Cynthia Holiday

What influenced you to deviate from dancing to become a jazz singer? 
Singing was a natural progression for me because I grew up in a house of music. My father was a band leader and my mother was a singer. Growing up, I always wanted to sing but was too shy to sing in front of anyone. I got up the nerve to record a tape and gave it to my dad. He was pleasantly surprised and sent me to Duke Anderson for singing lessons. I continued to dance through-out college but after graduating, singing became my new passion.

Was there anyone who pushed and encouraged you to get into it more? 
My father was my biggest influence to sing. As a child, I went to many of his performances and I was in awe of the girl singer “Fannie Douglas.” I also want to mention the influence of Rita De Costa Turrentine (Yes, Stanley Turrentine’s wife) she taught me the art of performing! She taught me how to dress, how to walk on the stage, what to do with my hands, the significance of make-up & hair! Ms. DeCosta Turrentine taught me how to speak to my audience! She said, “Never wear pants ‘cause men like to see legs; use every egg in your basket.” She had me stand before a huge mirror and sing my song; instructing me to express the lyrics of the song; use facial expressions and hand gestures; be an entertainer, be the entire package.

 
How long have you been involved in music at this level? Is this your first album? 
My first vocal lesson was in 1990 and I continue to study today. My second CD is called I Like What I See, recorded live at Birdland Jazz Club in New York. I Like What I See, is the title of a song I co-wrote with my music director, Radam Schwartz.

What are some of the highlights of your journey as an artist thus far? 
The most personal highlight of my career was when my father eventually invited me to sing with his band. That was a hugh stamp of approval for me. Other highlights include being the opening act for Cissy Houston and Gloria Lynne. I also enjoyed singing for the Hartford Jazz Festival in front of 10,000 people....an absolutely awesome experience.
 
Describe yourself and your music in two sentences.
I describe myself as a “jazz song stylist” because my repertoire includes songs from many music genres like theatre, blues or R&B. The difference is that I use my voice to style and interpret the song in the style of jazz music.
 
What makes you different from other jazz singers?
I don’t know what makes me different from other singers but I can say that “I bring my authentic self to the stage for every performance. I just do me.”

What's in store for you, what plans do you have for the future? 
My major goal is to record a third CD and continue to expand my fan base by touring the US and internationally.
 
What inspires your music? 
I am a storyteller. I sing about love gone right and love gone wrong. I’m inspired by songs with lyrics that represent my experiences in life or things I might say or do. I also enjoy singing humorous blues songs like “I got plenty of money, I got a nice place to say, I got 3 or 4 cars that I drive everyday, I AIN’T DOING TOO BAD!”

What are your thoughts on current music here?
I listen to Jazz, Blues, R&B, Salsa, Gospel and Classical. Problem is, the business of music prohibits people from hearing new material. Radio stations play the same artists over and over again. I’m fortunate to live in the New York City area where you can always hear live music and experience new people on the music scene.
 
How do you see the industry accommodating artistes such as yourself? Where is there space?
In the jazz market, getting signed to a major record company is difficult. Available options do exist with small, independent labels. However, online music marketing and social networking has changed the game for artists such as myself. The Internet can be a powerful ally if you take the time to understand how to use it. If you are technically savvy, GREAT! If not, (like me) you might want to hire someone as a member of your team.

Do you have any thoughts for young persons who like you want to bring something different to the musical landscape? 
First, study your craft and “JUST DO YOU” for the love of the music. Don’t get stuck on “looking for a deal.” When opportunity knocks, you have to be ready. There is no substitute for practice and preparation. Establish who you are as an artist and create a brand for yourself or band.


Which artist today or in the past would you love to work with and why?
I would love to record with George Benson, Kevin Mahogany or Quincy Jones. These individuals are extraordinary musicians, experienced - Alize Lavie Style & Beauty

From<arsenij.rebrov@yandex.ru>
Subject: Interview for Jazz Parking
Date: May 28, 2013 12:07:42 PM EDT
To: cynthia_holiday@nj.rr.com

Hello Cynthia!
The interview is attached to this letter. It appeared to be very interesting. Thank your. Don't judge it strictly in terms of grammar because the English is not my native language and i didn't have much time. The sense of the english interview is absolutely the same as the sense of the russian one. And you can be sure that russian interview is perfect in terms of grammar.
Sincerely yours, Arseny


It is not your first time in Russia. How do you think, what has changed since your last visit?
Two years ago I came to Russia and performed in Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and Krasnodar. Even then, I was happy with the level of performance. I think that music, as elsewhere in the world, involves people. Musicians always try to do something using their own unique style to bring something new to reveal the familiar music on a new unknown level. I see the development of Russian jazz in this direction. The Russian musicians are good at it because they perfectly well know the standards of classic jazz performance.

How would you assess the state of the Russian jazz today?
I can’t assess the entire Russian jazz in general, since I learn it in the quite chaotic way. But I can say that, musicians with whom I worked in Russia - just perfect. They know jazz standards. I feel very good about their professionalism. They hadn’t troubles when I worked on my maximum. When I was going for the second time in Russia, my friends were surprised that I did not take with me my band. I replied to them that this is not necessary. I've been there before and I know that Russian jazz musicians can provide a high level of performance. Oleg Butman, as leader of the band perfectly controlled the entire musical collective, including me.

In your previous interview you said that your tour was organized to support your new album.
My new album is called "I love everything I see." It was recorded in New York, but it hadn’t been released in the United States, yet. I picked it up a couple of days before leaving to Russia, and it was a wonderful opportunity to present it to the russian audience even before the official release. Of course, it has become one of the most important parts of the tour.

What kind of repertoire presented in this tour?
In my repertoire I have a big number of songs. But when I was developing this repertoire with Oleg Butman for this tour, I said, "Oleg! I want to sing songs that are known in Russia. I brought the new material in Russia, but I also wanted everybody to listen to that song, which he loved. Oleg told me a couple of songs and he was right. Everybody liked the song - «Georgia», «Summer time», «I Believe I can fly». I also included some songs of Billie Holiday. This singer is the epoch in the history of jazz.


Did you sing songs from your new album on today's performance?
Yes. It was «I Believe I can fly», which was written by R. Kelly (R.Kelley) - american singer and songwriter. But I wasn’t shure about this one. I knew that the younger part of the audience could not to know it . But I was so happy because, in spite of it, people liked it and responded emotionally. It is not a jazz song. It's pop, but I sang it in the jazz style. I do it often and so I prefer to be called a "stylist of jazz compositions." I fulfill old songs with life, giving them their own style and a new arrangement. «I Believe I can fly» was the last song I sang on the tour at the scene of Turandot.


Young singers performed with you on this stage today. They are from Jazz Parking project. How do you feel about this kind of Jazz Parking’s activities, when beginners perform on the same stage with famous artists?
I fell about it very positively. Thanks to Jazz Parking that I saw that the russian jazz has a future because of these young singers Margaret, Pauline and Idel. When I first saw them, their beauty pleasantly surprised me. It counts in this business. Appearance and how professional you look is very important. That was my first impression. I was even more amazed when I heard that they had beautiful trained voices. They shouldn’t stop. They must continue to learn the craft and obviously they do it.

Your tour in Russia came to the end. How you could resume it?
At three o'clock plane I fly back to New York with lovely memories and I hope to be invited back. Sing for the Russian audience is not the same sing as to sing for Americans. People in the U.S. are very noisy, they always laugh, clap, express their attitude to performance. As for Russia, it is very difficult for me to read faces, but in the end of the show people always start to clap and smile, give me flowers. At these moments, I feel a great relief and I understand that the Russian public - Jazz Parking - May 2013 Moscow

27865 Tue, 04/02/2013 - 12:14pm
The jazzy atmosphere might just inspire people to dance. Lester Gribetz

Cynthia Holiday

Marchesa Midnight Blue. lenox.com
By Allison Zisko

Visitors to the Lenox showroom during this month’s New York Tabletop Show may wonder whether they’ve left Forty One Madison and stumbled into a nightclub.

Jazz singer Cynthia Holiday will be on stage in the entrance to the company’s showroom on Tuesday, April 17, alongside a grand piano and her band, singing the blues in honor of the new Marchesa Midnight Blue dinnerware pattern. Surrounding her will be spot-lit cocktail tables, all set with the new collection. The jazzy atmosphere might just inspire people to dance, said Lester Gribetz, president of Lenox.

Lenox has decided to highlight its Marchesa collection, created by fashion designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, at this spring’s show rather than introduce a new name to its portfolio, Gribetz said. The Marchesa collection, first introduced about two and half years ago, continues to make great strides at retail and among brides, according to Gribetz. The brand, recognizable on fashion runways and red carpets, has recorded more than 1,000 tabletop bridal registrations, has been featured in Macy’s pop-up shops in its top doors, and was the company’s top-selling collection at the Ambiente fair earlier this year, he said.

This comes despite the fact that the fashion brand commands a premium price point—an average of $180 for a five-piece place setting—and is not discounted. This proves that “if it’s really beautiful, people will buy it,” Gribetz said.

Lenox will introduce two casual Marchesa patterns at this month’s show, the aforementioned Midnight Blue, notable for its intense coloration and highly detailed design, and a lace-themed pattern, yet unnamed at press time, in a softer colorway. Both patterns are unbanded porcelain and range in retail price between $80 and $100 for a five-piece place setting.

Holiday will begin singing at 6 p.m. on April 17 and continue through the evening, Gribetz said. - HFM Magazine - April 2013

The delightful and talented Ms. Cynthia Holiday, a mainstay of the Harlem jazz and blues community has, despite her busy performance schedule, graciously agreed to speak with The Harlem Times. She is currently preparing to depart for her second tour of Russia.
The Harlem Times attended Ms. Holiday’s recent “Holiday Sings Holiday” Women’s History Month performance at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club. Ms. Holiday created the musical tribute to Billie Holiday with her musical director Radam Schwartz to honor the iconic Lady Day!
Cynthia was able to use this engagement to respond to the many people who are curious about her last name. “Inevitably, people ask me two questions: Am I related to Billie Holiday…. to which I always respond “Yes, we are sisters in the name of song”….then they also want to know if “Holiday” is a stage name and I tell them no, Cynthia Holiday is, in fact, my real name!”
The “Holiday sings Holiday” performance was a tremendous success. Cynthia Holiday performed before a sold out audience! Throughout this musical tribute to Billie Holiday, Cynthia’s performance cooked while she served up a collaborative interpretation of Billie’s works. The audience especially enjoyed her rendition of “Good Morning Heartache” which was delivered with a fast, upbeat tempo and received by the audience with resounding applause!
Cynthia teased the audience by beginning Lady Day’s famous tune “Love Me or Leave Me” with a less well known verse, then she transitioned on to the more familiar verses; all the while capturing the audience with her superior skills as a song stylist and musician. Ms. Holiday charmed the audience with classic Billie Holiday tunes. The lyrics of these great “Lady Day” tunes were performed by Cynthia with articulation, ease, musicality and love! Yes, truly sisters of song!!!!

We know Lady Day was sending mad love to Cynthia that evening!!! Without further ado here is the interview:

HT: Do you consider yourself a jazz singer?
CH: Yes, I sing jazz but I prefer the term “jazz song stylist” because my repertoire includes songs from many musical genres; theatre, country and R&B. The difference is that I craft and interpret the song in the style of jazz music. I sing like a grown woman who shares life experiences through lyrics, melody and interpretation.
HT: What advice would you share with up and coming jazz/blues vocalists?
CH: If singing is truly your career choice then take it seriously and study your craft. Enroll in a traditional music school or find a qualified singing teacher. Learn how to read music and it is very beneficial to learn how to play an instrument. Many of the outstanding jazz singers we know like Carmen Mcrae, for example, also played piano and it definitely gives you an advantage when you want to scat, improvise or just sing beautifully. I would tell them to gain experience singing in front of an audience at open-mics. Stage presence is also something that takes practice and does not come easily. Some people might sing well but have poor stage presence. It is important that you consider all aspects of becoming a professional singer, including what you wear! LISTEN to great musicians (not just other singers) for ideas and musicality. So much to share, I’d better stop here.
HT: Please share your preferred composers and compositions.
CH: Johnny Mandell is one of my favorite composers. I added one of his compositions to my repertory this season called “I Wish I’d Met You.” It is a story about two lovers lamenting over the fact that they met late in their lives only to come to the conclusion that now is the best time ever. I also love to sing blues songs like Irene Reid’s “I Ain’t Doing Too Bad.” People share such positive feedback about my rendition of “Good Morning Heartache” so it has become one of my favorite songs to sing.”
HT: Do you enjoy performing for large audiences?
CH: I enjoy performing for large audiences…. like the Hartford Jazz Festival and the Bill Lockett Jazz Festival where I performed before an audience of 1,000! but I also love performing in intimate settings like Showman’s, Smoke and Shanghai Jazz. I enjoy the intimate conversation smaller venues offer. By the way, Showman’s Jazz Club, in central Harlem, was the first New York Club to hire me! Thank you, Showman’s!
HT: Which vocal performers have had the greatest impact on you?
CH: Well, as for the ladies, I grew up with the traditional artistry of Gloria Lynne, Nancy Wilson and “Ella” but my contemporary favorites are Barbara Morrison and Catherine Russell. As for male vocalists, I like Kurt Elling, Kevin Mahogany and I still listen to Joe Williams and Ray Charles. I won’t get myself into hot water by mentioning names but, there are some local female singer friends of mine who may not be nationally know, but are FIERCE and deserve to be heard by the world! This is a tough business.
HT: When and where did you begin to study voice?
CH: I grew up in Newark, New Jersey and I bega - The Harlem Times - May 2013

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN JAZZ, INC
PRESENTS
WOMEN IN JAZZ FESTIVAL 2010

SUNDAY, APRIL 18, FRIDAY, APRIL 23 – SATURDAY, APRIL 24


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jackie Lennon
IWJ Media/Marketing
savvymedia@nyc.rr.com
646 206.7355

New York, NY The International Women in Jazz (IWJ) will hold their annual Women in Jazz Festival. This exciting Festival will showcase and honor women in jazz with homage to the Centennial Celebration of Mary Lou Williams. (See event locations)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
April 18 3 pm – 5 pm
Barnes & Noble, 1972 Broadway & 66th Street
Featuring Kate Cosco, Pauline Jean, Cynthia Holiday, Mimi Jones

April 23 6 pm – 9 pm
Saint Peter’s Church, Lexington Ave & E.54th Street
Featuring Karrin Allyson
Mary Lou Williams Centennial presented by Father Peter O’Brien
IWJ Jazz Chorus with Dona Carter, Musical Director.

April 24 6 pm – 9 pm
Saint Peter’s Church, Lexington Ave & E. 54th Street
Featuring Toshiko Akiyoshi.
Honorees Robin Bell-Stevens, President and CEO of Jazzmobile
Emme Kemp, Legendary Jazz Vocalist, Pianist and Composer.

Added attractions on April 23 & 24 include Youth in Action, Jazz Exhibits, Seminars and more! International Women in Jazz and Dotti Anita Taylor, President of IWJ, invite you to share the experience. It’s all about Jazz! We appreciate your support.

International Women In Jazz is a not-for-profit organization 501(c) (3) committed to supporting women jazz artists and related professionals, and to fostering a greater awareness of the diverse contributions women make to jazz, worldwide. Through its programs, IWJ provides information and assistance to its members, thus standing dedicated to actively ensuring a place for women as a vital part of the past, present and future of Jazz. For additional information: 212 560.7553 www.internationalwomeninjazz.com.
# # #
- International Women In Jazz

Jazz Vocalist Cynthia Holiday To Record Live at Birdland, NY, April 28 WEBWIRE – Monday, April 25, 2011
Contact InformationEric Nemeyer
Internet Marketing
MusicMarketingDotCom.com
215-887-8880
success@MusicMarketingDotCom.comJazz music vocalist Cynthia Holiday (http://www.CynthiaHolidayMusic.com/) will appear for a one-night-only live performance and recording, on Thursday April 28, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, New York City (212-581-3080 www.birdland.com). Ms. Holiday will be accompanied by Radam Schwartz on piano; Wayne Henderson, drums; Paul Beaudry, bass, Mark Sherman, vibraphone. The festivities are presented by Jazzmobile (www.jazzmobile.org), the venerable jazz organization created by pianist, composer Billy Taylor in 1964. Jazzmobile presents numerous jazz performances throughout New York, and sponsors jazz education throughout the year.

Cynthia Holiday, who hails from Newark, released here debut recording “Cynthia Holiday…All The Way” that features a combination of jazz standards, blues songs and original material created in a collaboration with organist, Radam Schwartz. Album personnel also includes jazz masters Cedar Walton, piano, David Williams, bass and Joe Farnsworth, drums. More information is available at www.CynthiaHolidayMusic.com.

Ms. Holiday has been featured artist at the Hartford Jazz Festival before an audience of 10,000 people. In 2010 she was a guest artist on NBC 4 Today in New York Show, and earlier this year, she did a six-city tour through out Russia, plus performances at leading jazz clubs including Iridium and Blues Alley.

WBGO Jazz88 FM host Sheila Anderson said:: “I hear the humor of Helen Humes, the soul of Ernestine Anderson, the warm timber of Mary Stallings and the storytelling of Marlena Shaw, but make no mistake, what you hear is pure Cynthia Holiday!”

For more information call (201) 886-0162, info@cynthiaholidaymusic.com, cynthiaholidaymusic.com


- Eric neymeyer, Jazz Inside Magazine

MUSIC REVIEW
Hartford Courier – July 19, 2009
An Intense Homage To Coltrane
HARTFORD - — The livin' was easy in Bushnell Park Sunday as the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz wound down with lots of funky grooves and laid back covers of old pop hits. Frisbees sailed past food vendors as thousands enjoyed free music and camaraderie under glorious blue skies.

Somewhere between "Moondance" and "Sweetest Taboo," the volcanic force of a John Coltrane composition exploded into the summer air, rendering everything else insignificant. Many in the audience were unprepared for the intensity of this reverent Coltrane homage, performed by Azar Lawrence's quartet.

The 55-year-old saxophonist assembled a formidable quartet for this concert, anchored by the impassioned drumming of Billy Hart. Hartfordite Nat Reeves played bass, and Benito Gonzalez was on piano. As a young man, Lawrence apprenticed with Coltrane's favorite pianist, McCoy Tyner; Lawrence demonstrated Sunday how well he's learned to apply Coltrane's advanced techniques to his own improvisational directions. Lawrence had all but disappeared from the jazz scene for decades; his recent re-emergence finds him in outstanding musical form.


Those who listened carefully were rewarded with an unforgettable sonic experience. Lawrence closed his set with a swirling soprano sojourn through one of Coltrane's favorite vehicles for extended improvisation: Rodgers & Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things."

Vocalist Cynthia Holiday also delivered a version of "My Favorite Things," but hers gave a sultry, soulful twist to the "Sound of Music" classic. The New Jersey native christened the main pavilion Sunday afternoon after several locally based ensembles had warmed up the crowd with music on the smaller Friends of the Festival stage.

She may have been unfamiliar to the audience, but Holiday quickly won over the crowd with her blues-soaked swing and charming banter. Her repertoire was diverse, ranging from solid R&B fare such as "What You Won't Do for Love" to the simmering gospel groove of "Walk With Me Lord."

Holiday's backup band, led by Hammond B3 organist Radam Schwartz, provided just the right balance of looseness and precision. Julius Tolentino's alto and tenor saxophone solos were especially noteworthy. Tolentino is no stranger to Hartford, having graduated from the Hartt School of Music at The University of Hartford in 1997.

- Hartford Courier, Hartford Connecticut

THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS August 13-August 19, 2009 25
of the

Showmans is no longer just a
heartbeat from the Apollo, but
its friendly atmosphere still
exists, and the live entertainment
remains in tact.
Last weekend, Showmans
was packed with tourists and
regulars who knew the barmaid—
or is it mixologist—by
name (Terri), and she knew
their drinks before being
asked. And of course,
everyone knows
manager Mona
Lopez.
It was the perfect setting
for vocalist Cynthia
Holiday to lay down her
sassy jazz style. Like the
great Irene Reid (who performed
regularly at Showmans),
Holiday is a storyteller,
using humor and
straight-up talk. She turns
each song into a personal conversation,
soul-y for listeners.
“Never Make a Move Too
Soon,” was a hardcore swinger
and “Embraceable You”
romped with a mid-up-tempo
melody. She turned my
“Favorite Things” into a real
funky jazz number.
Holiday has a mid-range
timbre that is never overpowered
by her dynamic trio of
organist Radam Schwartz,
guitarist Avi Rothbard and
drummer Phil Young. Singing
with an organ accompaniment
can be difficult because
of the strong, rich sound, but
Holiday has no problem. Her
voice is warm, but she projects
with perfect diction
regardless of the tempo, from
blues to gospel, as she demonstrated
on “Walk with Me.”
And the audience demonstrated
with their thunderous
applause that they were satisfied
down to the soul.
If you missed Holiday,
check out her current CD, “All
the Way” (Miles High
Records), featuring the Cedar
Walton Trio, as well as her
longtime music director and
pianist Radam Schwartz. She
sings ballads, blues and
samba. She does a good job on
Eddie Floyd’s R&B hit “Knock
on Wood.” I get the feeling
she’s more at home on the
soul swing, and that’s just
fine.
Holiday said, “I am having
a ball. I love singing.” Most
recently she performed at the
Hartford Jazz Festival. “That
was a great opportunity for
me. Performing in front of
30,000 people was an amazing
feeling,” she said.
Now that Holiday has
retired from her day job, she
will be looking for more gigs.
“Yes, I definitely have more
time now to pursue my love of
singing.”
Her CD can be found at
cdbaby.com or cynthiaholidaymusic.
com.
By RAOUL ABDUL - New York Amsterdam News, August 09