A look at Tina Phillips during Women’s History Month

Today, Women’s History Month celebrates Tina Phillips, a Denver native who attended the University of Colorado as a vocal performance major.

Reflecting on her life and what jazz means to her Tina said:

“I grew up in a Denver family of musicians.  I was exposed to lots of different styles of music but was always drawn to the spontaneous creativity of jazz.  Hearing the horn players and vocalists do their thing was something I wanted to understand and learn to do. It seemed like such freedom of spirit.  I love The Great American Song book and the Salsa and Sambas and the creative way the chords and melodies are turned into intriguing harmony. Growing up in the 60’s I also was exposed to amazing rock musicians and incredible rock songs that I’m starting to incorporate in my musical life.  It all inspires me because it’s not easy for any of us and yet we all keep sharing our music.

Jazz inspires me because I start on one path, in a tune and find other paths that flow out from where I started.  I never know what the scenery is going to be or where I’m going to be led. It’s exciting, teaches surrender, and trust with each other. I tell my students that when first learning this art form of jazz that my job is to teach them to be comfortable, being uncomfortable so they can learn to achieve their goal.  It’s all very much like living a healthy perspective of life, going with the flow, trusting, and surrendering and then turning things into something creative and good, no matter where your led, whether it be music or life.  Jazz and life run so parallel.”

Regarding some of her Shero’s in Jazz she stated:

“My SHero’s in Jazz are many.  Sarah, Carmen, Betty, Ella, and my dear friend Sheila Jordan for more reasons than just her brilliant music.  I also honor all of the women who came before us who worked hard and shared their music but are no longer remembered.  Few are remembered and many forgotten.  I try to remember there were many jazz pioneers who came before me and that keeps me humbled.

When asked about her favorite jazz song, Tina said:

“I could never pick a favorite jazz song.  Each time I do a tune It’s completely different then before and I fall in love over and over with the tunes I do at each concert.  I believe all songs are potential jazz songs that’s why I do Beatles and other pop songs as well as The Great American Song.  We have a version of Fever that goes with the bass line of Ina Godda da Vida that we call Inna Godda da Feva.  Anything to me can be turned into jazz and I get inspired to find those new things that we can play with to bring fun and joy to ourselves and those we share the music with. It’s an adventure.”

You can find out more about Tina at her website