We were lucky to catch up with Barbara Paris recently and have shared our conversation below.
Barbara, appreciate you joining us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
When I was starting out singing professionally I went to Paris. while I was there I wanted to hear the vocalists that were doing what I was aspiring to do. I went to hear Janice Harrington at the Bil Boquet . She was a wonderful entertainer. She had a great repoire with the audience and quite unexpectedly she invited me to sing. We had never met. I of course accepted her invitation.
Later we exchanged numbers and met up for a shopping spree and lunch with her agent.
I asked what made her ask me to sing when she had never met me.She didn’t know I was a singer. Her response was very encouraging. She said “when you walked in the room you aura was so big if you weren’t a singer you better become one.
I just returned from a weekend in Kansas City, home of Count Basie and Charlie Parker where she was invited to sing at the Women Jazz Festival. She also has a date at “The Blue Room” in the Anerican Jazz Museum. Once again unexpectedly she invited me to sing, Both invitations were so generous and kind. We will remain friends for a lifetime.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started singing as a little one. My father was jazz singer and he shared his love for it with me daily. In 9th grade I started playing the guitar. A wonderful thing happened. I got my first job at a jazz supper club. Jazz just seeped in more and more. So as I continued on my interest expanded. When sang and tried many genres, it seemed jazz was the most enjoyable although I also still play the guitar and have roots genre I can do as well.
As a vocalist I love to provide live music for events. I treasure the opportunity to engage with the audience, to create a set list that suits the setting I am hired for. I have a plethora of great musicians to work with. The size of the band is determined by the budget set forth by the client.
One of my strong points is that I realize how important the guests are to the venue, club, restaurant, bistro, fund raiser, wedding, and I do my best to make every person feel seen and valued. Fans keep this music alive.
If the performance is a local open to public performance I have a music email list I send out, I also post public events on to my press release list.
I am grateful to have had a few decades to dedicate to becoming proficient at music and performing. I have several recordings that can be heard on many online sources. Spotify, Amazon music, Hearnow.com.
Recording was an exciting process. I received a partial grant from Pathways to Jazz for my last recording which I did with a legendary pianist Billy Wallace.”Nine Decades of Jazz”
Previously did a recording with an all star band who worked for 19 years as the rhythm section for the late Nancy Wilson.
My first recording was done in three sessions. My favorite duo recording with Joe Bonner jazz pianist and Mitchell Long guitarist and bossanova artist which is a gem. The third portion is with Ellyn Rucker pianist, Dean Ross bass and Richie Chiaraluce on reeds.
The recordings do reveal a lot about my music and the different compilations and styles which I sing.
The styles of music I sing include swing, classic jazz, blues, bossa nova, samba, bebop and lounge.
Personable, professional, punctual, and consistent are words that best describe my character and musicianship.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
People love music. It lifts their spirits and creates joy. If you look back at all the disasters that have happened thru time you see that musicians come to the scene to add healing and joy.
Music touches people so deeply and gives them a sense of satisfaction and makes them feel something bigger happened than if it isn’t included.
Any group setting from wine bars, restaurants,HOA gatherings, fundraisers, coffee shops, chocolate shops, community event will prosper from including music and music of all genres. Learning there are different options for setting and selecting the right style for an event.
Realizing the above could make society more friendly and cooperative. Music for all ages and genres allows for a creative outlet that gives purpose and meaning,
A musicians work is done long before the time they show up on the scene providing music. It is a lifetime process,
Sharing it with the public is the gift.
My suggestion is when you plan an event plan include live music for it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
In my experience the most rewarding aspect is human contact. As an entertainer I can experience each and every person in the audience with meaningful eye contact. There is a song that can touch a heart lift a spirit,add a smile, and bring joy to every live performance.
I personally am not an introvert so being present with those who happen to be where I am providing live music is what I love and thrive on. Making the client who hires me happy and realize “Yes” music makes an enormous difference is my goal
I spend hours on my own working out the specifics of this music life.
People make it all worth while.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barbaraparis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaraparismusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americansongbook
- Other: https://barbaraparis.hearnow.com https://barbaraparis.hearnow.com/day-by-day https://barbaraparis.hearnow.com/nine-decades-of-jazz-feat-billy-wallace https://barbaraparis.hearnow.com/swingballadsblues-bossanova
Image Credits
Photo by Becky Montgomery