ever since I recorded my hymn CD, I've wanted to do a follow-up of older choruses that were special to me in my childhood. I've come up with 3 choruses, a hymn, and a song my sister used to sing to me when we were kids. So, it will be an EP, but better to do the songs you feel really strongly about than recording more for the sake of making a full album. It will be acoustic with simple instrumentation, one with harp and flute, one with (Justin Kauflin on!) piano and me on vocals, one that I just finished arranging with multiple flutes, and one just vocals. The hymn will be just piano. I plan to begin recording in March, because.....<br><br>I WILL BE BUYING A A NEW FLUTE!! As we speak, two companies are preparing to ship 2 and 3 flutes, respectively, and I will get to try them out for a week before returning them at the Hampton Roads Flute Faire - but I will come home with one of them! I am beyond geeking-out-excited; I haven't had a new flute since I was 15, and it's only an upper immediate, and I'll be taking a huge step up with either a partially gold or all sterling silver professional flute. <br><br>Speaking of the Flute Faire, <a contents="Jim Walker" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.beachstreetusa.com/info/announcements/beachstreetusa-audition-job-fair-announced" target="_blank">Jim Walker</a> is the featured artist: classical AND jazz flutist...so, naturally, I messaged him to see if I could get a lesson while he is here, and within FIVE MINUTES, he messaged back and said yes!! Another geek-out moment! Okay, I'm calm, I'm calm. But it's going to be awesome.<br><br>New Beach Street program: Okay, so my wheels are always turning, and I wanted to get away from my solo program for the summer, since it seems to be in such high demand these days (every week at Gershwin's and just got hired for a brunch at Cobalt Grille), and just became acquainted with a guy who sang with Doorway Singers for Christmas has a dancing and theater background, and we discovered our mutual love of jazz, Jamie Cullum, and Sara Bareilles. So, I got to thinking about putting together a program, and AJ said yes, he would love to perform with me! So we've just started working, and it's going to be awesome with vocal duets, flute improv and beatboxing, and real-live swing dancing.<br><br>So there's lots of exciting stuff going on. Working to get more booked with Candela, my live jazz trio (probably with a name change), and still studying with Jae Sinnett and maybe starting lessons with a jazz sax teacher in the area. <br><br>Please stayed tuned! Come out to a show! Enjoy the music. :) <br><br><3 JenniferJennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/31609262014-08-28T15:43:06-04:002017-01-13T19:15:56-05:00Moving UpWow! What a blast this summer has been. I've never had my performing schedule so full, and I can honestly say I loved it. There were a few nights of tiredness, or wanting to be home, but most nights I was energized doing what I love, performing 4 and 5 nights a week.<br><br>I had great response on Beach Street and met people from all over the country and world, and the nice thing about playing year after year is seeing some of the same folks who come back to vacation in Virginia Beach. It's a blessing to be able to play there!<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VBTgExdzD8Y" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/VBTgExdzD8Y/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VBTgExdzD8Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><br>Gershwin's business has also picked up, so that it's usually steady, if not busy, all evening long! There, as well, I have met some great people and gotten some great feedback. Jason Black, a composer of Brazilian music, said this after hearing me at Gershwin's:<span class="font_small"><span class="font_regular"> <span style="font-size: 1.4em;">"Heard a fantastic set by vocalist and flautist of extraordinary good taste and talent tonight, Jennifer Gammill. Musicians, you know that feeling when you hear the timbre, and direction of the sax and you're willing to let you ears follow the sax where the sax wants to take you? That's Jennifer!"</span><br><br><span style="font-size: 1.4em;">It's great to be at a place where I feel so good about what I'm putting out there - my voice has deepened and relaxed, and gets more "jazzy" in style all the time. I enjoy leaping up to the stratosphere for some scat notes, and then taking it down low for a song like "Fever." I also started adding flute to my Gershwin's set </span></span><font size="2"><span class="font_regular">this summer, and people are loving that too.</span> <br><br>I'm still growing and learning, of course! While my confidence and skill with improv has grown greatly, I know I still have a lot to learn. I'm looking into how I can best do that in the months ahead. <br><br>I attribute so much of my learning to my teacher and mentor, Jae Sinnett. People often ask, "How can a flute player study with a drummer?" I like the question, because it says so much about jazz - that you don't have to study with your same instrument to learn so many of the fundamentals, and that because rhythm and feel are so important to jazz, and to playing at a top level, it's a bonus that I have the opportunity to study with a drummer of his caliber. We also talk a lot about the mental game of being a performer, which I appreciate so much, because that is another aspect of playing that is not addressed as much as the technique and execution. And he is not only a drummer, but a composer and arranger. His newest recording, Subject to Change, is amazing. It's one of those you can listen to over and over and still get new things. Even playing along with a simple line on it helps with my feel, and the solos inspire me every time. It's receiving national airplay and recognition, and I feel so proud of him and that I get to study with someone who has devoted so much to his craft and can write and teach from a season of experience. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/846ad89dce74c704b717a268e40123f2e37f5290/medium/img-2634.jpg?1409253925" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br>Lastly, my first gig with Candela, Latin Jazz Quartet, went extremely well. We played at Prime46forty, an upscale restaurant </font></span>in Williamsburg. The guys, John Calisto and Jordan Ponzi, are extremely talented, and Ernesto Laboy played with us on percussion. It was so much fun! And we even threw in the flute beatboxing, did our own arrangement of Rockin' Robin, and of course, a good selection of Latin jazz tunes. I'll be singing my first song in Portuguese this Saturday at our second gig! This group promises some longevity and creativity, which I'm very excited about. Here are some cool shots from our gig, taken by a professional photographer! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/f9ec1d7c2d9081980970e0ac9dbb1643e2851ee9/small/img-2678.jpg?1409254815" class="size_s justify_right border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/2577873ba0762d9913d961e5a9a16b3822281496/small/img-2677.jpg?1409254712" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/ca08bf3d8c36805de96610f5f871841142d11494/medium/img-2676.jpg?1409254755" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br><br>So what's next? I'm looking forward to some down time, sending my daughter off to kindergarten, and I have an insatiable desire to learn more jazz! Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/29595842014-05-20T15:29:32-04:002017-01-13T19:15:56-05:00Gig Season Approaching!In my last post, I was in the audition process for Beach Street, Town Center, and waiting on Gershwin's to open. Well, it has all finally arrived and a BUSY gig season is approaching soon! <br><br>Gershwin's is a 1930's-style speakeasy in downtown Norfolk that features music of Gershwin (of course!), Cole Porter, and other Tin Pan Alley songs. The owner's idea was to feature vocalists with tracks rather than hiring bands in order to keep the costs down, and occasionally have a pianist to accompany the singer. Well, it just so happens I am a jazz vocalist and heard about the place opening up, so I auditioned in early March. Then we waited and waited while all the licenses were being approved. It finally opened in mid-April, and I have had the privilege of singing there 4 times now! The owners really like my singing, so I will be there regularly on Thursday nights at least for the summer! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/599e3b8bc7d65f1e212c2eaad532e030d842c0a3/medium/img-1685.jpg?1398133124" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/368ec123df2c33ac8d8c6598a13d1f3bf5de3c76/medium/img-1686.jpg?1398133140" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>When my Beach Street contract came in, I was floored. Instead of the usual one night a week to perform as a soloist, they wanted me for 2 nights! Since I already sing with Doorway Singers one night a week, this meant I would be singing 3 nights a week on Beach Street! Beach Street offers wonderful experience, but definitely requires a lot of energy since you perform until 11:00 pm and it can be hot. BUT, I am so grateful for the gigs and the opportunities to perform. <br><br>So, put all those together and I will be gigging 3-4 nights a week. Add in a few dates at Town Center in Virginia Beach, where I'll be playing with my own live jazz trio (!!) with Woody Beckner and Chris Brydge, and a few gigs at Prime46forty in Williamsburg with Jordan Ponzi and John Calisto, and I've got myself a busy summer! But I'm so excited about these last couple I mentioned because I'm playing with professional local jazz guys; they are so good and very encouraging to me as a beginner improviser. On all these gigs I'll be mixing vocals and flute; I may throw in piano some nights at Gershwin's to keep things interesting. :)<br><br>Lastly, I'm preparing flute beatboxing for my Beach Street set! I really wanted to add it last year when I became aware of the skill (check out Greg Pattillo - amazing!), but with having a new baby it just wasn't happening last summer. But, I've been investing a lot of time in it, and have one song almost down, Ain't No Sunshine, and hope to have a few others in my pocket as the summer progresses. I plan to play one at the end of each set.<br><br>So, gigs start in full swing on June 17th! Check out my <a contents="gig schedule" data-link-label="Home" data-link-type="page" href="/home" target="_blank">gig schedule</a> on my home page, and I know I'll see you out there soon!Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/26374702014-02-24T15:30:19-05:002017-01-13T19:15:56-05:00The Balancing ActThis season of my life has been about balance: while faced with the extremely difficult task of raising 3 young children and studying to become a jazz musician, I have found this to be the answer. It is a challenge because I am an all-or-nothing person. I know what it is to fully devote myself to a worthy endeavor; at times during high school, I threw myself into my flute playing and loved it. Jazz can easily be an immersion. There is always more to learn; you can always be transcribing a solo, listening to jazz, reading more history, and, of course, practicing. And there's a certain high that comes with devoting oneself to that type of learning, and thus, high rewards to be reaped.<br><br>But I digress. It is not possible for me to devote myself fully to jazz study at this point; no one is paying me to do so and to provide full-time child care for my kids. :-) And neither would I want them in someone else's care all day. But, as I have been getting to know myself more these past few months, nor would I be happy as an exclusively SAH (stay-at-home) mom, as they say in mom lingo. And, in case you're wondering, home schooling is NOT for me. :) <br><br>Thus, BALANCE is the key. I have had to learn how to be a mom and focus on time with my kids when I <em>am</em> with them, not distracted by what I could be doing or practicing. And, conversely, to have focused practice time where I am not distracted by the kids. We've been able to set a few practical things in place to make this happen: moving our oldest from 3 days a week of preschool to 5, and enrolling our middle child in 2 days a week. It's a huge relief for me to have 2 mornings a week with just our 1-year-old (yes, she turned 1 a few weeks ago! What a milestone!) Then, one day a week, I have almost 2 hours to practice at my friend's studio while our babysitter is with the kids. Now, this I love! I'd love to do it more, but patience is the key, because one day they will all be in school and I'll have that kind of consistent practice time, and it doesn't do to wish away the days now when they are young and precious.....and trying, LOL. <br><br> <div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/bc8502347d815845750ca8dce66113bcbef49431/medium/1780634-10202414561499585-1847886854-n.jpg?1393272210" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br> </div>
<div>To conclude these thoughts, a Bible verse I was reminded of the other day really spoke to me, and I felt it applied to jazz learning as well. Mark 4:26-29: "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain - first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." <br><br>So...what encourages me so much is that whether awake or asleep - for me, insert "whether playing with kids or changing diapers, listening to Oscar Peterson while doing dishes, or - yes! - even sleeping," that seed is growing, and at the right time, will produce a harvest. :) Someday I'll be that professional jazz musician I aspire to be.<br><br>So, on a practical note, what is happening? I am in the audition and contract process for Beach Street and Town Center Virginia Beach entertainment for the summer of 2014. Woo hoo! Both are looking very promising, and I'm collaborating with other top jazz musicians for my Town Center gigs. It's going to be exciting! <br><br>I continue to study with Jae Sinnett. It's so challenging to make your rhythm solid and swing legitimate, but he assures me I'm doing well and to keep working at it. <br><br>I can't wait to see you all at some gigs! Thanks for letting me wax philosophical on this post! I'm sure other moms can relate - in America, we have the tools to fulfill the American dream, but still are charged with the honor and challenge of raising children, should we be blessed with them. <br><br>Thanks and God bless!</div>
<div> </div>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/21418702013-12-02T00:14:08-05:002017-01-13T19:15:56-05:00Happy Holidays!The holiday season is in full swing! We've just spent time with my husband's family for Thanksgiving, and then I head home to a full Christmas schedule with the Doorway Singers for the next few weeks until we head to Pennsylvania to spend time with my side of the family for Christmas.<br><br>Check out my Doorway schedule on my <a contents="home page" data-link-label="Home" data-link-type="page" href="/home">home page</a>. Also, Celtica will be playing at First Night in Williamsburg on New Year's Eve! I'd love to see you at a gig or two!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/20c703c2e7e077e7c3e71783559c58342139ef35/medium/1634270.jpg?1386000031" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><br><br>Jazz learning continues, though at a much slower pace than my patience would like :), but I continue to learn on my own and, when I can, with professionals. I learned so much from the few lessons I had with John Toomey this summer, and now I've started with <a contents="Jae Sinnett" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jaesinnett.com" target="_blank">Jae Sinnett</a>, jazz drummer, composer, and radio personality. Our first lesson was great as we focused on rhythm and swing feel, and I am looking forward to further study with him. <br><br>The closing of Havana Nights continues to be a disappointment for all of us in the jazz community; I'm really missing being able to go see vibrant, live shows just minutes from my home. It was like musical food for me listening to so many outstanding jazz musicians, and I really enjoyed the community of the staff and musicians as I got to know them each time I went. I can only continue to hope to find these things elsewhere.<br><br>Come the new year, I plan to start looking for more jazz bookings, both solo and with other musicians I've started networking wtih. <br><br>I hope you enjoy the Christmas season! Favorite holiday beverages of mine are Starbucks' peppermint mocha (double tall, with 2 pumps of peppermint) and eggnog. To close, here's a picture from my performance at Aromas Cafe in Williamsburg a few weeks ago! <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/0b5a5e7e8c32e6eb464ebed86ad4efa5e174689f/medium/1471887-10201783434121795-332554921-n.jpg?1385961141" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" />Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/18199002013-10-09T16:25:01-04:002017-01-13T19:15:55-05:00Havana Nights Jazz ClubOn Wednesdays from August 28th through September 18th I was privileged to sing at Havana Nights Jazz Club in Virginia Beach, VA. I joined <a contents="Justin Kauflin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.justinkauflin.com" target="_blank">Justin Kauflin</a>, who regularly plays their Wednesday cocktail piano for them, as a jazz vocalist, singing for 3 hours each night. It was a dream come true. Justin is a phenomenally gifted pianist, and we worked very well together, the music flowing freely and sweetly. Here are some pictures; videos from the performances can be seen on my <a contents="jazz page" data-link-label="Jazz" data-link-type="page" href="/jazz">jazz</a><a contents="home page" data-link-label="Home" data-link-type="page" href="/home" target="_blank"> page</a>.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/f97ac3287f7f8f800f7c2757dae73ef1d79a661b/medium/img-1709.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/606e7641955323a6d0e88af81eb2b75cf93b9832/medium/img-1707.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/4651fdbdb3e056ac665f4a409083ee0d543a4eb0/original/img-1751.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>Sadly, Havana Nights announced this past weekend that they are closing their doors due to financial difficulties. It's hard for a jazz club to be self-sustainable; nonetheless, it is a great loss to our communtiy and to jazz players and consumers. I will miss going to see shows there as a jazz lover and artist-in-training, and of course I had hoped to sing there again. I will still be looking for jazz gigs, they will just have to be elsewhere. And regarding my training I have a few things in the works.<br><br>To end on a positive note, I enjoyed doing a coffeehouse show last night in Shreveport, Louisiana, while we visit family here. We had a great turnout - it was like a little party! - and everyone loved the music and even bought a few CD's. It's fun to start dreaming of touring and doing shows in the future in the places where I have family and friends. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/e95c4497fa2b0a21417b413bb9de7a134869db5c/medium/img-1829.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/81097cf007f13096fd78ead197cfb4757e20a9ff/medium/img-1823.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/12221292013-07-18T15:05:00-04:002017-01-13T19:15:55-05:00Summertime, and the livin' is....pleasingSummer is in full swing with both the weather and performing season! I'm singing on Beach Street once a week as a solo artist and it is going great. I'm getting the hours of experience I was looking for.<div style="text-align: center; ">
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<div style="text-align: left; ">Amazingly, I finished my last Berklee class a few weeks ago! I can't believe that it was not even a year ago that I decided to start taking classes, and I have learned so much this year. The final class was Jazz Improvisation with Gary Burton - not necessarily a beginner class, but it was still good to learn from the best, and I have a much better idea of the overall principles of improv, though I have a good way to go to be proficient at it on flute. But, I'm happy to say I still want to practice and improve after finishing the class, while at the same time it's been nice to have a little breathing room without the pressures of weekly deadlines for class and do some writing again.<br><br>My plan now is to study with someone locally and keep praciting my improvisation as much as I can. I had one lesson with <a href="http://ww2.al.odu.edu/music/directory/toomey.shtml">John Toomey</a> at Old Dominion University, one of the best jazz pianists in the area (you don't have to study with your same instrument on jazz, though in this case it's nice that I know piano well enough that I can watch his hands and copy), and it went well and he gave me some great exercises. We plan to pick up again in a few weeks once he is back from vacation. <br><br>I also had one jazz voice coaching lesson with <a href="http://www.stephanienakasian.com">Stephanie Nakasian</a> while she was in town a few weeks ago! She was so encouraging and gave me some tips for letting my natural voice come out even more. <br><br>And.....last but not least, I'm pleased to announce that I will be a vocalist at Havana Nights Jazz Club starting on August 28th!! I went in and sang for Dana Rice, the owner, about a month ago, because he was interested in trying a vocalist for their Wednesday cocktail hour. He liked what he heard and hired me for 4 weeks on Wednesdays 6-9pm starting August 28th! This is really a dream come true, as ever since I've been going to Havana Nights to see shows and sing for the open mic I've dreamed of singing there. I'll be performing duo with <a href="http://www.justinkauflin.com">Justin Kauflin</a> on piano - what an honor! He is aready poised for greatness as he heads to the Montreux Jazz Festival as I write! I'll be singing standards, as well as an original, and recently-penned lyrics to the Bill Evans standard Peri's Scope.<br><br>My family continues to thrive as my husband and I celebrate our 9-year anniversary next week and baby Joy turns 6 months!<br><br>I'm so grateful and excited for all the open doors and hope you will come to see me when I sing at Havana Nights! </div>
<div style="text-align: left; "> </div>Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/6180412013-04-26T11:47:36-04:002017-01-13T19:15:55-05:00Spring and ImprovSpring is upon us, and I can feel the new growth outside, and in my own music as the seeds of jazz and the new language of improv are planted. I am into the third week of my jazz improv class; thankfully the pace has not been at breakneck speed, so although many of the concepts are new, I am able to keep up. I've already acquired a lot of tools (such as which scales to practice and how to practice them) to help me as I learn. <br><br>
Though I must admit, the world of improvisation is a bit scary for me. Having grown up primarily reading music, even thriving as a sight reader, to be given a series of chords and have to make music with it on the spot is a bit intimidating! And still a bit mysterious at this point, but that is why I am taking this class. I penned a few lines about how I feel about improv; here they are:<br><br><i>This big, open canvas<br>
What shall I write?<br>
Thrown into a sea of melody<br>
They're all looking at me<br>
To be<br><br>
A muse<br>
A songster of moment<br>
A spinner of untold tales<br><br>
Will I greet fear's threshold<br>
With a smile stronger than I feel?<br>
I will<br>
For I know that to face it is to be brave<br>
And I cannot shrink back into my cave of mediocrity</i><br><br><br>
In other news, I recorded a vocal jazz demo for promotional purposes and for use on my website. It was great to be back in the studio with a professional mic and equipment. If it weren't so dang expensive, I'd be recording all the time. <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/wink_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /> <br><br>
You can listen to my reel on my homepage, with full tracks in the bottom player. Here's a shot of me being fulfilled at the studio:<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/cae3b69e6e8541b4b0303465546263d3ce7106c8/medium/IMG_1360.jpg?1367008938" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="400" width="300" /><br><br><br>
My first Beach Street show is only a month away, on May 24th! Hope to see you at some of my shows this summer - my regular night will be Wednesdays at the Oceanfront, and other show dates can be found on my homepage!!<br><br type="_moz">Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/3704972013-03-14T09:20:00-04:002017-01-13T19:15:55-05:00Our New Baby and New Opportunities! Joy Savannah was born January 26, 2013, healthy and with no complications. She is a beautiful child, with a calm, happy demeanor and good sleep habits! Though it has had its rough spots, my husband and I and our other two children are transitioning well to life as a family of 5. We are so blessed!<br><br><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/7d4d64b83cab63074c12e6b77b673d09cfd710df/medium/IMG_1760.JPG?1378215909" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /></div>
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In the music arena, new opportunities are opening up: I've had the privilege of working with <a href="http://www.justinkauflin.com" target="_new">Justin Kauflin</a>, a premier jazz pianist in Virginia Beach, for some upcoming gigs at Town Center, and am also exploring with other jazz musicians and venues some gig possibilities. I just found out I will also be a Beach Street 2013 street performer on solo jazz voice and flute! Things are looking bright!<br><br>
I continue my studies with Berkleemusic online, and am learning so much. I'm already in Week 9 of my theory course (called Getting Inside Harmony - a great foundation for jazz harmonies and chords) and am soaking it up like a sponge. I love that I can apply it to piano, flute, and voice....next class, starting in April, is Jazz Improvisation! Though I know it will be challenging, I'm so excited to learn more about this art form.<br><br>
Thanks for tuning in!<br type="_moz">Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/2695662012-12-20T15:45:00-05:002012-12-20T15:45:00-05:00Endings and BeginningsWow. Today was a big day. I said good-bye to teaching and to the studio (Virginia Beach Music Academy) where I've been for the last 7 1/2 years. It was a decision made mostly due to our growing family - I'm due to have our 3rd child in 5 weeks - and the logistics that entails. Though my first love is performing, I have always taught on the side (anywhere from 1-3 days a week, not a heavy schedule), and it was with a few tears that I said good-bye to my boss, place of work, and some dear students and families whom I will miss.<br><br>
I'm still performing with the Doorway Singers and Celtica, and hopefully as a solo artist in the jazz genre in the near future.<br><br>
Also in the works is studying jazz theory with a local jazz musician in the coming months. <br><br>
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers in this time of transition! Life has definitely been full of changes in the last 6 months as I refocus and redefine who I am as an artist (and prepare to add another child to the mix!), but all of the changes have been good, and I have been blessed with a great deal of peace in all my decsions.<br><br>
Here's to 2013!<br type="_moz">Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/2447402012-11-01T12:07:31-04:002017-01-13T19:15:55-05:00Christmas Season!The Doorway Singers are busy preparing for the Christmas season, and my first Christmas gig is around the corner, November 9th at Lynnhaven Mall! Some gigs are open to the public, some are for tour groups or private parties, but stay tuned to my home page for my current schedule. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/32807/eb94754d366d7cde4de1f8c589b02a52cc4e65e2/medium/IMG_0324.jpg?1378215909" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="225" width="300" /><br type="_moz">Jennifer Gammilltag:www.jennifergammill.com,2005:Post/2439152012-10-31T10:50:00-04:002017-01-13T19:15:55-05:002012 Journey Hello! And welcome to my first blog post. Hopefully my bio has given you some good background, but here is a place for me to share current news, happenings, and updates. <br><br>
In this post I'd like to share with you my journey of this past year, as it sheds some iight on the new direction I am heading....I have loved jazz for as long at least as far back as high school. I had little exposure to it, let alone a place to play or learn it, while growing up, but am still grateful for the classical training I did receive. I went off to college to study and prepare for music ministry, and that's all I knew through undergrad and grad school (though I remember even then asking my piano teacher to please teach me some jazz chords!!). I seemed to be propelled toward worship leading, that is, until I took a year off from ministry and discovered the Doorway Singers and my love of performing. One thing led to another, and I've been a member of that singing group ever since, have participated in Celtica for the past 7 years, and have been led to numerous other contacts and opportunities through the director. <br><br>
In my solo career, I've had 3 different bands, mostly performing at Beach Street for a summer, with a few other gigs on the side. I've explored pop, top 40, and singer-songwriter, but none seemed to fit my voice quite right or take off like I wanted them to. About a year ago, I approached a couple friends who were jazz musicians and asked if they would consider forming a band with me...we started practicing in January and formed Indigo Black....got bookings at Town Center and Beach Street, though Beach Street only as a duo, but, I'm sad to say, the group has already fizzled. I did gain valuable experience in singing jazz and playing flute and realized it is a genre I love and could see myself being a part of for a long time.<br><br>
With the disbanding of my group, I despaired a little, but always knew I needed real training to actually be a jazz player/singer. I wasn't sure how to do this with two young kids at home and a third on the way. Wtih all my performing and teaching i already do, another time out to pursue classes or lessons was just unaffordable. At the suggestion of my husband, I began to look online and found <a href="http://www.berkleemusic.com" target="_new">Berklee Music Online</a>. Upon exploring, I found they had jazz voice, theory, and improv classes, exactly what I was looking for to start my jazz training. So after only a little deliberation, I enrolled in Jazz Voice! I am almost halfway through this course, and it has been great training so far. Every week we study an aspect of jazz voice and then have to learn and record a song for a grade, and it is challenging and humbling! It might not sound that hard listening to the examples, but when you try to do it yourself, you realize how far you have to go. I've been getting great feedback, though, and though always hard for me to handle at first, I eventually am able to accept it and incorporate it into my singing. <br><br>
It's a quiet, preparatory time in my life. I stepped back from being a part of church worship for the first time in several years - that was a huge adjustment! - and several other commitments, and feel that not just with jazz, but with expecting out third child in only 3 months, this was a time of preparation, reflection, and quiet to prepare for the next phase of my life.....dont' get me wrong, if you have a jazz gig to throw my way, I am all there! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/regular_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /> And I try to make it out to Havana Nights, our local jazz club, as often as I can, to sing with a live band and meet professional jazz musicians. <br><br>
Who knows where the Lord will take me? I continue to trust and learn to lean on His guidance. <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/regular_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br type="_moz">Jennifer Gammill