Today we welcome the Scottish Jazz Vocalist, Lorna Reid who takes us on an up tempo jazz journey with The Lorna Reid Quartet. Backed by some of the finest musicians on the scene David Patrick (piano) Ed Kelly (bass) and Keith Haldane (drums), The Lorna Reid Quartet are performing for one night only at the Callander Jazz & Blues Festival on Saturday 4th October. Many of the songs featured in the show are on Lorna’s new alum “Gypsy in My Soul. So let’s put our 10 Questions to Lorna…
1. What inspired your love of Jazz?
The first time I heard Nina Simone singing Sugar In My Bowl. I was blown away by the mood and intensity of her performance. I have since heard Bessie Smith’s version, which oozes sensuality.
2. How would you describe your show?
The List magazine describes my act as “cool and classy”. I try to take audiences on a musical journey, from kick-ass swing tunes to heart felt blues and ballads. At the end of the night I love it when we are all grinning – audience and the band!
3. What are your funniest and worst experiences performing in front of an audience?
Years ago, the first time I had to introduce an open-mic session at a folk club, alongside the guitarist I was working with, I was so nervous I said ‘good evening my name is Kenny and this is Lorna’. As you can imagine the audience fell about laughing.
4. What was the last Festival you attended or performed at and what was it like?
I played during the Edinburgh Fringe with my band, featuring trumpeter Colin Steele. It was a hoot!
5. What’s your best advice for young aspiring Jazz musicians?
Stay in touch with why you are doing it. For me it’s the love of music and performance. If I ever get stressed I just remind myself it is meant to be fun. This always chills me. Keep learning and keep working…
6. What are you most proud of? And are there any dreams or goals that you have yet to fulfill?
I am really proud of my debut album, Gypsy In My Soul, and the positive response it is getting from friends and the industry. My dream/goal is to record my own material and tour with it.
7. What is the best advice you have ever been given? And did you follow it?
My old Grandfather used to say: “Lorna, always keep a clear head”. I try to follow that every day – but get derailed occasionally!
8. What is the best book or books you have read and why do you like it/them?
Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, is the most passionate and funny novel I have read. Also, Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham & Donald O’ Clifton that promotes the simple concept that we are all happier and more productive when we work with our strengths, rather than focusing on developing our weaknesses. It is brilliant!
9. Who is the person you most admire and why?
Musically – Liane Carroll, an amazing singer and musician. She gives so much of herself in everything she does. I had the privilege of being taught by her on the Fionna Duncan Jazz Vocal Workshop this summer. Her performance is mind blowing.
10. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
If we all thought about the implication of our actions, no matter how small or large, I believe the world would enter a more mindful and considerate state.
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Lorna is also performing in a show called, Birdland, a jazz and soul vocal harmony trio with Jess Abrams and Marianne Patrick at the Callander Indoor Arena on Saturday night.
