As a lover of music in all its genres, nothing makes me happier than meeting indie artists from the start of their career and meeting them again years later and seeing their progress. Singer-songwriter, composer, educator, Lenora Zenzalai Helm, I have known for 3 decades. I remember when she started performing at many of the New York Jazz clubs. She has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center, JVC Jazz Festival, and many others. She was born on the south side of Chicago like our former First Lady, Michelle Obama, and like her is an accomplished and classy musician whose love of music permeates her every breath. She has earned recognition as a quarter-finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year Award and studied at Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's degree in music film scoring and vocal performance. Her credits are long and she has toured with such artists as Michael Franks and Freddie Jackson and has also recorded with Jazz legend, Ron Carter, Antonio Hart, Stanley Cowell, and more.
Her voice is smooth and silky and seeing her perform live is watching a professional who knows how to own that stage or room she is in. Lenora Zenzalai Helm has recorded 6 albums on her own label and publishing company. Although her background is mostly jazz she has also performed, recorded, and toured in many music genres like R&B, NeoSoul, and Pop. She recently released her latest album, For The Love of Big Band, paying homage to the Big Band Jazz era along with some Blues. I was flattered when Lenora Zenzalai Helm asked me to write a quote about her latest album for her upcoming ads during the Grammy voting season. Always a pleasure to support or help indie artists in any way I can. Check out this fascinating and well-accomplished Jazz clinician, singer-songwriter, and support independent music and musicians. Happy listening!
Blues for Mama (Live)
