All that jazz….

Last Thursday I had the great privilege to be in the audience as jazz legend Sheila Jordan performed her magic….

I had never heard of this grand woman, and must confess I'm a bit of a novice in the 'Jazz' department.

In Albuquerque, we are so lucky to have an amazing venue for such artists at The OutPost,
a 'not for profit' establishment that promotes jazz of all flavors.

I have been there many times in the last few years, but this performance blew me away, both with the artistry of the performer, her humor, and pipes at the ripe age of 86.

To say she is an inspiration is an understatement…….at the end of her longer than scheduled performance,
she dropped down
and
touched her toes.

Please enjoy this performance from a few years back.  It's a little long, but so worth the listen.

                      

From one Detroiter to another….

makes me proud
(and a little homesick)

A biography called Jazz Child: A Portrait of Sheila Jordan
was just published last year to some acclaim.

Sheila said she hoped it was an inspiration to young artists of all mediums, and followed that sentiment with a powerful performance of 'The Crossing'.

This is a short video with the author of her biography, Ellen Johnson
(with clips of Sheila performing...)



Perhaps worth a read as I hope to have a fraction of her energy, dedication and passion when I'm 86.