Meet the man who introduced me to my husband, to the United Church of Christ, and to music ministry. Cliff's influence and encouragement are crucial to my growth as a gospel artist. Who says The Word can be interpreted only through hymns or ear-splitting hip-hop? Jazz IS soul. Give his ensemble, Oikos, a listen - you'll want to hang, too...
The Rev. Cliff Aerie is the Minister for Special Events, Creativity and the Arts for the United Church of Christ. A jazz saxophonist, director, media producer, and more, Cliff has spent a lifetime exploring the adventurous terrain of creativity inviting others to embark on the spiritual journey of discovering the imaginative landscape of the soul. His band's website is www.oikos-ensemble.com
Here's the bio for the pianist who led the house band at Dolores Del Rio, my San Antonio Riverwalk gig... He is talented, funny, personable... and I can truly say I had more fun playing with him, Chuck Moses (bass) and John Bates (drums) than any jazz ensemble in years. If you are in S.A., look for him. You'll thank me.
Barry Brake is a composer, arranger, composer, and producer in San Antonio. He's stylistically all over the map, but specializes in jazz.
His personal site: www.barrybrake.com
The website for his band, the Jazz Protagonists: www.jazzprotagonists.com
My Binghamton buddy who lives in San Antonio and booked my gig for me. A fave person!
Bob Fancher (pictured with me and son Made) owns Riverwalk Floral Designs, 316 N. Presa, San Antonio. You know you're near the shop when you spy a boxy yellow delivery car across the street. Plus beads and balloons and monkeys and... well, maybe it's not your grandma's flower shop, but MY grandma, Blanche Laughlin, would've dug it! Fanciful, tasteful arrangements of fresh, gorgeous blooms, gift baskets, and more. www.riverwalkfloral.com 210-277-1775
My beeeeautiful CD cover picture was taken by a dear friend, John Bradford Brandon (whose name I accidentally misspelled on the CD cover - he was very gracious about it!). John designs the most unique pieces, including swiveling furniture designed to help bed-bound people get more out of their lives. His wife, Arlene Brandon, puts up the most luscious maple syrup you have ever tasted. Now that's what I call a Power Couple! Click on the name to visit the site: Aerie Design Services
Tom Bingham of SUNY Fredonia's "General Eclectic" has added "Jazz Baby" to the playlist on their jazz station, WCVF-FM.