Sharon DuBois A little Q&A with Sharon DuBois, from Sharon DuBois and the S Band.
Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself, and your band. Sharon: I have been trained as a jazz singer and my first album was jazz. I hooked up with a funk / gospel drummer and my producer, John Staten, and this second album of my original songs has a heavy influence of funk, R&B, neo-soul and jazz.
LB: How did you start out making music? Sharon: I started singing when I was very young and wrote my first song at the age of 12.
LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now? Sharon: I was a huge fan Joan Armatrading. She has a deep groove that won't quit. I loved the lyrical stylings of Joni Mitchell and Bruce Cockburn. Later, I fell in love with Billie Holiday, Betty Carter, Carmen McRae, Bill Evans and Jaco Pastorius.
LB: Tell us about your latest release. Sharon: I am very proud of “Here I Am”. John Staten (drums), Stephen McKinney (bass) and Joshua White (piano), took my songs to a whole other level. Their chemistry and musicianship, heavily influenced by their roots in gospel, created a funky, grooving and driving sound. I bet you can't sit still when you listen!
I was given an incredible canvas upon which to lay down my vocals! I love these guys! The theme of the album is "unrequited love”, with a protest song thrown in there for good measure.
LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows? Sharon: Our album release party will be in October. Prepare yourselves to Dance!
The great musicianship of the band will amaze and astound you and be sure that I'll be singing my heart out.
LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy? Sharon: I love everything from waking up at 3 in the morning with a song idea, developing it on my own later, presenting it to the band and hearing where they take it. Then going into the studio and hearing the magic reveal itself, to mixing and mastering, and graphic design, because this is my life's purpose. Any time I get to live my purpose, my heart soars.
LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music? Sharon: Everywhere online (links below).
