Sing the Truth - Powerhouse Performance

Just a few weeks ago, three of the Sophie's Parlor Divas experienced the controlled power, elegant grace, and pure joy that is bottled in a concoction called "Sing the Truth:" just over two hours of listening to Dianne Reeves, Angelique Kidjo, and Lizz Wright. They were backed by two more stars of the jazz world, Geri Allen and Teri Lyne Carrington, as well as James Genus, Munyungo Jackson, and Romero Lubambo.  The song list included these and a few more surprises: Bold Soul Sister, Both Sides Now, Heart and Soul, Talkin' about a Revolution, Endangered Species, Easy Rider, Afrika

There are really no words to express the brilliance of the evening, except perhaps "yowza!" From the beginning, as they commanded, strode and wafted onto the stage, respectively, the audience was theirs for the taking. They performed together, in duos and singly, belting out a wide selection of songs in a variety of styles, "honoring the music and spirit of great women of jazz, folk, r&b, gospel and the blues." It was the last night of the tour, unfortunately for you, but it seems that these women will not want to be apart for long. Their friendship and love for one another was palpable.

With all of that what more could be said, but what a blueprint they gave the audience and the rest of the world of music. Women can get along, women do make beautiful music together and most importantly women do Sing The Truth. Stellar, superb, transformative. For all of you I hope the tour will be revived again. - by Helen Viksnins

A clip from Jazz Fest's Sing the Truth

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Forty Years Later - Are We Taking Care of Ourselves?

Chris Williamson -
pioneer in women's music

In 1972 when Sophie's Parlor launched its groundbreaking presence in radio, the second wave of feminism was in full flower. Women were working towards the goals of equal pay, equal roles and fair rights in family life, and reproductive rights, to name a few. Nearly half of all mothers were stay-at-home moms and didn't have the educational experience to obtain professional occupations. 

Today, many of the goals of the feminist movement have been achieved (although their defense still continues!). However, it's no secret that stress has become a factor in the lives of everyone, and as the above studies show, especially in the lives of women. A recent study shows that stress about balancing work and family is greater for the working mother than any other category.

As a public service to those working mothers, this inaugural blog offers some suggestions to combat these stressors:

Alignment Sequence for All Ages!

• My mantra for this year is "Go deep, get light." This means taking time each day for meditation, stillness, contemplation, prayer. As I go deeper, I get lighter: enlightened, inspired, and possibly drop some pounds as I am reorienting my own focus towards self-care. I use an app on my iphone to track my meditation each day.
• After meditation, move! If the gym or yoga studio isn't your favorite scene, your movement doesn't have to be overtly strenuous. Gentle or slow movement has the benefit of releasing sore or stiff muscles, increasing calm breathing, and encouraging slowing down overall. Brigit Viksnins (full disclosure: my sister!) has developed a series of movements called the Alignment Sequence in which you move every part of your body to both loosen up and strengthen.
• Nourish yourself with excellent nutrition! Return to the way your grandmother and great-grandmother ate. I recommend visiting Monica Corrado's website for her articles about cooking, nutrition, and the traditional basics. The satisfaction of eating a bowl of pre-soaked oatmeal slathered in real butter, fresh blueberries and full-fat yogurt compared to the fast food feel of dry cereal flakes with watery skim milk!

Stay tuned for more lifestyle blog postings! Let's take GOOD care of ourselves.

- Diva of the Day Helen

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Helen's Winter Show

It's the dead of winter; not much snow yet here in Washington, DC, but some flurries predicted for tonight. In this season, I am drawn to songs of snow and the meaning of winter. Going deep within, but making sure to intersperse songs of joy and glory.


Here's who we'll be hearing!

• I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, Billie Holiday, Lady Sings the Blues - The Billie Holiday Story, Vol. 4
• Happy New Year, Carmen Lundy, Jazz and the New Songbook: Live At the Madrid (Live, Bonus Tracks)
• South to a Warmer Place, Catherine Russell, Sentimental Streak
• Mistletoe, Colbie Caillat, Mistletoe - Single
• What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Diana Krall & The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Christmas Songs (Bonus Track Version)
• Give Me the Night, Elana Stone, In the Garden of Wild Things
• Keep Cool, Fool, Ella Fitzgerald, The Early Years, Pt. 2: The Original Decca Recordings (1939-1941)
• Snow, Emiliana Torrini, Fisherman's Woman
• Amid The Falling Snow, Enya, Amarantine
• Delicate December, Erin McKeown, We Will Become Like Birds
• By the Fireside, Jo Stafford, Happy Holidays - I Love the Winter Weather (Re-mastered)
• Warm December, Julie London, Ultra-Lounge / Christmas Cocktails, Vol. 2 (Digitally Remastered 97)
• Grey December, Kate Davis, Introducing Kate Davis
• Don't Turn On the Light, Keiko Matsui, Sapphire
• Let It Snow, Kylie Minogue, A Kylie Christmas - Single
• Winter Light, Linda Ronstadt, Dedicated to the One I Love
• Sky Blue, Maria Schneider, Sky Blue
• Warm Valley, Marian McPartland, The Single Petal of a Rose: The Essence of Duke Ellington (Live)
• Capricorn, Mary Lou Williams, Zodiac Suite
• Glorious, Melissa Etheridge, A New Thought for Christmas
• Sunny, Miri Ben-Ari, The Temple of Beautiful (Live At the Blue Note)
• Chilly Winds Don't Blow, Nina Simone, Four Women: The Nina Simone Philips Recordings [Disc 2]
• Sophie's Theme, Pam Parker, Imagine
• Snow, Patricia Barber, The Cole Porter Mix
• Snow, Rosemary Clooney, Holiday Hits
• Winter Song, Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson, The Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs
• Snowbound, Sarah Vaughan, Jazz Profile: Sarah Vaughan
• Winter Weather, Vanessa Williams, 20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection: The Best of Vanessa Williams, Vol. 2

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