Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Jazz.
Hi Regina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story started about 15 years ago when I borrowed the Ella Fitzgerald album Lullabies of Birdland from a friend who collected albums just to try something different from my usual diet of Gospel and Neo Soul. It was a good way to try something new; if I didn’t like it I could just give it back and try something else. I was blown away by it though and started borrowing almost exclusively jazz albums from then on and then built up my own collection. Listening to John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sarah Vaughn and many more broadened my musical appreciation so much. I still love gospel and many other genres but I’d say it was hearing Lullabies of Birdland that first time that turned me on to jazz for life. As of today, I couldn’t imagine being anything else besides a jazz singer; it’s a life that chose me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road for me but in no way am I ungrateful for my journey. While navigating through my success journey I’ve found that the road may not always be smooth and many times our footing becomes unsure. During these times, I remained focused on my desired outcome and kept reaching for the stars. Being a National Jazz Recording Artist is not glamorous and polished all the time. Behind the curtain, all artist have struggles that are unexposed to the world. When I initially started in the music industry, building a team was a struggle. It hit me hard because I felt like I needed the right people to extend their connections and help me build a name in the industry. Finding a team of ‘reliable’ music professionals is hard. However, I was able to overcome that struggle by giving my supporters whose passions lined with mine, a chance to be team players. Although struggles are hard to avoid, they should be seeds for growth and helps humble aspiring artist in the industry. It serves as a foundation of your core values and the footing of many relationships.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an American jazz singer and songwriter, sometimes referred to vocally as the 21st Century’s Marilyn Monroe. I’m known for my distinctive vocal techniques, creamy, bright smooth voice, purity of tone, and praised for my “bold and bright” singing (Washington Post) and lauded for my “charismatic and eloquent” presence on stages around the world.
I have frequently collaborated with other artists from both the jazz and classical scenes. My rendition of (The Carpenters) “We’ve Only Just Begun” and single release “Starlit Eyes” have been widely acclaimed as the industry’s most anticipated music releases.
My musicianship has catapulted me to the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. In addition, I have traveled the globe to perform in national and international professional arenas such as: Rome, Africa, Tokyo, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, The Governors Ball, Grammys, SXSW Music Festival, Houston Symphany, Blue Note NYC, New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Essence Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Motif Awards, The International Festival, Grammys Showcase, Make-A-Wish Foundation Gala, Barbara Bush Literacy Gala, The Commitment March On Washington and more.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m just finishing up work on my Freshman Album. I have a tour coming up and a new upcoming projects that will be released this summer. I’m looking forward to getting back in the studio again before the end of the year, with even newer material.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: reginajazz_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regina.jazzz
