Q&A with Rondi Charleston

Well, you might say, I've had an interesting and diverse career. After graduating from Juilliard, I began my career in classical music, and sang opera for six years. I then pursued a dream to be a journalist, and worked for a few years at ABC News - rising over that time to be a producer working with Diane Sawyer. I even won an Emmy Award for an investigative piece that I had worked on. The whole time, thought, I was sneaking off during my lunch breaks or after work to sing, practice and experiment with new music -- just for fun. Returning to music full time evolved naturally, over time. I was encouraged by so many people to come back to music, and jazz was where I was at by that time. Now I truly feel at home.

BWW: You got your Masters in voice from Juilliard...and now you're a jazz singer! Did you have to 'un-learn' all that technique?

My Juilliard training provided a great technical foundation. And there is still an element of classical that runs through my veins. But over the years, I've learned so much more. For example, I recently studied Portugese, just so that I could sing my Brazilian favorites. In jazz, there is great freedom that you don't learn, you simply feel it intuitively - from your heart right down to your toes! (And yes, I had to let go of a lot of my old technique in order to get to that place of freedom!)

BWW: There are lots of interesting takes on musical standards and Broadway show tunes. How did you pick the material on your cd?

The music I pick reaches me in a special way. It may be the lyrics, or something in my past that calls to me. Or sometimes, I'll pick a tune just for the sheer pleasure of taking a risk with a different take I have in mind.

BWW: I see that Peter Eldridge of the New York Voices (we love him!) was your co-producer. How did you guys connect and what was that working dynamic like in the recording studio?

I have known Peter for years, and I simply adore him. He inspires the best out of me. He pushes me out of my comfort zone, and great things start to happen with us. He is truly a joy to work with, along with all the other musicians on the CD.

BWW: Here's a question we've been dying to ask somebody! What's the difference between a jazz singer and someone who sings standards with jazz arrangements?

I think it goes back to what I was saying before - you have to feel it in your veins. It's not enough to have a clever arrangement. I guess it's just such a part of me ... I grew up in Chicago with the sounds of the jazz greats floating down the hallway of our house, and that has never left my soul.

BWW: You're playing Birdland on Monday, November 1 at 7pm. That's known as one of the premiere jazz rooms in the country! Are you excited? Scared?

Both. To play Birdland is truly a dream come true for me. I could die now and be happy.

BWW: Finally, the title of your cd is "Love Is The Thing." Is it?

Well... do you really need to ask?

For more information on Rondi Charleston, click here.

For more information on Birdland, and to purchase tickets, click here.