Nina Simone performs ‘Stars’

Nina Simone performs ‘Stars’

This famous live recording of Nina Simone performing “Stars” at the Montreux Jazz Festival is one of my absolute favorites. Simone is in her full glory, at the height of her musical and communicative powers. And this Queen, I say that with no...
Waterboy, sung by Odetta and Rhiannon

Waterboy, sung by Odetta and Rhiannon

Odetta Holmes, known simply as Odetta, is a national treasure. I first encountered her incredible voice as I was working my way through The Best of Broadside 1962-1988. Broadside was an underground magazine where many of the most well known protest songs of the...
Feist: 1234

Feist: 1234

Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist Leslie Feist has 5 solo albums to her credit, of which my personal favorites are Let it Die and The Reminder. Released in 2004 and 2007, respectively, they both deal with the mixed emotions and emotional echos that exist after...
Ofra Haza:  Barefoot

Ofra Haza: Barefoot

The call to pursue opera came very naturally to me because of my love for language and travel, and the joy I receive from exploring culture and human connection. I must say, I have always been somewhat of a “strange bird” with my vast taste in music since I was a...