In these extraordinary and uncertain times of COVID-19, with venues closed and live performance at a halt, NiteLife Exchange is reaching out and covering the effect the crisis is having on performing artists.
Jazz singer and pianist, Diane Schuur, nicknamed “Deedles” as a child, and blind since birth, grew up in Tacoma, WA steeped in traditional American jazz, courtesy of her parents’ large record collection. She began singing as a toddler, blessed with absolute pitch memory, learning Dinah Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Makes.” She’s since gone on to a successful career that’s included many recordings and Grammy nominations. Schuur won Grammy Awards in 1986 and 1987 for best female jazz vocal performance. She’s performed in major venues around the world and with a stellar roster of artists such as Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and many more. Her newest recording is the just-released Running On Faith, on the Jazzheads Music Group label. The CD features Schuur’s new versions of songs for which she has a deep-rooted affection from Miles Davis to Carole King to Paul McCartney. (Hear a sample below.)
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) asks Diane Schuur (DS) six questions:
NLE: The corona virus pandemic has upended lives to say the least. Aside from concert and tour cancellations, what has been its most serious or difficult consequence for you?
DS: For me, isolation is the big challenge with the virus quarantine. I’m a hugger and I miss the lack of human touch. I live alone so I must navigate days at a time without human contact, human interaction. Though I am on the phone and read, as well as watch my favorite TV shows and films we need each other. I do have an assistant who comes by to help me with errands, meal preparation and such, but we are keeping our distance and honoring what is necessary to keep us both safe and well.
NLE: What is your go-to coping mechanism for dealing with adversity?
DS: To find a way forward in troubled times, actually to find personal growth on a daily basis I turn to my higher power. I make an active choice to live in gratitude. Occasionally I sit quiet in meditation to help center myself and remember what is truly valuable, what is important.
NLE: Your particular life experience has led you to a spiritual path. Have you developed what you would consider a philosophy of life?
DS: My personal philosophy is being in the present. I live one day at a time and focus on the moment which I believe is a precious gift.
NLE: What has jazz music taught you about life?
DS: All music teaches us that life is rhythm. The joy of jazz is about being spontaneous.
NLE: Your new CD, Running on Faith, is a very personal album, a homage to your mentors and those who’ve influenced you the most. How did you choose the numbers that would eventually become the album’s 11 tracks?
DS: My life experience was the guide in picking material for Running On Faith. I was searching for music that moved to me and also allowed me to communicate my story, my inner thoughts and my hopes for those who might listen. If a song speaks to me personally, then I know I can creatively share that musical message with others.
NLE: You’ve been quoted as saying you’ve been focusing on the condition of the world today and wondering what can be. What might the world become?
DS: I wish for the world to become kinder and that humanity can be more compassionate. I call for our higher angels to come to the forefront in this time of change. To quote Sam Cooke, ‘a change is gonna come’ and we are living a grand change right now.
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