Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter DEEANN, who discusses her career and new album, “It’s My Time.”
About DEEANN and It’s My Time:
The tragedy of losing her 23-year-old son William Michael Tompkins to a motorcycle accident, after she and Odel had completed most of the tracks of “It’s My Time’ threw DeeAnn’s life into a tailspin and delayed the project indefinitely. Her original concept was to record analbum of old standards, and the two had 90 percent of them.
When DeeAnn came back to the project she added a few new, very personal songs, starting with a heartrending, gospel-influenced version of “You Are My Sunshine”, a song she sang to William to put him to sleep when he was a child. Odel’s sensitive yet rousing and inspirational production features members of the Buffalo Philharmonic String Quartet (Roman Mekhulnov).
Another original tune she added, the soulful ballad, “A Little Romance,” is a homage to the “angels” who helped her during her lowest points: “You help me pray, when my faith is shaken/You give me hope, help my soul awaken.” The other originals are the passionate love ballad “Here to Stay” and “Writing on the Wall,” a whimsical, hard hitting, brassy blues-rock breakup song, a duet with Mick Hayes that balances the poignancy of the album.
The other tracks on It’s My Time reveal DeeAnn as a masterful song interpreter and storyteller who turns words and melodies of legendary writers and artists into her own emotional narratives. Drawing from a wide range of styles and eras, these include “Blue Skies,” “Summertime,” “Killing Me Softly,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Nearness of You” and “Fine and Mellow.”
Review Fix: How important is family to you?
DEEANN: Family means everything to me. I cherish the time I can spend with them. I was blessed to be able to stay home when my kids were young. At that time, I began to sing more in church and taught music, grades Pre-K – 8th. My family has always been there for me in the good times and bad.
Review Fix: How do they influence your music?
DEEANN: My father, being a renowned jazz singer in his own time, was my mentor since I was a child. Throughout my life, he encouraged me to keep singing while simultaneously offering his constructive criticism.“Everybody’s Got a Story” was written in 2015, following the loss of my brother. You never know what people are going through when they cross your path, which inspired the lyric, “Everybody’s Got a story, everybody’s got a cross to bear, everybody’s got something to say, so shine your light, and spread your Love”.
Review Fix: What makes this a special album?
DEEANN: It’s my first album where I focused more on jazz standards. The arrangements provide a modern spin on the Great American Songbook, giving these great compositions a sonic facelift. I enjoy singing different genres, but jazz is where I feel at home, and most comfortable to express myself freely, with no limitations.
Review Fix: What tracks mean the most to you?
DEEANN: “A Little Romance”: I wrote it as an homage to all the “angels” who have surrounded me during the most difficult times of my life.
-“Writing on the Wall”: This original song is a funky and bluesy duet, featuring guitarist/singer-songwriter, Mick Hayes, whose most recent release, My Claim to Fame, is currently receiving national airplay.
-“You Are My Sunshine”: This is dedicated to my late son William. I used to sing this song to him every night to put him to sleep.
Review Fix: For someone who’s never listened to ya, why this album?
DEEANN: This is my third album. I have grown as a jazz singer and I was excited to focus mainly on standards. I love the creative arrangements by my Grammy-nominated producer, RiShon Odel (Brian Culbertson, Najee). The musicians, especially my featured guests, Jessica Pina, Brent Birckhead, and Roman Mekhulnov (Buffalo Philharmonic String Quartet) have all added their impeccable talents to the album.
Review Fix: What’s next?
DEEANN: I’m looking forward to collaborating with more musicians in both performance and composition. I have plans to start working on a new album this fall. I’m grateful for the radio airplay I am currently receiving with Neal Sapper and the New World ‘n’ Jazz Team, and for opportunities such as this bestowed upon me by my publicist Tom Estey. Two noteworthy upcoming performances with my quintet are at Pausa Art House on July 18th, and the Northwest Jazz Festival on August 24th at 3:45 PM on the Center Stage. I can also be found weekly on Wednesdays from Noon to 2 PM at the legendary Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo, NY.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
DEEANN: Music is healing and fun! My fans tell me how my music makes them feel blessed and gratified. As an educator, I witnessed the confidence, joy and self-esteem displayed by my students. I worked with developmentally disabled adults and observed their strength, courage and happiness being lifted. I also help adults with dementia and it is astounding to watch music awaken their spirits and bring such joy and laughter to them.
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
DEEANN: My website is https://deeannmusic.com/
My social media links are on the website. The links to my albums are also available to listen to and/or download. News and updates are always available and you can subscribe to my site.
You may also listen and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel:
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