A quick conversation with Erica Brown for Women’s History Month

Local Artist Erica Brown has a very impressive resume, from having her vocals featured in a movie starring Robert DeNiro and Wesley Snipes, to being part of a recording session that featured Muddy Waters son, Mud Morganfield, to  being  awarded the Five Points Jazz Festival’s Tribute Award for significant and lasting contributions to culture in the Five Points, Denver neighborhood and throughout the Region, this lady has done it all.

I got a chance recently to ask her a few questions about Jazz, her Sheroes and more.

If you would like to find out more about Erica, including some of her upcoming shows at Boettcher Concert Hall, and The Soiled Dove Underground, please feel free to check out her website.

When asked what got her interested in jazz she said:

“I’ve always listened to it!  It’s one of the foundational musical art forms in the United States (next to Blues!)”

Regarding some of her Sheroes in Jazz she told me:

“My Sheroes in Jazz would be:

Justina Curlee (MamaKat of the old Rockin’ n Rhythm show-was on KUVO Friday nights!)

Dianne Reeves (friend and inspiration!)

Laura Newman (longtime friend and amazing musician!)

Rene’ Marie (amazing Jazz vocalist!)

Rekha Ohal (wonderful pianist and vocalist!)

And so many more who have befriended me and welcomed me as a Blues Woman.  

She also told me that “What inspires me about Jazz, is the infinite variety of rhythm, tonality and expression!”

When asked about some of her favorite Jazz songs she said: “Nina Simone, “Mississippi Goddam” and Billie Holiday, “Strange Fruit”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnlTHvJBeP0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ25-U3jNWM