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In a milieu where a certain bland uniformity is the inevitable result of commercial pressures (real or perceived), Ms. True and company have opted for what might be called the "classical" approach to jazz recording - that is to say, an album made under severe constraints of time, budget, and advanced preparation, recorded in a single day and mixed and mastered in under a week. That is not to say the available technology was not taken advantage of nor that this in any way was a "casual" undertaking. Rather, this approach acknowledges the basic nature of what these artists are doing - improvising - in the heat of the moment, reveling in their collective chemistry and trusting that the outcome will be worth the risk. Few jazz singers today (or for that matter, in any era) possess True's engaging uninhibited abandon as an expressive interpreter. She has an exceptional voice and a highly flexible technique. Her insistence on spontaneity and honesty result in a style of performance which whole sometimes "imperfect" by certain standard, is remarkable for its emotional intensity and creative daring. Vikki starts with an exceptional vocal instrument, capable of an extraordinary range of sounds - from pure & sweet to downright bizarre. She then adds a firm grasp of American vernacular musical traditions coupled with a fearless readiness to experiment - a quality in short supply in today's musical environment. She tops it all off with a capacity for expressive nuance that allows her to take a fresh & emotionally complex view of any song - and to express this view, at times, in the space of a single phrase. At 15 Ms. True's professional singing career began in Coffee Houses and local clubs. She began studying voice at the University of Louisville's Speed School of Music at 16, the same year she did an acting apprenticeship with Shakespeare in Central Park. She went on to Indiana University and the University of Kentucky, focusing on music and art. Folk, gospel, blues, rhythm and blues and jazz are among the many kinds of music she has performed, though jazz is her greatest love. In October, 1998 she was featured guest soloist with the Albany Symphony Orchestra in an all Gershwin Tribute, David Allen Miller, conductor. She has shared the stage with Pete Seeger, and Rory Block and has opened for America and Josh White, Jr. As a jazz vocalist she has appeared with Tommy Newsom, Eddie Harris, Groove Holmes, Michelle Hendricks, Arni Lawrence and Johnny Lytle. She has opened for Spyro Gyra, Joanne Brakeen, Taj Mahal and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. Ms. True pursued her study of jazz with Janet Lawson, Yusef Lateef, Dr. Horace Boyer, Baba Olatunji, Ysaye Barnwell, and Andy Jaffe, to name a few. Her festival appearances include: The Kool Jazz Festival, Women In Jazz Festival, and The Derby Jazz Festival as well as The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and the Norwalk Folk Festival with her gospel group, The Sweet Sisters of Mercy, with whom she has released 2 CDs. Her new jazz CD, 'bout time was released on the Winter Solstice this year. She performs jazz and cabaret around the country, leads workshops for CATA (Community Access to the Arts) and does benefits in her community to support the Rape Crisis Center, Women's Health services, Hospice Care and more. Ms. True resides in Berkshire country where she teaches voice. She performs regionally and travels giving workshops in vocal stylization. She earned a BA, magna cum laude, in Music and Theatre from Mount Holyoke College, and is a member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators). Check out the artist's website: http://www.vikkitrue.com Track List: 1. Swing! (It) Brother Swing/It Don't Mean a Thing 2. Time After Time (duo) 3. Don't You Feel My Leg 4. Lullaby of Birdland 5. Green Dolphin Street 6. Shall We Dance 7. Summertime 8. Our Love Is Here to Stay 9. Danny's All Star Joint 10. Prelude to a Kiss 11. Throw It Away 12. On the Street Where You Live 13. Time After Time (trio) Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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