|
Matthew: You've worked with some great jazz artists when you were the winner of the Thelonius Monk Jazz competition. Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Terrance Blanchard, Clark Terry, George Duke, Carl Allen, and Lonny Plaxico. Who were the artists you bonded with most?
Robin McKelle: I got to work closely with George Duke, who I think is an amazing musician and pianist. He was wonderful to work with. I got to perform with so many wonderful musicians it would be hard to single out just one.
Matthew: Soon after this competition, you joined the Boston Pops Orchestra. During this time, you were also a student at Berklee College of Music, and the conductor was Keith Lockhart. How was that experience?
Robin McKelle: Actually, I was with the Pops when I was a student at Berklee, but when I sang in the Competition I had already graduated. The experience with the Pops that first time was amazing. I had never sung with an Orchestra before and it was overwhelming, in a good way. Keith was great to work with. I was invited back to perform with the Boston Pops after the Monk Competition. That was a beautiful evening at Symphony Hall New Years Eve. Since singing with the Boston Pops I have also have the opportunity to work with a couple of different orchestras. I recently performed with the Seattle Symphony and it was amazing. To be supported by a lush string section was also one of my dreams.
Matthew: Through out your biography I read comments like "Robin McKelle has a voice that compares with Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, although at times she also sounds like a young Aretha Franklin". How does it feel to be compared to greats?
Robin McKelle: Wow. It's an honor to be compared or even mentioned in the same sentence as Ella or Aretha. As I said before they both influenced me.
Matthew: In May 2005, you performed backing vocals for Michael McDonald. Was this a fun experience for you?
Robin McKelle: I love singing background for great artists! Michael is such a talent and what a voice! I was honored to share the stage with him and his band. I got to meet one of my musical influences, Tommy Sims. If you havenˇ¦t heard him, you should check him out! AMAZING!!!
Matthew: During your time you have recorded with many Orchestras, do you feel that this has altered youˇ¦re view on music and your ways of recording?
Robin McKelle: Actually I havenˇ¦t really recorded with many orchestras..the strings on my new CD were contracted in LA. They were session players. What a treat to work with them!
Matthew: What can we expect from Robin McKelle?
Robin McKelle: I hope to be touring more this year, We'll see what happens with the release of my record.
Matthew: What does it feel like to be a member of the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music?
Robin McKelle: It is a great experience: teaching is VERY HARD! Teachers defiantly have the hardest job, I have really enjoyed my time on the faculty at Berklee. It has helped me grow and my students inspire me. They keep me motivated!
Matthew: Your highlight must have been invited down to perform exclusively for CEO of Blue Note Records, Bruce Lundval?
Robin McKelle: It was an exciting time for me. They were interested in hearing me sing after they got a copy of my first recording "Never Let Me Go". They ended up signing Norah Jones. Oh well what can you do, right?
Matthew: What has been the best advice you've been given in your life and music career?
Robin McKelle: Stay humble, respect & trust nothing until it happens & a good friend told me that once it's pretty basic, but I try to treat otherse the way I want to be treated!
Matthew: Thanks for sitting by and filling in Just Soul's questions and answers.
Robin McKelle: Thanks so much for the interview!
|
