What’s On My Playlist!

My musical tastes are always changing and evolving, but if you’ve ever wondered what music I listen to, here are the top 15 most played in my playlist.

1. Getting to Know You – Nancy Wilson

So this song is from the musical The King and I, which is a classic. I feel in love with this particular song after watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV last year. They performed it live, and I loved the words as soon as I heard them – they really speak to me. The minute I heard it I knew I wanted to perform it live myself, which I did live at the Archways of Dumbo Brooklyn with the JNote Quintet on August 11, 2016 for the Harlem Swing Dance Society’s Swing Dance night which was a great experience.

2. How Will I Know – Whitney Houston

Whitney was one of the greatest, and one of my very first favorite artists growing up. I’ve learned so much about singing just by listening to her day after day. How Will I Know is one her most fun and catchy songs, and I will always love it.

3. Shadow of Your Smile – Amel Larrieux

Amel is another favorite singer of mine. Her voice is simply incredible, and I’m such a fan I’ve been to see her in concert four times! This particular song is one of her best, in my opinion.

4. Them Changes – Ledisi

This is yet another all time favourite of mine. Although this particular song is a cover, I think Ledisi pulls it off really well with incredible high energy. She can do some amazing things with her voice – this is definitely one you should give a listen so you can experience it yourself.

5. Take My Breathe Away – Berlin

This song was awarded Song of the Year at the Grammy’s in 1986. Can you believe that was 30 years ago!?! It’s a classic, and a staple of my playlist.

6. Valerie – Amy Winehouse

Another cover, but an another amazing one! I’m currently learning this song for a gig – I hope I can do it justice! The more I listen to it, the more I learn. I found listening is hugely important to a singer – in some ways it’s more important than actually singing.

7. Never Too Much - Deniece Williams

Deniece puts her own unique spin on Luther Vandross’s song. She was one of my first favorites, and I think it will remain that way for a long, long time.

8. It's Your World – Jennifer Hudson

All round, this is just a great song by a great artist. Jennifer always delivers with her vocals – they’re just excellent.

9. Work – Rihanna

This has been a smash hit this year, and I can definitely see why. Rihanna and Drake always make magic when the collaborate. It’s a really cool song, great for when you just want to chill out, and I always love what Rihanna puts out.

10. Besame Mucho – Diane Krall

Diane has an awesome voice. This is another tune I’m currently learning for a gig – so I listen to it a lot. The more I listen, the more I love it.

11. Cheap Thrills – Sia

When a song is a commercial success – particularly in pop - it’s easy to overlook the craftsmanship involved. I love the melody of this song, overall Sia has a very cool song that I like a lot.

12. Sorry - Justin Bieber

I don’t think there’s a person on the planet that hasn’t heard this song. It’s been another big hit and it’s a red hot tune. It’s insanely catchy, once you listen to it, it is lodged in your brain for the rest of the day – guaranteed!

13. My Favorite Things – John Coltrane

This is a stunning rendition of a Rogers & Hammerstein composition. I particularly love what Coltrane does with the saxophone, so beautiful!

14. Rappers Delight – The Sugarhill Gang

There’s no denying that this is a classic. I can’t quite believe it came out in 1979! I love the Sugarhill Gang, and I still really love this tune. It’s just a fun rap song with great energy – there’s nothing not to like!

15. Red Clay – Mark Murphy

This tune rounds off my playlist. I love Mark Murphy a lot, I love how he uses his voice to do vocalese on this tune that was originally by Freddie Hubbard. The lyrics are real and meaningful; they really speak to me.

So, that’s it! What do you think of these songs? Let me know which are your favorites, and what you’ve been listening to recently!