The Jazzcat

Slide Show

I usually do not have much of an opportunity to visit the Crown Plaza

for music but, tonight was pretty special. Special because of a new found

friendship that I have developed with a very beautiful and talented singer

named Veronica Nunn.

We met at the International Association of Jazz Educators

convention this year in Long Beach.

When I started talking to her, I noticed a few things that immediately peaked

my interest. Well, when you see her it is obvious that she is tall and gorgeous

but, there is also a direct eye connecting confidence that really made me want

to hear her music. I had a great time hangin’ with Veronica, Carol Martinez

(who is also a singer) and Patricia Albela, who writes for the LA Jazz Scene

and a few other publications.

 

When Veronica told us that she has been singing

with Michael

Franks for the last 13 years, Carol and I got really excited because we

are big

Michael Franks fans. Now, believe me, I am a straight ahead for life

guy, but,

if you ever happen to listen to Michael Franks, the psychology behind

his lyricism

on many of his compositions is extraordinary and unforgettable. He does

some

extremely beautiful duets where the lyrics sink past your exterior,

transfuse straight into your bloodstream and pump romance right into

your heart.

Veronica is one of the few singers that have those similar

sensibilities and

they both sound so good together.

 

The Crown Plaza is one of several venues here in Los Angeles produced by Merle

Kreibich of In-House Music. There are many guests that often frequent Merle’s

venues and it is a real treat for them when they get to experience someone from

New York City.

 

You can always tell when someone has a wonderful soul that

their music is going to be captivating. Veronica has a strong presence out

front and is backed up by her husband Travis Shook on piano, Chuck Berghofer on

bass and Merle’s husband Paul Kreibich on drums. A family affair indeed. As a

matter of fact, Veronica’s 5 year old niece Jordan was present. Veronica wrote

a piece for Jordan by combining

the melodies of two tunes, American Lullaby written in 1894 and a Stephen Sondheim

composition which yielded the wonderful composition, “Melody for Jordan”. In her

second set she also performed, “Don’t Be Blue”, one of my favorite happy hooks

by Michael Franks.

 

Veronica is a fine singer with strong communication skills. Not

only does her voice bless your ears but, she also has a way speaking that makes

you feel like you are old friends.

You can check out a few samples on her

latest CD called, “American Lullaby”.

There is a universal love and respect

amongst all musicians, especially those who sing and play jazz. Hear the music,

support the artist and feel the love!

 

LeRoy Downs