Queens of Soul

QUEENS OF SOUL

by A.J. Wachtel

The depth and diversity of the New England music scene is long and legendary. Incredible music schools, plenty of clubs, and tremendous media support on the air, in print and all over the internet have greatly contributed to the fact that for many decades our local entertainment environment  has maintained itself as one of the best in the world. Amazingly talented people are everywhere. Keep reading and check out seven  stories of such superior sisters:

Noise: What about the New England music scene attracts you the most and what keeps you as an artist in this area?

Shikiboo Boston:  New England, the Region of Champions !! I like the New England music scene for many reasons. I love that there are so many venues that are preserving the art of live music by offering it at their establishments. This gives artists a chance to share their talents. There are also many incredible singers and musicians that contribute to the diversity and culture of the music scene. Blues is being kept alive in New England, especially!

Gretchen Bostrom: I love the vibrancy, pace, people and activity of the Boston/Cambridge area. With regard to the music scene, I feel for the most part that it’s accepting and full of a lot of kind people. I started out singing jazz and used to frequent open mics and showcases. People were always very encouraging, willing to help and were receptive. When I transitioned into the blues scene, I had the same types of experiences. People were very kind, very willing to help you out, jam with you, offer advice, etc. I remember going to Mike Welch’s jam at Johnny D’s when I was starting out. I’d come in with different songs each week to do. I was clueless… a deer in headlights. Mike was very kind and helped coach me and offer feedback on my jam sets. He even burned me a CD of songs that he thought would work well with my voice. I will forever be grateful to Mike for everything he did to support me when I was very very green. As I got more experience and eventually helped to found a band (The Juke Joint 5), a lot of the pros I looked up to would work with us as subs in the band if someone couldn’t do a show. I can’t tell you what that has meant to me that they were willing to play with me on a professional level now. All of them are encouraging, positive and love the music. There’s definitely a lot of love in the music scene. Most recently, the love was displayed for a fellow musician, Johnny Blue Horn. The blues community came together and had a big event to raise money for him because he is not able to work his day job and can only play on a limited basis due to the surgery he had. It brought tears to my eyes to see our community band together and raise money to help our fellow brother. The lines out the door of the event were astonishing. It’s a very thoughtful community and one I am proud to be a part of. It’s a huge reason that I stay here as an artist. I also enjoy the fact that any night of the week, you can go out and hear wonderful music, all different genres. I know that the scene is not as vibrant as it was 20 years ago, at least from what people have told me, but I am grateful for those clubs and audiences who are hanging in there and supporting live music and local artists.

Sunny Crownover: In short, there is such a plethora of hugely talented, professional, and accomplished musicians with national acclaim who have created one of the most vibrant and productive music scenes anywhere. The level of award-winning music that is produced by many of them is truly world class. In addition, there is amazing camaraderie and collaboration among them that makes it very special. Then you have great music loving fans and wonderful venues, so what’s  not to like? It’s my home now and I plan on staying.

Lisa Marie: I have an enormous appreciation for- and I am still astounded by the wealth of musical talent in New England – and the knowledgeable music fans who know their music history.

Danielle Miraglia: I was born and raised in the Boston area, so it’s literally home. After college, I started playing around here and found a home within the home. We have incredible musicians, who constantly inspire and raise the bar. I tour as a solo act because it’s most economically feasible, but I enjoy collaborations more than anything these days. When I’m home, I can play with my band, The Glory Junkies, and sit in with various bands locally any night of the week. Some people criticize the Boston scene for being insular, but I’ve always found it to be welcoming. I don’t know. Maybe I’m biased.

April Stanford: The versatility of this area was a huge draw for me. I grew up in Boston in a household with Caribbean and Canadian parents and had great exposure to different styles of music. I love the energy that this being a college town brings to the live music scene as well. Especially with Berklee being smack dab in the middle of the action. However, I am more than ready to experience the energy that other cities have to offer.

Sympli Whitney: I can appreciate the lack of good ole soul music in this area of the East Coast.  New York has their scene, New Jersey, Philly, etc., but Boston has really struggled to make a name for itself since the New Edition, Bobby Brown times so we yearn for it and well, that is why I have embraced this community of musicians and local venues – because we need soul to come back to our streets and neighborhoods. Good ole music… keeps ’em comin’ back fo’ mo’.

Noise: In one sentence please describe your singing style and what national star do you think your act is most similar to?

Shikaboo:  My singing style has often been described as raw, soulful, and room filling. I am a blues & soul singer but I also love rock ’n’ roll. So I choose NOT to limit myself. The one thing I can guarantee is that I am emotive, I live to entertain and I aim to make my audience feel special! I have been compared to Betty Wright and Big Mama Thornton.

Gretchen: I think my band mate from the Juke Joint 5, Dick “The Poet” Lourie, sums it up well – “subtle or soulful, sophisticated or funky, smooth or raw, holding your hand or in your face – or a combination of these things.” I hope I sound like myself, but I’m often told my style of singing is similar to Ruth Brown, LaVern Baker, and Dinah Washington.

Sunny: My voice has a wide range, a clear, pure tone and a natural phrasing style, with lots of emotion and passion. Is that a style? Ha. As for what act is most similar, I don’t know of anyone offhand although I’ve been compared to Bonnie Raitt (which of course I take as a tremendous compliment).

Lisa Marie: I am a soul and roots singer from another era, so imagine Bugs Bunny, Big Joe Turner, Louis Jordan, Howlin’ Wolf, Hank Williams and Sam Cooke meet up for wild road stories and lots of gin – and then a bizarre sci-fi event creates something resembling a chick singer with a deep rumbling voice and insane laughter.

Danielle: I am tempted to answer this sarcastically – “Beyonce of course!” – but I’ll say I’m most vocally influenced by Janis Joplin, maybe a little Rod Stewart when he was in The Faces, and The Rolling Stones.

April: My singing style is basically a reflection of the way I am… emotional, hard-loving, passionate and sincere. I’ve been told that I give people a Jill Scoot vibe with my live act, which is a HUGE compliment!

Sympli: Geesh one sentence, Anita Baker meets Patrice Rushen while hangin’ with Michael Jackson… lol.

Noise: Give me one original and one cover you do in your live set that your audiences love.

Shikiboo:  That’s hard because I get a lot of song requests. Since I have to choose one, I will say “The Clean Up Woman” by the legendary Betty Wright. “Dried Up” is my own  original and it’s a blues song about falling out of love.

Gretchen: People really dig when I do “Shake Your Hips” by Slim Harpo. I put a lot of energy into it, I work the band dynamics, and it’s a tune everyone loves to boogie to. I probably get more requests for my take on that song than any other cover. As for an original, a lot of people like “Nobody’s Home” which was written by my Juke Joint 5 band mate, Silvertone Steve (I wrote one line in the tune… the part about “the judge don’t wanna hear your tale, I got no money to pay your bail”… ha ha!). It’s reminiscent of a Little Richard rocker.

Sunny: Gosh there are lots! One original would be “High Heels and Home Cooking” from Right Here Right Now (her last release produced by Duke Robillard), and probably “Sway” from Live At The Tiki Lounge (past Duke Rob illard and Sunny Crownover release).

Lisa Marie: “My Bald-Headed Baby” is the most requested original (I sort of have an unofficial street team of bald-headed men) and folks seem to favor my take of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.”

Danielle: We do “Get Off” by Prince – that’s one of my favorites to play – I’d be happy making a career doing nothing, but Prince covers if I could get away with it. As for originals, the newest is usually the most fun. Right now it’s a tune called “Don’t Pray For Me.”

April: I think my single “My Worst Enemy” resonates with a lot of people when they hear it. It was written from a personal place and has a message that speaks to me every time I hear it, so when I get feedback that the lyrics actually reached someone it feeds a special part of my soul. I’ve covered so many songs, but I think one that my audiences love is “Distance” by Emily King. It’s really an amazing song by an amazing artist and I love to cover anything by her!

Sympli: Off my freshman album titled Ryze of the Phoenix, many people like “I Can See You and Me” which is an original I wrote.  As for the cover tune, well, I think my fans like “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan (this song got me on the Apollo Stage in Harlem, NY, in front of Gladys Knight, Michael Bivins and Dougie Fresh, 2013).

Noise: Any advice to other New England artists trying to get their music heard in our tough economy?

Shikiboo:  My advice is to do it because you LOVE to do it! Even if you are only street corner serenading! Do it for the love. That way you will keep pushing no matter what. Also, surround yourself with people who are honest and supportive and who are willing to share their knowledge. Lastly, learn how to market yourself/ self promote!     

Gretchen: Frequent the jams/ open mics if you are new/ just starting out. It’ll give you the chance to showcase what you’re working on and it’s an excellent opportunity to network with other musicians. Also, get out to shows of artists you like or look up to as often as you can. Make connections with them. Learn by watching and listening to them. Often, I’ll go to shows with my little notebook and write down things I like that they are doing or things I have learned from them so I can refer back in my practice time and improve my skills as a singer/ performer. Social media offers ways to connect with audiences as well and gives them insight into what you are about. Work the social media angles – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, You Tube, Periscope, etc. The more people are aware of you and your music and what you’re up to, the better – plus, many of the social media avenues are free to use. Build your mailing list, send out e-newsletters on upcoming shows and what you’re working on. Work it to get bodies to shows. Anyone spinning rhythm and blues on the radio, get your recordings in front of them. We’re lucky here to have Carter Alan who hosts Sunday Morning Blues on WZLX. He is very supportive of local artists and will often spin their stuff. Get your CD to Carter! If you look, you will see that there still are avenues to get your music heard. It’s a lot of work, but you get what you put into it. Another big thing and probably the most important is during your set breaks at shows, meet and greet your audience! If you see someone who has been to a previous show or multiple shows, take notice, recognize them and thank them for their support. Remember your audiences. Remember names of frequent show goers. Write them down after you meet them and write notes with visual cues if you have to. The more you can connect with your audience, the more they know you care and they are more willing to support you and spread the word about you to others. We all need to be grateful to the folks who come out, spend their money to see you and buy your music. Without them, we’d just be playing to our bedroom walls. The least you can do as an artist is get out into the audience during your set break and introduce yourself, meet your audience, be available to them, be genuinely interested in them and thank them for coming out to support you. That goes a LONG way. It might sound hokey, but being genuinely grateful is key.

Sunny: Play live as often as you possibly can, create an inexpensive but quality recording to sell at those shows, and have a good social media and web presence. Keep learning and growing always. Practice. Practice. Practice.

Lisa Marie: Stretch your boundaries and play as many genres, venues and events as you can, with all kinds of players – it will help you grow musically (and also as a person) as well as helping you to narrow your focus. Don’t let anyone else limit you. And most of all, always stay true to yourself. 

Danielle: Play anywhere and everywhere you can. Get the hours and experience in. Go to other people’s shows and be a part of your local music community. And if you feel like your local scene is closed off, build your own. Go to open mics and find people you dig and play shows with them. When you get an opportunity, be kind to all involved. Don’t be a dick. Build a reputation as someone who people want to work with and you’re more likely to continue to get work.

April: I think I’m speaking more to myself when I say this, but the key is to be consistent and to truly believe in your own artistry. Keep pushing and remember why you started doing music in the first place. Let your heart speak and you will captivate your audience for life.

Sympli:  My best advice would be the following:

1.  Recognize you are not the only one and embrace the variations of music coming from your peers, do not shy away but celebrate the entire community as if it were your own voice feeding the crowd.

2.  Stay relevant but true to who you are.  If you’re old skool then kill it and bring it every time, if you’re new skool slay it with a vengeance, if you’re like me and middle of the road then keep it funky and make it your own… make it sympl.…

3.  Rehearse and stop actin’ like you can just show up and play, even the greatest musicians rehearsed.  You are only as good as the time you put into it, eventually the true passion will come forward don’t stand there looking stupid.

4.  Finally, save every penny – your gonna need it hunny!

Noise: What’s in your futures?

Shikiboo: Be happy! When I am happy, everything else falls into place.

Gretchen: After eight years, I am leaving The Juke Joint 5. It’s scary and exciting all at once. I’ve enjoyed my time with The Juke Joint 5, but it is time to carve my own musical path and try some new things. I am going to be focusing more on West Coast style blues which has a lot of jazz elements to it. It’s exciting to me because I started as a jazz singer, but love rhythm & blues, so this will allow me to combine the two a bit more. Think early Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, T Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, and more contemporary artists like Junior Watson and the like as far as styling. I’ll be doing things under my own name now as well. I’m planning out a future recording for my new work, which I will keep everyone posted on. I also will be doing some duo work with my Juke Joint 5 band mate, Silvertone Steve. He and I just released an acoustic EP, so be on the lookout for us at a venue near you. If folks want to keep up to date with what I am up to, they can visit my website and other social media.

Sunny: Later this year I am featured on Duke Robillard’s upcoming CD Duke And His Girlfriends along with other very special guests, which I am very excited about. Also, Duke and I are hoping to finish the follow-up project to Tales From The Tiki Lounge now that he is largely recovered from his rotator cuff injury. We have two songs out now “The Moon of Manakoora” and “Amapola” billed as Sunny Crownover with The Duke Robillard Orchestra from that project. Beyond that, hoping to be performing more live gigs with The Duke Robillard Band soon!

Lisa Marie:  New recording from Lisa Marie & All Shook Up, and the upcoming new CD from Eric “Two Scoops” Moore. I have also just become the new lead singer for Juke Joint 5 so expect some new recordings from that new venture as well as other surprises on the horizon.  

Danielle: More music with The Glory Junkies. Currently working on tunes for both the solo show and the band, so it’s a race for which songs get written first as far as which record will get made first.

April: April Stanford is currently working on the debut EP which is LOOOOOOONG over due. It’s been a labor of love and true self reflection so I hope it touches people the same way this process has touched me. Also, the April Stanford Music movement is always looking for team players to become a part of the vision.   

Sympli: This year is going to be big!  I can feel it!  As I mentioned my CD is out and doing well in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Miami. Brazil, Africa, everywhere!  My sites are on American markets which is tough but I think with some of my upcoming projects there is a way to break into the industry right here in the US.  I think you will be hearing from me very soon!