Grace Garland
1. Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself and your background.
I have been described as “THE TINA TURNER OF JAZZ” due to my vibrant energy and passion!
I have toured internationally with my own Jazz Band, sharing the stage with Cyrus Chestnut, Leonid Ptashka Peter Cincotti, Miss Phyllis Hyman, Misha Tsiganov, Jeff Barone, Cleve Douglass, Ms. Bobbi Humphrey, Evgeny Lebedev, Andrei Ryabov, Valery Ponomarev, Michika Fukumori, Nutsa, to name a few!
I have had countless radio/TV commercials under my belt (my favorite is a spot with the legendary Blues guitarist BB King); Loop Groups for several films over the years from Malcolm X to Bessie (starring Queen Latifah), Mudbound (starring Mary J. Blige.
2. What led you to become a talent/artist/influencer/performer/current profession?
I have never wanted to do anything else! When people in my childhood would inquire "what I want to be when I grew up" I'd ALWAYS say: Singer or Actress!
3. Tell us more about your studio/company/academy.
JAZZMATCHMAKER is an niche Indie label...In other words it's mine to Produce, ME...Just the way I believe I should be seen!
4. What skills have you learned that will help you in your result and/or performance?
Don't OVERTHINK and remember to have fun.... Find the humor, in a what may be a stressful situation
5. What is your own definition of an impressive performance/show/masterpiece?
They connect with Audience...they do not worry about anything but that...Like PINK
6. What is your creative or ideation process like?
I leave my mind and spirit open to receive!!!
7. What has been the best performance of your career so far?
Best performance? WOW, I don't know if there is ONE! You do a Gig or Concert, and the Audience feels you in a way that you never imagined...sometimes, it's just the vibe of the Musicians on Stage/Bandstand with you, that make you feel like you've reached Heaven...There not ONE, but many folded into your memories.
8. Congratulations! As the winner of LIT Talent Awards, what does it mean to you, or your team, to receive this honor?
I'm THRILLED! To have this acknowledgement of my talent means the world to me. Thanks so much:)
9. How has winning an international awards help promote you and/or your masterpiece?
It makes good Press, people pay attention, and that makes my heart smile!
10. What are the challenges, for your winning entry, that you faced?
BUT YOU DO GOTTA, came from real life! Too tired to go to my regular Gig, but knowing I had to make it! The lyrics and melody haunted me until I got together with one of my songwriting partners, Robin Radus...he totally understood, and it was born!
11. What advise you will give to those who are in the same industry and/or are interested with your craft?
Stay strong, focused, and give yourself grace (no pun intended)...The hardest task is to NOT give in to giving up! Don't fear taking a break if you need it. Most of all, everyone will NOT understand your vision for YOU, that's fine...stay true to YOU!
12. Who inspired you in your life, and why?
One Artist who did, was the song-stylist Nancy Wilson, I had the pleasure of meeting her, and she gave me the extra boost of confidence...and although I NEVER met him, seeing Prince in Concert and on TV,let me know it's cool to do YOU:)
13. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Miss Reba! Bruno Mars! Dolly Parton! Masa Takumi! (I know I'm forgetting some):)
14. Who are the three people/agencies/studios/academies/companies you would like to nominate, to participate in LIT Talent Awards?
You've had most of them, and they were Winners
15. What is the key that made you succeed? Any parting words of wisdom?
Don't allow anyone to convince you that you should not do what you LOVE, simply because they don't have the same dream!
16. What is your upcoming masterpiece, that you’re currently preparing, about?
More music...all styles!
17. If you could change anything about the entire industry, what would it be?
Diversity and Inclusion
18. Do you have anything else you would like to add for the interview?
Yes, a thank you to: ALL of the Wonderful Musicians with whom I've worked; my TRUE Friends; the Jazz-Authors Debbie Burke and Sammy Stein; my VERY cool Audiences EVERYWHERE; the Anyway Cafe-2nd Ave NYC (now closed); as well as Anyway Cafe-Neck Rd, in Brooklyn (the Booking Manager & the Staff are SUPER)
