When Dolores "DeeJazz" Jackson sings Easton Stick Jersey , it's not surprising to see why her listeners are are dynamically captivated. DeeJazz delivers something unique: inspirational, message-rich lyrics, against the background of a beautiful and spiritual, jazz sound. Her voice is as readily remarkable to the human ear as it is definitively, distinctive. Particularly engaging, each one of her songs demonstrate her ability to easily hit a wide range of octaves. Her debut album, titled Drue Tranquill Jersey , "A Musical Messenger," has the potential to inspire and transform lives for the greater.
Born in Michigan, USA, DeeJazz has spent most of her life in Detroit. Currently, she makes her home in North Carolina. As a college student, she was the recipient of thousands of dollars in scholarships. The singersongwriter earned her B.A. in Advertising from University of Detroit, Mercy Nasir Adderley Jersey , and graduated Magna cum Laude.
I recently sat down and was honored with a rare, inside look of this amazing artist. Her CD, "A Musical Messenger," has a generous, 14 tracks, and can be purchased at: Good Morning, DeeJazz. Thank you for meeting with me. And Jerry Tillery Jersey , congratulations on your spectacular accomplishment of masterfully blending jazz, inspirational, and spiritual music.
DeeJazz: Thank you so much, Fran. It is a pleasure to be with you.
FB:You produced your own album; was that a difficult decision?
DeeJazz: Producing my own album was not at all a difficult decision. It had been a dream of mine for a long time. I have been writing songs and playing them on the piano since I was 13. So, by the time I produced the album, I had quite a few years of writing and recording experience under my belt. But yes; there were times when I doubted by ability to do it by myself. After I completed several songs I presented them to some experienced producers for their opinions. One told me my production wasn't good enough and that I would need their help, I sensed their desire for control and Mike Williams Jersey , not to mention, compensation. Another told me my productions were great.
However, by this time confidence in my writing ability had matured to the point where I was feeling pretty secure. Nevertheless, I wanted the opinions of experienced writersproducers. I found out that they are people too.
"I encourage anyone that loves real music to purchase this CD. I am confident that you will be uplifted. Musically, everything is there. Whether you're into up-tempo, ballads, introspection Derwin James Jersey , inspirational, motivational, jazz, vocals, or instrumental, "A Musical Messenger" has it all!"
- Michael L. Jones ProducerDirector, Eye-On-U Productions Joey Bosa Jersey , N. Hollywood, CA
FB: What are some of the most powerful truths you discovered about yourself after completing your first album?
DeeJazz: One of the most powerful things I discovered about myself after completing this CD was that I could actually fulfill my lifelong dream to be a composer. It was thrilling. Secondly, that I had something worthwhile to offer. For a long time I felt like a failure. After a failed marriage, I was struggling financially as a single parent of two small children and I had no direction for my future. Music was always a dream for me, but with little or no encouragement from my family, I felt discouraged. Completing this project taught me that I could accomplish what I put my mind to as long as I didn't let anything or anyone stop me.
FB: It's our understanding that you are an avid reader. How, and when did you acquire your love for reading? And Melvin Gordon III Jersey , what books are you reading now?
DeeJazz: My love for reading started when I was kid when the bookmobile used to come to our neighborhood. I loved it! Growing up in Detroit --where not much was given to you and sometimes things were stolen from you -- I was so impressed that you could borrow books without paying for them. Actually, I'm still impressed by the library! I go every three weeks and sometimes more than that (laugh).
Right now I'm reading Dr. Maya Angelou's four-volume autobiography; also, a book titled, Word Smart. It teaches you how to improve your vocabulary. And, Seth Speaks. It's a new-thought phenomenon written in the early 70's by Jane Roberts, a woman who channeled a non-physical entity with some powerful spiritual information. I also just finished a great, great book called Philip Rivers Jersey , The Disappearance of the Universe, by Gary R. Renard. It's an enlightening read mostly about the miracle of forgiveness. This book has changed my life.
FB: Dr. Maya Angelou -- a phenomenal woman. You actually met her, correct? Would you describe the experience?
DeeJazz: Yes. I met Dr. Angelou in August of this year. After hearing my CD she invited me to New York to sing for an "open mic" night at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar. I saw her when she began walking down the aisle way. She appeared majestic in her red evening dress with escorts in front, and back of her. When she got close, she smiled and touched me on the shoulder. I felt like I had been touched by an angel. She was then taken to a private area where she would watch the show by monitor.
A little while later her assistant came to Hattie and I and guided us to her table. She shook our hands and was incredibly gracious and warm. She treated us like we were royalty. Amazing ... Hattie recited one of Dr. Angelou's quotes that had made an impression on her life and Dr. Angelou expounded on it eloquently adding even more insight. We felt blessed and honored to be in her presence. Afterward, I was told she commented on my performance saying it was, "Delightfully impressive."
FB: What was it like collaborating with your sister LaDainian Tomlinson Jersey , Hattie Mae Jackson-Pembrook, as she completed the companion text for your album?
DeeJazz: Collaborating with my sister as she wrote the companion text, Messages to Awaken yourSelf, was a most exciting and rewarding time. When she was challenged around