In a recent KGNU interview, jazz and blues vocalist Deborah Stafford joined host Joanne Cole to discuss her upcoming performance at Dazzle, Denver’s premier jazz club, on July 16th. Stafford reflected on her journey from a lifelong passion for singing to launching a professional music career 25 years ago.
She shared how her discovery of blues through local jam sessions ignited her love for the genre, highlighting the influence of the legendary Etta James, whose music forms the cornerstone of her upcoming tribute show. The conversation also addressed the storied history of jazz in Denver and the significance of Dazzle’s new location, enhancing the city’s vibrant music scene.
“I was always a singer,” Stafford explained, noting her upbringing in Colorado after being born in Iowa. “About 25 years ago, I decided I wanted to do it professionally. My kids got a little older, and I finally had the time to make it happen.”
Stafford reminisced about her early days, saying, “I started with big band music but eventually made a jazz quintet out of that to explore more of the music I wanteed to do.” She credited Mark Diamond for encouraging her to explore the blues genre, describing the transformative impact of attending local jam sessions that blended jazz and blues.
“I started going to the blues jam and discovered that I really loved to sing the blues,” she said. The intimate nature of Dazzle provides the perfect atmosphere for her audience to connect with her music, with Stafford emphasizing that there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Dazzle has seen new ownership in recent years, which has enhanced its reputation by attracting world-class talent. Stafford highlighted performances by renowned artists like Christian McBride and Stanley Jordan, underscoring Dazzle’s commitment to showcasing amazing talent from around the world.
Discussing her upcoming show, Stafford expressed excitement over the repertoire she plans to present, including beloved ballads like Etta James’s “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind.” She noted the joy of performing James’s music, saying, “It’s fun as a singer to be able to go there.”
Joanne Cole, reflecting on her own introduction to Etta James as a teenager, remembered her performance in Chicago. Though she was initially taken aback by James’s bold stage presence, Cole grew to appreciate the soulful depth of her music.
“When I heard ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ for the first time, it just hit me,” Cole recalled.
As the two delved deeper into Etta James’s discography, Stafford cited “God’s Song” and “You Can Leave Your Hat On” as standout tracks. Stafford expressed her admiration for James’s ability to interpret songs across genres, especially covers of Randy Newman’s work.
“Etta had such a huge discography, and her music just gets you,” Stafford said, mentioning her fondness for the personal nature of James’s songs, highlighting the emotional connection embodied in tunes like “Mystery Lady,” which she listened to earlier that day. Recognizing the significance of her storytelling, Stafford noted the themes of vulnerability found within James’s lyrics.
The audience attending Stafford’s tribute to James can look forward to an immersive experience filled with classic hits and soulful renditions during her show on July 16th. “We do a lot of her horn tunes,” Stafford mentioned. The anticipation of celebrating Etta James’s iconic music serves as a testament to her enduring legacy in the jazz and blues genres.
Listeners of KGNU can tune into the selection of songs from Stafford’s tribute and appreciate the rich history and influence of Etta James in modern music. With her deep admiration for the artist, Stafford aims to encapsulate the vibrant spirit of James’s work in her performance at Dazzle, inviting audiences to share in the celebration of this legendary vocalist.
image source from：kgnu
