Me (age 17) singing with the Mary Ward CSS Stage Band. No I don’t know what’s going on with my hair or why I’m wearing an XL shirt. Maybe 90’s? Maybe not.
2o years ago, a 17 year old me walked into the music room at Mary Ward high-school to audition to be the singer of the stage band. I was a pretty confident kid (despite being more than a little strange) but on this day I was terrified. There was nothing I wanted more than to sing jazz. I didn’t know much about jazz at the time, and I probably still don’t, but all I knew was that when I heard Ella Fitzgerald sing “With a Song In My Heart” I knew EXACTLY what she was saying. Those songs have always spoken to me.
A year ago I asked producer/pianist Mark Lalama, if he would ever consider working with me on my first ever jazz project. The plan was to record a ‘bucket list’ album of my favourite jazz standards. But then he asked a question that changed everything: “Do you have any originals that we could work on?”.
I did.
And now there’s 20. In 10 months Mark and I have co-written over 20 songs together.
What a gift it has been to find someone who loves these songs as much as I do. Mark Lalama is a Canadian gem, a true talent. If you don’t already know his name from Canadian Idol, then please do yourself a favour and check out his website which includes the ridiculously long list of artists that he has worked with in his career. Seriously. It’s ridiculous. But the most astounding thing about Mark Lalama is that somehow, without words, he creates beautiful emotional pictures that anyone with a heart can see. It is a complete privilege to be collaborating with him.
And so (..ahem) may I introduce (...deep breath) my new jazz project... Dizzy & Fay!
As my other half, Sheila Carabine, says “Think timeless original jazz standards, best paired with late night, wistful eyes, a dreamy smile and a glass of something smooth.” These are my lonely lullabies, secret love songs I sing to myself, and now I am sharing them with you. Our first performance will be Jan 7th and like that 17 year-old me… I’m terrified… but I’m ready. And I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life.
