SEPT 08 • NW JAZZ PROFILE • ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Linda Lee
Michelet
Vocals/Piano/Cello
Finish this statement: Jazz is more than just... music. It is a lifestyle.
I hear you just changed the name of your band and you're adding some new elements to your show. What's happening?
The band was originally called Big Band Peggy Lee, as most of our arrangements are original Peggy Lee/Quincy Jones arrangements. We are changing it now [ to Linda Lee Michelet Big Band ] because we will also be doing other shows.
We are very excited to be rehearsing for an Anita O'Day show and Julie London. We want to become a multi-faceted jazz/swing band, to be a top vocalist/dance hall band, and then be able to turn around and do a show at the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival.
Your band is known for its fantastic musicianship, and you work with some of the most accomplished musicians in Portland. Why are so many of the hottest cats attracted to your band?
The arrangements. Period. We have absolutely fabulous arrangements by Quincy Jones, Peggy Lee, Bill Holman, and Jimmy Rowles. They are challenging and fun to play. They swing -they are JAZZ!
Who is in the current lineup?
- Joe Millward-arranger, director, and pianist.
- Dave Captein-bass
- Marty Higgins-drums
- Tim Jenson-flute and alto sax
- Paul Mazzio-trumpet and flugelhorn
- Dave Evans-sax
- Lars Campbell-trombone
- Linda Lee Michelet-vocals
I understand the arrangements you use are very hard charts to master. With so many major players in the unit, how do you all find the time to practice?
Most of these guys are working all of the time. We play at Tony Starlight's twice a month. This gives us time to get the band tight. Joe will write a new chart, and we'll rehearse it second set at Tony's. Joe will learn his part, and the guys are all such great sight readers, we have no problem. If we have three new tunes, we'll all meet at my little house, put all the furniture in another room, and set up the living room and kitchen like a rehearsal hall. We also serve a great dinner after practice for all the guys. Fun!
How did you get into jazz?
I'm originally from the Los Angeles area. Music was a very big part of my upbringing. I took 10 years of classical piano. I heard all the great jazz records in my home daily. My parents and brother had a jazz record collection that would knock your socks off. They were also into great Dixieland jazz (Castle Jazz Band, Turk Murphy, Al Hirt). Many years later, I had a vision of myself performing this Music. The vision has come true.
You put on a real show when you perform. You're not just standing there singing and acting as if you're too cool to be bothered with the audience. Where does the show part of what you do come from? Were you born into a family of entertainers?
My parents owned a bakery in Ontario, California, for 27 years. My dad's passion was drumming. My mother sang, and played piano. I recently found out that I have cousins that are in theater. I had an aunt that was the window dresser of the Disneyland Hotel for many, many years, so I have creativity in my blood. The music we are doing now is difficult, but I try very hard to connect this great music with the audience. It's easy for me. I have never stood on stage with eyes closed and listened to myself sing. The most important thing is the audience. Are they enjoying the show? That's my number one concern. Always.
Where do you find the wonderful gowns and hats you perform in?
Last year at Sunday Jazz at the Old Church, I actually had a Peggy Lee gown made. She and I have similar figures! The dress was a smash hit. My dresses are made by Catherine Stevenson, Couture. I have recently had the famous Anita O'Day hat made for myself, the one she wore at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958.
Are you adding any new choreography to the show? I'm constantly adding new choreography. The trick is getting so comfortable with these arrangements that you can interject theatrics throughout the show and not lose a beat.
Why is Tony Starlight's such a good venue for your type of show?
It gives us a place to play twice monthly. It tightens up the entire performance. It's a real supper club. People are there for great food but also to see a real show, not just another gig. [The place] reminds me of a little Coconut Grove from the '50s tucked away on NE Sandy Blvd. in Portland. Back in the day, jazz was not only hot licks from great players, but it was also first-rate entertainment. Do you feel that glamour, elegance and sophistication will ever again take center stage in jazz The Linda Lee Michelet Big Band brings back the spirit of the by-gone days when sophisticated cabaret entertainment was dominated by the latest exciting chanteuse. Audiences want to be entertained. They hunger for it. We dress up. You can be the best player in town, but if you look sloppy, who cares. This is not just another gig. It's a show.
Other than music, what else do you do to fill your days?
I am a licensed private investigator working for TriMet.
How did you get into that line of work?
I started as a legal secretary, and my forte' became delving into the investigative side of MAX accidents and bus accidents. My employer encouraged me to get my license. That was about five years ago.
Do you ever find yourself in dangerous situations?
Not so much dangerous, but if I'm checking up on a situation, I can't look like my usual self at work. At work I dress up. Sometimes I've been known to wear some pretty beat up old clothes, a hat and no makeup to slide into a situation and not be noticed. Taking notes all the time in my head.
What do you feel you must accomplish before you leaving the planet?
I am accomplishing and living my dreams today. It hasn't been easy. I'm working harder today than I ever did. But, I want to be able to present thIs great music that "swings"-sing it well and play it well. There is great pride in presenting this music well.
Give us your performance schedule for the next couple of months.
Tony Starlight's Supper Club and Lounge, Thursdays, Sept. 4 and 8, Oct. 16 and 30, Nov. 13, and Dec. 4 and 18. I also perform at the Heathman Hotel (with a smaller group, not the big band) on the last Saturday of every month, I took four months off, however, so that I could perform this summer at the Oregon Bite, Cathedral Park Jazz. Last Tuesday Jazz, City of Beaverton, and guest appear with the Woody Hite Band. I start back up at the Heathman on Saturday, Oct, 25.