I thought to sing thing and figured out the meaning.... That edie -- what a craftswoman!

Circle of Friends (Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians cover) at Free Bunny

Original 1 part 2 at MLK Jr Way S 8 bus stop

I shouldn't be singing, but what else do i do when my heart is full? Can't always spill with tears Anyway, it was fun doing. I tried not to be too loud, but I think my deaf roommate and his friends, also deaf, could hear me through their implants. There was a moment when they listened in this kinda stunned silence. No merry grunts or nothing. Music touches all. 

Saving All My Love for You (Whitney Houston cover) at Free Bunny

I wrote something that was beautiful, but just know this sing refused to stop singing in my head at exactly 9:23 p.m. It ignored my attempt to read causing my skin to feel hot and itchy, hell, it was hot and itchy. I started showering and it spilled out of the showerhead speaking against my legs and coaxing it's way out if me, too. I don't know how long I have been singing this same song at this point. Even plunked it out on my keyboard in the hopes of it just leaving so I could sleep. But it didn't leave me alone until I recorded it as perfectly as I can at this time. Sorry roomies, I was possessed.

Before the Word (My Brightest Diamond cover)

It started at the end of an episode of Mr. Robot when a new version of "Creep" played into the ending credits. Since then, I had been singing this song. Originally, I wanted to sing this an octave up, but it proved I am a very picky bitch and hated every recording I made. Then I realized, you don't have to change where it is sung just to make it different.. I didn't want to do a strictly karaoke cover, so I tried to build the song and really get into the story of the song and my emotional reality and realness to the recording. I don't believe this recording the best. I didn't get enough sleep and yadda, yadda. But if Lauryn Hill taught me anything, it's not to let perfection get in the way of good enough. 

Creep (Radiohead cover)

Perfect Me (Julia Fordham cover, low)

I recall being in the hall between the theater and art rooms with Nikki Williams. It was our freshman year of Marlboro County High School in 1989. Excitedly, she told me about this song she heard on the radio that she wanted to hear me sing. But I had never heard it. I listened as she struggled to interpret it so I could sing it to her. I knew I loved her. LOL Oh, she would turn me down flat -- as she should have -- and we went on to be the tremendous friends we always were. But I can never sing or hear this song and not think of that lunch break... and I wish I could remember what we came up with. I wish that was recorded. 

Anyway, welcome to my trying out the Tracy Chapman songbook.

Sorry (Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight?) at Bunny Hollow @ Devonshire

Delta Brave

What It Is

The Angel in the House (The Story cover)

Tsunamis

I'm just in love with this song although I think I should make a better recording....

Distant Days (cover)

I had to post this picture because I am wearing Jessica's lipstick. And Jessica re-introduced me to Beth Ditto, but really, this song is what primed me. 

Be entertained... I loved singing this. 

Good Night Good Morning (Beth Ditto cover) at Bunny Hollow @ Devonshire

I'm B/black and I still LOVE Vanessa Carlton. Run tell dat. 

Come Undone (Vanessa Carlton cover) at Bunny Hollow @ Devonshire

Hey, 
I didn't know what to say, but as I listened to myself record my version of Tori Amos' "China", it hit me... I am using this site as, like, a music journal. I sing. My voice isn't what it was. I have bad habits and unlearned a lot of what good people tried to teach me... I sing. I sing when I am happy, when my soul feels free to express some truth. 
More than likely, I violate all kinds of copyright laws. I want to say, straight out, that I am usually using the words and melodies of others... sometimes bent. I am not trying to make a penny. 
I am trying to express the emotional sound of my heart. 
****
Wanted to be a classical singer, but didn't get far enough to do anything interesting. Studied voice for many years, took some piano -- enough to read pitches from a score, taught myself how to read notes when I was a kid from a textbook about music my aunt, Felecia, had around. She's also my first role-model and listening to her re-interpret songs that expressed her emotional universe in a clear, pure soprano made me yearn for that sound. However, I have testicles and I am funny about really pushing into the edge of my voice... I have a big, big instrument that I can wield like... lol mudball of sound (all texture and color... I can remove it, but often, I flat faster than I would usually on my own -- heh) 
The best chorus I have ever been a part of was my high school chorus at Marlboro County High School in Bennettsville, SC under the skilled direction of Mrs. Sandra Widejko and the second... (and this is only for sound)... The Palmetto Mastersingers under the direction of Dr. Grey. 

For the last... ten years I have expressed my love for sound, music and performance as a member of gay choruses. (Wiki: GALA) Desert Voices (2001-2003), Seattle Lesbian and Gay Chorus (2003-2005) and Seattle Men's Chorus (2010 - present). Goddess willing, I will make it to GALA 2012 in Denver, CO!! Also, can be seen on America's Got Talent in Illumni Men's Chorale. 
Thing is, I know I have a flawed instrument. But I hope to move you in some way -- even if it is tips on how to record myself or turning DOWN the volume. 


quentindergane

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