ETTA JAMES

When I was a little girl I remember hearing about this singer named Etta James.  My mother told me she used to make my father cry when ever he heard her sing.  Well, when I became a teenager I found out Ms. Etta was performing at a place in Los Angeles called 'The Parisian Room'.  I was determained to see what this woman looked like.  Yes this woman who made my father cry.  I dressed up to make myself look older, (at least I thought so).  I pushed the car out the drive way when my mother was asleep, and off I went to Los Angeles.  No drivers license. No ID.  No money!

They wouldn't let me in The Parisian Room!   Said I looked too young.  After my sob story, someone let me stand in the back door of the kitchen.  I stood there and heard the crowds thunderous applause!  I managed to ease through the kitchen when no one was looking, closer to where I could see the stage.  There she was.  This cute, short, stout, blond, black lady.  Her eyes were made up like cat eyes and boy could she sing!  She was all over the stage and her act was raw!!   I loved it.  They kicked me out the kitchen when they discovered I was almost inside the club, but I was happy.  I finally saw Etta James. 

On my way back to Pasadena, I kept saying to myself.."Thats what I want to be when I get older, a singer like her."  I told my mother before she passed about sneaking the car all the time!  She said she already knew.  OK Britt..I saw Etta while you were over seas.  I understand truely.

Sleep well daddy.   

Britian Conley/ Pearl Harbor Survivor *March 20, 1920 - March 6, 2011 [Military time 19:20] *  LUV YOU!

Next!! R.I.P.  Buddy Collette.  Wow!!  Talk about a special person in the L.A. jazz world.  He gave me my first big break!  I met so many jazz legends, working with Buddy.   I loved it everytime he'd call me to do a gig!.  I kept every program cover!  I sang at his daughter,  Cheryl's  wedding.  In 1990 he asked me to sing at a concert at El Camono College,  in Torrence.  A CD was made from the master in 2006, and I got a call to participate in the CD release party.  Well those two 89 year old Leo's, Alice and Buddy are ridin' in that big limousine in the sky.  I'm going to miss them both.  Talkin' 'bout a class act!!

Why did a classmate and my computer repairman have to go so soon? Just a few weeks ago!!  R.I.P. James Adams and Jim Andric.

S I D E   B A R:  Okay..so I'm in a small company called Theatre Americana.  I like it because it keeps me in line makes me clearly understand that jazz isn't the only music around. There are two main shows "The USO Show" and "60's Revisited".  Your girl does a mean 'Tina Turner' plus 'Martha Reeves'  and the lead on 'Please Mr. Postman' and Rte 66 (USO)  The 60's Revisited will happen Friday Night October 8, 2010 during ART NIGHT in the City of Pasadena.  We will be on the steps of City Hall!!  Come out and have a good time!! 

Try to make it over to CAFE 322 on Wednesday evening October 13, 2010, 8:00- 11:00 pm   A little known fact..Your girl opened Cafe322 back in July 2005.  Yes, thats right ..the first jazzsinger on their stage.  The food is very good, with a full bar.  I'll be there with the guys who are on my latest CD 'Lemon Twist'.  Bassist Isla Eckinger will be on a plane headed for Switzerland, so you'll miss him but his sub is supurb.  SAVE  Dec 17...for another 'Santa Baby Christmas' at Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue, in Clarimont. 

To my students.   My goal was to teach for 25 years.  I achieved that goal.  A new goal is in the plan. I will miss you.

       .......Time keeps movin' on, Friends they turn away.  I keep movin' on, But I never found out why.  I keep pushin' so hard an' babe, I keep try'n to make it right to another lonely day.  Well, Dawn has come at last, Twenty five years, honey, in just one night, oh yeah.  Well, I'm twenty five years older now So I know it can't be right!  That I'm no better babe, And I can't help you no more than I did when I was just a girl....

                                            "Kozmic Blues"- Janis Joplin/Gabriel Mekler

BYE for now  Cheryl