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My Journal / Feb-Apr 2006
Europe Tour |
I spent the first quarter of this year mostly on travelling. There aren't enough words how to best describe my experiences so I thought it best to write a gig photo report instead.
My recording with the Manhattan Jazz Orchestra in New York last March was so successful! It has definitely left a lasting impression that was pure bliss to me. I've always loved BIG BAND sound. Playing music with some of the most inspiring musicians I know was everything any singer could hope for. Their music swings; it surprises, it pulls you through every emotion available, powerful enough to transport you to that feeling of absolute excitement.
Arranged and conducted by David Matthews, Nica's Dream contains vintage standards to modern day hits as part of our strong intention to bring to our listeners a wide span of music history. We have specially selected songs that have inspired us over the years and recent songs that were written and sang by all time favorite hit makers, with the hope of bringing more people closer to the idea of how jazz touches us. It lives on and continues to grow.
Swingin' big band is here and alive!!! I can't wait to make you all listen to this dream project,we aptly called it “Nica's Dream”. The album will soon be out on June 21, be sure to get a copy!
In late March to early April, I started my trip to Europe with a 3-day stay in the City of Lights, lured by the incomparable variety of history, art, architecture, monuments, boulevards, gardens, plazas, and the energetic cafand night scene. This trip has left me with new impressions and memories, and I'm eager to return for more exploration. I am definitely “hooked” on Paris.
 | With my band members and our producer
Harry, Tim, Kay, Martin and Thomas |
I then moved on to AUGSBURG, only 60 km northwest of Munich, Germany. Founded in 15 BC, the city is one of the oldest in Germany. It's Renaissance style, highly individualistic buildings still dominate the townscape. It has also long been a leading centre for new technologies of companies like Diesel and Volkswagen among others. There's also a lively cultural scene ranging from Mozart festivals to jazz and cabaret. This is where I did a concert at the Augustana Hall. The audience reaction was so great, I am invited to come again soon. I also held a master class workshop for Voice students at the Downtown Music Institute. It was a such a delightful encounter.
During this time I was able to squeeze in a daytrip to Vienna, Austria. Anybody who loves music, history, art or culture will love this city! It's a pity there was very little time, however I would definitely like to go back and explore further. My most enjoyable hours were spent simply wandering around and savouring the atmosphere. You will never be far from the delightful sound of live music, either from concerts or from the many jazz clubs around.
All in all, it's great to experience all these through my music....
I hope you enjoy my gig photo report.
Charito |
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Pyramid entrance at Cour Napoleon
This is part of Pres. Mitterand's "grands projets" in the 80's | | Standing alone above Paris
where I made my silent wish! | | The Claridge
is everything it should be, the very essence of all things French. |
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Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris
one of the greatest achievements of Gothic architecture on the Ile de la Cite | | Vocal jam at Baiser Sale
I checked out some wanna be singers at this famous jazz place. | | With Tim Allhoff
at a press conference at the Pianohaus |
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Hundertwasserhaus
alternative architecture in Vienna | | A master class voice workshop
at the Downtown Musik Institute | | At the concert at Augustine Hall |
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| Tour Eiffel by the cherry blossom tree | | Perlach tower
a prominent Augsburg landmark | | Mozart house |
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