As the daughter of professional guitarist, luthier, music teacher and band leader Ray Ledford, I grew up on some really fine music. My influences from childhood range from Andres Segovia, Django Reinhardt and Charlie Byrd to Julie London, Peggy Lee and Rosemary Clooney. Then there were the classical composers, such as Beethoven, Debussy and Mozart. Music is in my blood and in my heart and soul.
I was singing for others at the age of 18 months. I began piano lessons at age 7 and my father started teaching me guitar at age 12. I was playing in rock bands by the age of 13 and I continued to do so for many years. Rock, pop, dance music. That was fun. I made many great friends and wonderful memories. Sadly tho, I did not find much of a challenge in that kind of music. My dad tried to discourage me from playing rock. He wanted me to go for something with more quality that takes more ability and talent. That made me want to play rock even more, as a rebellious teenager! Later I learned that he was right.
Early this year I decided to sing the kind of music I love most, which is jazz and old standards. Now there's a challenge! Daddy would be proud! I started by recording along with karaoke versions of tunes I love. That felt phony and it still does, although I still do it sometimes. I want to be REAL because I hate phony, faking stuff. If ya can't do it, don't pretend you can! ;)
I was searching for a guitarist who could play these tunes like my dad did. That's when I ran across Nick Funicelli. This man has taught me so much more than I already knew about music. After working with him for the last 2 years, I know and understand more and I finally have that challenge I so desperately needed to grow, but never had before.
With so many wonderful tunes, I have to force myself to stop and rest between songs. My drive is now stronger than my physical stamina. Yet I vow to never stop until I run out of tunes. I'll go to my grave singing and making music! It's the real spice of life! ;)
I was singing for others at the age of 18 months. I began piano lessons at age 7 and my father started teaching me guitar at age 12. I was playing in rock bands by the age of 13 and I continued to do so for many years. Rock, pop, dance music. That was fun. I made many great friends and wonderful memories. Sadly tho, I did not find much of a challenge in that kind of music. My dad tried to discourage me from playing rock. He wanted me to go for something with more quality that takes more ability and talent. That made me want to play rock even more, as a rebellious teenager! Later I learned that he was right.
Early this year I decided to sing the kind of music I love most, which is jazz and old standards. Now there's a challenge! Daddy would be proud! I started by recording along with karaoke versions of tunes I love. That felt phony and it still does, although I still do it sometimes. I want to be REAL because I hate phony, faking stuff. If ya can't do it, don't pretend you can! ;)
I was searching for a guitarist who could play these tunes like my dad did. That's when I ran across Nick Funicelli. This man has taught me so much more than I already knew about music. After working with him for the last 2 years, I know and understand more and I finally have that challenge I so desperately needed to grow, but never had before.
With so many wonderful tunes, I have to force myself to stop and rest between songs. My drive is now stronger than my physical stamina. Yet I vow to never stop until I run out of tunes. I'll go to my grave singing and making music! It's the real spice of life! ;)