thejazzchick3

In the past 24 hours, since joining the "O" board, I have been basically called "sad," I have had my integrity questioned, and dismissed. Everyone of you has the right to do or say what you want about me. That's the beauty of these forums. You get to express yourself in an open and free wheeling way. As a performer, writer and activist, I have prided myself on being able to take criticism and rejection flat out. I guess what is disturbing is that I simply came to the board out of the spirit of wanting more input. I never was in it for self promotion; I have my own career and agents for that. I most certainly was not in it for the money. I, in fact have spent more of my own time and money than I will make on my page in a year. Because you don't know me, you would not know the countless numbers of people in the industry who are frustrated with the gate keepers who won't even give a glance to great established and new artists because they don't fit some "model"of what celebrity should look like. I have been blessed in that for the past 15 years, I have been able to earn my living as a performer. I have not had to wait tables, or temp. I have earned a really good living. So, when someone close to me suggested that I write for the Examiner.com, because of my love and respect for all that have not had the same opportunities I have, I thought I would give it a try. Until yesterday when I joined "O," I thought I had contributed. I still believe in some small way, I am helping to bring a voice to some people in our industry. I have worked with musicians that work numerous jobs just to keep the music and the dream alive. I guess I did what you should do when you believe in something so deeply. I put myself out there. When you do that, you take what is dealt you. But for the record, I was here for the suggestions, the discussion and yes...the debate. If anyone on this board thinks otherwise due to some lack of judgment on my part, I sincerely apologize. That is all I can do. Thank you.

In all seriousness, welcome Carole and I'm sorry your first encounter here was so rude. There are a lot of strong personalities here and I'm trying to foster more civility on the board after letting things "run free" for quite some time. Stick around and let us know what you're up to and if organissimo (my band) is ever in New York perhaps we can hook up. Thanks so much. That was hysterical!!! I have been a character actress in the big leagues for a while now...I am used to it. I would love to hook up! I am getting great feedback. Lots of people already on my list of "must contact." I get bombarded with press kits and promo material. I really do want to lift up the artists that don't have a lot of support and give them a voice. I just started 3 weeks ago! I am trying to write between 4-6 columns a week while handling my acting career. That's not including the venue/club hopping and CDs that are being sent to me every day. I'm lovin' it, but it's a lot. I might need a little time to get around to everyone.... Thanks again...I will be leaning on folks here from time to time, and I hope people won't mind. So far, I think people have been very welcoming...for the most part!

On my list as well as Esperanza Spalding, Deborah Weisz. Keep this list coming...especially the diamonds in the rough that may right now being overlooked. It's really about all of them and all of you, and what you will bring to the table. Hello Carole and welcome to the board. Samantha Boshnack is a very good female jazz player. She's in Reptet and plays with our own Johnny E. Reptet is crazy!!! Like I said, I have a thing for horns! Love it. Samantha is on my list !

Not even on my list! You got it baby!

I'd love to know what she's up to. Kind of slipped off my radar the past year or so. A little something from July 29, 2009...Matana Roberts Actually, this link is quicker:Matana Roberts

Hi Allen: I am not coming to this from the perspective of a critic. That's my deal...its more about information, opinion, debate, interviews, etc. That's what I was trying to explain in the beginning. I am trying to get to a lot of those artists "under the radar." That's why I wanted to do the page.

I'd love to know what she's up to. Kind of slipped off my radar the past year or so. A little something from July 29, 2009...Matana Roberts

On my list as well as Esperanza Spalding, Deborah Weisz. Keep this list coming...especially the diamonds in the rough that may right now being overlooked. It's really about all of them and all of you, and what you will bring to the table.

Yeah, I haven't read this thread, so I don't know whose quote that is, but it is so terrbily wrong in so many ways that I hope if it's somebody here in this thread that they don't take it personal when I say that infact it's pretty much bullshit. I'll gladly and freindly go into detail later today when I'm not at work, but it's nothing personal to call bullshit where it exists, and that quote right there is bullshit. For one thing, "electronic and commercial sounds such as the electric guitar and the soprano sax" is a big "WTF are you talking about?" point... but htere are others. Not taken personally...just a composite of what a number of people I have been interviewing have said. But, that's why I reached out on the board....to get a broader perspective and not the myopic view...bullshit, perhaps....but that's what the discussion is about. That's really WTF I am trying to open up. Please go into detail later. I would love it!

Thanks! Are you a realtor by any chance? Of course I am!

Really appreciate the feedback...Thanks! TJC3

Well, I can offer smiles (now anyway) . No kittens, though....my cat Sebastian is acting like Dan this morning.

Your support and comments are absolutely welcome. I sincerely hope that women on the board don't get the reaction I got. You so read me. You and Indestructible got my broader point, and I hope that I can sincerely ask for your opinion on a variety of subjects. I did feel a little like I had stepped in to what you called a "Boys only" atmosphere, but then it dawned on me that so many female friends/musicians experience that on a much greater scale than I have, because my time has been spent predominantly over the past 10 years being dividing between incredibly tough directors and casting directors in the world of commercials, television and film. I had to pay the bills. Believe me, the interviews that I have set up and ones yet to be attained are in pursuit of bringing more visibility to so many great artists. I know I have only scratched the surface, and I hope I can count on you and other board members to help me. My introduction to the board? I think that's what they call "baptism by fire." So many have been so gracious that I still believe I made the right choice in joining. I'm looking forward to any ideas you might have....Thanks so much...

Indestructible...you read me. There was a broader point that I was trying to make, and I have heard a thousand times from female friends/jazz musicians that they feel "shut out" sometimes in what they feel is a "boys only" atmosphere. I hope to get into that in later articles. I was expecting debate on the board, I wasn't expecting hostility. If I couldn't take criticism, I would not have been a working actress and vocalist for as long as I have. In the acting world especially, rejection is your middle name! Anyway, thanks for seeing the broader picture. I hope I can count on you and everyone else for input and advice. I have a host of interviews already planned...(you should see my inbox from managers and promoters), but there are nuggets of gold that I know I might miss. Thanks. Carole (TJC3)

Thanks so much Shane! I appreciate your support, and I hope I can count on you for ideas and help in the future! Carole