Locals feel the love in Europe www.azstarnet.com ®:
"Caliente
taxing, yet rewarding
Locals feel the love in Europe
By Gerald M. Gay
ggay@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona Published: 12.13.2007"
And when local blues pianist Lisa Otey isn't tickling the ivories in the Old Pueblo, you can find her playing clubs and festivals with audiences topping out at 30,000 strong in Germany, Belgium, France and Spain.
Otey began touring overseas as an accompanist for Los Angeles-based blues musician Candye Kane in 2000, eventually earning invites of her own from club and festival promoters .
Otey has hit Europe at least once a year since. She knew she was developing a significant fan base when she heard people were driving three to four hours just to see her.
"In Europe everything is so close together," she explained. "An hour is usually as far as most people are willing to go."
Otey said networking has definitely helped her spread her wings. Over the years, the sultry singer has formed relationships with artists like Dutch pianist Eric-Jan Overbeek, also known as Mr. Boogie Woogie, who helped set up her tours early on.
In turn, Otey has helped Mr. Boogie Woogie with shows in Tucson and has worked with him to assist at least half a dozen Tucson musicians in getting their own tours started.
It was through their support that bassist Steve Grams first began touring the Netherlands with acoustic duo partner Danny Krieger in 2003. He has made several returns with Krieger and just came back from a trip through England, Ireland and the Netherlands with another local group, the Bad News Blues Band.
If he didn't have family ties in Tucson, Grams said, he would have moved to Europe years ago. He said performing music over there has nothing to do with the pay, which he believes is on a par with the pay in the States, and everything to do with the respect musicians receive in Europe.
"By the time we (The Bad News Blues Band) paid for this and that, the pay was probably not as good as if we had stayed home that month," Grams said. "But where would you rather be, Ireland or Pima County? I know people who go there and lose money just because they want to play to an audience that appreciates it and gets it.
"The people you meet there, professional and amateur musicians, club owners, audiences, know more about American music than most of my musician friends. You can play a small pub on a Tuesday night that holds 50 people and there will be 100 people there. You can't get 50 people to go out on a Saturday night in this town."
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
YouTube - KKL Blues Lucerne Festival Off-Stage Piano
YouTube - KKL Blues Lucerne Festival Off-Stage Piano
Alki at the Lucerne Festival Off-Stage Piano in Lucerne, Switzerland with Lisa Otey
Alki won the gold medal at the 2007 Lucerne Piano Playoffs. The woman guffawing in the background is one of the judges.
Alki at the Lucerne Festival Off-Stage Piano in Lucerne, Switzerland with Lisa Otey
Alki won the gold medal at the 2007 Lucerne Piano Playoffs. The woman guffawing in the background is one of the judges.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Best Of Tucson 2007
http://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Best/MainFrame?year=2007&oid=100809
Lisa Otey's upbeat jazz, blues and boogie-woogie music could turn a group of zombies back to the living. Instead of shuffling and moaning, they'd be bopping and grooving to her music. Otey has won numerous awards, including Composer of the Year, the Arizona Blues Showdown Championship and numerous TAMMIES. A member of the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, the singer, songwriter and pianist also has her own independent label, Owl's Nest Productions. Whether performing with Diane Van Deurzen at a blues brunch, with several performers in a Vegas-inspired musical cabaret show or with the Desert Divas, Otey pleases the most discriminating audiences--even those without a pulse.
Lisa Otey's upbeat jazz, blues and boogie-woogie music could turn a group of zombies back to the living. Instead of shuffling and moaning, they'd be bopping and grooving to her music. Otey has won numerous awards, including Composer of the Year, the Arizona Blues Showdown Championship and numerous TAMMIES. A member of the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, the singer, songwriter and pianist also has her own independent label, Owl's Nest Productions. Whether performing with Diane Van Deurzen at a blues brunch, with several performers in a Vegas-inspired musical cabaret show or with the Desert Divas, Otey pleases the most discriminating audiences--even those without a pulse.
Friday, July 6, 2007
AZNightBuzz.com : Blues/jazz diva Lisa Otey marks 40th birthday with tuneful bash
AZNightBuzz.com : Blues/jazz diva Lisa Otey marks 40th birthday with tuneful bash:
"Blues/jazz diva Lisa Otey marks 40th birthday with tuneful bash"
By Cathalena E.. Burch
cburch@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona Published: 05.24.2007
How does Tucson's piano-tickling, blues/jazz diva extraordinaire celebrate her landmark 40th birthday?
Why, with music, silly.
On June 2 the Tucson Jazz Society is helping Lisa Otey throw herself a birthday bash to mark her recent foray into the land of 40-something.
On the eve of turning 40 last Friday, we caught up with Otey about her "big" event.
So, a colleague of mine wants to know how many times you've celebrated turning 40.
"This is my first."
Are you freaking out?
"I always think of every year as a great accomplishment. So I'm thrilled with it. Just to make it through another year. My life is wonderful; there's nothing that I dread. Some people have a big buildup to this, and they start noticing how their bodies are changing. I'm just excited to be here."
When you were a kid, what was your impression of people who were 40?
"I never really thought about people by their ages. I always hung out with people who were all ages. My friends cover the whole gamut. I still think of myself as a baby."
Chronologically or mentally?
"Both."
So on this monumental landmark, are you where you imagined you'd be in your career and personal life?
"Well, I remember when I came here in 1984 to go to college and my roommate asked me what I was going to do. I said, 'I want to play piano.' She said, 'What if it doesn't work out?' 'Well, it has to. That's all I know.' It's worked out. Everything I've ever wanted has come true. . . . You never can plan it. That's the beautiful and courageous thing about making a living with music. So far, everything has worked out fine."
What's your 40th birthday wish?
"That everybody buys a ticket to my concert. And then they can all have cake."
How do you plan to spend the day after the big party?
"I want to say unwrapping all my gifts, but my gift will be everyone coming to my concert. How about basking in the glow?"
What are your plans for the next 40 years?
"To know that I'm on the road to happiness. I want to continue to travel and make music. I also want to spend a little more time at home.
"I'm a very romantic person, and being on the road alone is not the most romantic thing. Tucson has been a wonderful place for a musician to live, because it's been so supportive.
"So many people say they can't get recognition at home, that they have to travel to make a living. That's not true here. I feel embraced by the whole community, and also there's tremendous support for me to take my wings and fly all over the place."
"Blues/jazz diva Lisa Otey marks 40th birthday with tuneful bash"
By Cathalena E.. Burch
cburch@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona Published: 05.24.2007
How does Tucson's piano-tickling, blues/jazz diva extraordinaire celebrate her landmark 40th birthday?
Why, with music, silly.
On June 2 the Tucson Jazz Society is helping Lisa Otey throw herself a birthday bash to mark her recent foray into the land of 40-something.
On the eve of turning 40 last Friday, we caught up with Otey about her "big" event.
So, a colleague of mine wants to know how many times you've celebrated turning 40.
"This is my first."
Are you freaking out?
"I always think of every year as a great accomplishment. So I'm thrilled with it. Just to make it through another year. My life is wonderful; there's nothing that I dread. Some people have a big buildup to this, and they start noticing how their bodies are changing. I'm just excited to be here."
When you were a kid, what was your impression of people who were 40?
"I never really thought about people by their ages. I always hung out with people who were all ages. My friends cover the whole gamut. I still think of myself as a baby."
Chronologically or mentally?
"Both."
So on this monumental landmark, are you where you imagined you'd be in your career and personal life?
"Well, I remember when I came here in 1984 to go to college and my roommate asked me what I was going to do. I said, 'I want to play piano.' She said, 'What if it doesn't work out?' 'Well, it has to. That's all I know.' It's worked out. Everything I've ever wanted has come true. . . . You never can plan it. That's the beautiful and courageous thing about making a living with music. So far, everything has worked out fine."
What's your 40th birthday wish?
"That everybody buys a ticket to my concert. And then they can all have cake."
How do you plan to spend the day after the big party?
"I want to say unwrapping all my gifts, but my gift will be everyone coming to my concert. How about basking in the glow?"
What are your plans for the next 40 years?
"To know that I'm on the road to happiness. I want to continue to travel and make music. I also want to spend a little more time at home.
"I'm a very romantic person, and being on the road alone is not the most romantic thing. Tucson has been a wonderful place for a musician to live, because it's been so supportive.
"So many people say they can't get recognition at home, that they have to travel to make a living. That's not true here. I feel embraced by the whole community, and also there's tremendous support for me to take my wings and fly all over the place."
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Blues/jazz diva Lisa Otey marks 40th birthday with tuneful bash
Thursday, May 24, 2007
AZNightBuzz.com :
Blues/jazz diva Lisa Otey marks 40th birthday with tuneful bash
Published: 05.24.2007
Blues/jazz diva Lisa Otey marks 40th birthday with tuneful bash
By Cathalena E.. Burch
CBURCH@AZSTARNET.COM
How does Tucson's piano-tickling, blues/jazz diva extraordinaire celebrate her landmark 40th birthday?
Why, with music, silly.
On June 2 the Tucson Jazz Society is helping Lisa Otey throw herself a birthday bash to mark her recent foray into the land of 40-something.
On the eve of turning 40 last Friday, we caught up with Otey about her "big" event.
So, a colleague of mine wants to know how many times you've celebrated turning 40.
"This is my first."
Are you freaking out?
"I always think of every year as a great accomplishment. So I'm thrilled with it. Just to make it through another year. My life is wonderful; there's nothing that I dread. Some people have a big buildup to this, and they start noticing how their bodies are changing. I'm just excited to be here."
When you were a kid, what was your impression of people who were 40?
"I never really thought about people by their ages. I always hung out with people who were all ages. My friends cover the whole gamut. I still think of myself as a baby."
Chronologically or mentally?
"Both."
So on this monumental landmark, are you where you imagined you'd be in your career and personal life?
"Well, I remember when I came here in 1984 to go to college and my roommate asked me what I was going to do. I said, 'I want to play piano.' She said, 'What if it doesn't work out?' 'Well, it has to. That's all I know.' It's worked out. Everything I've ever wanted has come true. . . . You never can plan it. That's the beautiful and courageous thing about making a living with music. So far, everything has worked out fine."
What's your 40th birthday wish?
"That everybody buys a ticket to my concert. And then they can all have cake."
How do you plan to spend the day after the big party?
"I want to say unwrapping all my gifts, but my gift will be everyone coming to my concert. How about
basking in the glow?"
What are your plans for the next 40 years?
"To know that I'm on the road to happiness. I want to continue to travel and make music. I also want to spend a little more time at home.
"I'm a very romantic person, and being on the road alone is not the most romantic thing. Tucson has been a wonderful place for a musician to live, because it's been so supportive.
"So many people say they can't get recognition at home, that they have to travel to make a living. That's not true here. I feel embraced by the whole community, and also there's tremendous support for me to take my wings and fly all over the place."
Lisa Otey in 'A Night Alone With You'
• When: 7 p.m. June 2
• Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
• Cost: $20 advance, $15 for Tucson Jazz Society members, by calling 370-5912; $25 at the door.
AZNightBuzz.com :
Blues/jazz diva Lisa Otey marks 40th birthday with tuneful bash
Published: 05.24.2007
Blues/jazz diva Lisa Otey marks 40th birthday with tuneful bash
By Cathalena E.. Burch
CBURCH@AZSTARNET.COM
How does Tucson's piano-tickling, blues/jazz diva extraordinaire celebrate her landmark 40th birthday?
Why, with music, silly.
On June 2 the Tucson Jazz Society is helping Lisa Otey throw herself a birthday bash to mark her recent foray into the land of 40-something.
On the eve of turning 40 last Friday, we caught up with Otey about her "big" event.
So, a colleague of mine wants to know how many times you've celebrated turning 40.
"This is my first."
Are you freaking out?
"I always think of every year as a great accomplishment. So I'm thrilled with it. Just to make it through another year. My life is wonderful; there's nothing that I dread. Some people have a big buildup to this, and they start noticing how their bodies are changing. I'm just excited to be here."
When you were a kid, what was your impression of people who were 40?
"I never really thought about people by their ages. I always hung out with people who were all ages. My friends cover the whole gamut. I still think of myself as a baby."
Chronologically or mentally?
"Both."
So on this monumental landmark, are you where you imagined you'd be in your career and personal life?
"Well, I remember when I came here in 1984 to go to college and my roommate asked me what I was going to do. I said, 'I want to play piano.' She said, 'What if it doesn't work out?' 'Well, it has to. That's all I know.' It's worked out. Everything I've ever wanted has come true. . . . You never can plan it. That's the beautiful and courageous thing about making a living with music. So far, everything has worked out fine."
What's your 40th birthday wish?
"That everybody buys a ticket to my concert. And then they can all have cake."
How do you plan to spend the day after the big party?
"I want to say unwrapping all my gifts, but my gift will be everyone coming to my concert. How about
basking in the glow?"
What are your plans for the next 40 years?
"To know that I'm on the road to happiness. I want to continue to travel and make music. I also want to spend a little more time at home.
"I'm a very romantic person, and being on the road alone is not the most romantic thing. Tucson has been a wonderful place for a musician to live, because it's been so supportive.
"So many people say they can't get recognition at home, that they have to travel to make a living. That's not true here. I feel embraced by the whole community, and also there's tremendous support for me to take my wings and fly all over the place."
Lisa Otey in 'A Night Alone With You'
• When: 7 p.m. June 2
• Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
• Cost: $20 advance, $15 for Tucson Jazz Society members, by calling 370-5912; $25 at the door.
Monday, March 26, 2007
'Love, Janis' a boomers' dreamy flashback | www.azstarnet.com ®
'Love, Janis' a boomers' dreamy flashback www.azstarnet.com ®:
'Love, Janis' a boomers' dreamy flashback
By Kathleen Allen
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona Published: 03.26.2007
"Tucson's Lisa Otey ripped up the keyboards with a bluesy command. "
'Love, Janis' a boomers' dreamy flashback
By Kathleen Allen
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona Published: 03.26.2007
"Tucson's Lisa Otey ripped up the keyboards with a bluesy command. "
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tubac Jazz, Blues Fest scheduled for March 31
Tubac Jazz, Blues Fest scheduled for March 31
Friday, March 16, 2007 9:27 AM PDT
Covering all of Santa Cruz County, AZ - Nogales International
Art and history will meet again when the Tubac Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Parque de Anza on Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m."Following the tremendous success of last year's inaugural festival, the event promises to be an extraordinary day of musical performances that are not to be missed," a spokesman said.Brasher Real Estate, the Tucson Jazz Society and the Tubac Chamber of Commerce will present the event featuring: From 10 a.m-10:45 a.m. swing to the big band music of JAZZWERX; from 11 .am.-11:30 a.m. enjoy young talent with the Rio Rico High School Jazz Band; from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. savor the sounds of Lisa Otey and the Desert Divas; from 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. the contemporary jazz group and Grammy-nominated Les Baxter Factor takes the stage; from 1:45p.m.-2:30 p.m. "Blues, Brazilian and Bop" with Soundscape Sedona; from 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. relish straight ahead jazz with Joe Bourne and the Tucson All-Stars; from 3:45 p.m.-5 p.m. the Phoenix Jazz Divas will bring the festivities to a rousing finale.Tickets are $28 per adult, $14 for children 12 and under, and are available online at www.TubacJazz.com.Tickets will also be available through the Tucson Jazz Society (520) 903-1265, and the Tubac Chamber of Commerce (520) 398-2704.Seating and visors will be provided.
Friday, March 16, 2007 9:27 AM PDT
Covering all of Santa Cruz County, AZ - Nogales International
Art and history will meet again when the Tubac Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Parque de Anza on Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m."Following the tremendous success of last year's inaugural festival, the event promises to be an extraordinary day of musical performances that are not to be missed," a spokesman said.Brasher Real Estate, the Tucson Jazz Society and the Tubac Chamber of Commerce will present the event featuring: From 10 a.m-10:45 a.m. swing to the big band music of JAZZWERX; from 11 .am.-11:30 a.m. enjoy young talent with the Rio Rico High School Jazz Band; from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. savor the sounds of Lisa Otey and the Desert Divas; from 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. the contemporary jazz group and Grammy-nominated Les Baxter Factor takes the stage; from 1:45p.m.-2:30 p.m. "Blues, Brazilian and Bop" with Soundscape Sedona; from 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. relish straight ahead jazz with Joe Bourne and the Tucson All-Stars; from 3:45 p.m.-5 p.m. the Phoenix Jazz Divas will bring the festivities to a rousing finale.Tickets are $28 per adult, $14 for children 12 and under, and are available online at www.TubacJazz.com.Tickets will also be available through the Tucson Jazz Society (520) 903-1265, and the Tubac Chamber of Commerce (520) 398-2704.Seating and visors will be provided.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Sultry blues at baggage claim | www.azstarnet.com ®
Sultry blues at baggage claim www.azstarnet.com ®:
Sultry blues at baggage claim
By M. Scot Skinner
skinner@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona Published: 03.15.2007
advertisement
OAS_AD('300x250_1')
When Tucson International Airport put out a call for musicians who wanted to perform in its remodeled baggage-claim area, the first one who phoned was Lisa Otey.
A blues vocalist and pianist who has performed at countless venues in the Old Pueblo over the years, Otey was promptly booked — but that's not all.
A go-getter of the first order, Otey gave TIA some pointers and helped put this unusual concert series together, said Paula Winn, a spokeswoman for the airport.
Otey kicked off the Live at Tucson International Airport series with an hourlong set Monday afternoon. Standing at the keyboard and with her voice sounding as strong, sultry and nuanced as ever, she performed "Stormy Weather," "Georgia on My Mind" and other jazz standards. At one point, she even managed to get a call-and-response thing going.
"Welcome to Tucson," she said, playfully interacting with travelers. "For those arriving on United flight 1208 from Denver, your bags will arrive shortly on Carousel Three."
She laughed.
"I always wanted to be an announcer," she said.
Otey, among the hardest-working divas in town, seemed to take seriously her role as the airport's tuneful greeter for the hour.
"Before y'all head out into that hot sun, relax and have yourself an iced mocha or maybe a cookie," she said.
Along the way, she plugged Arizona Theatre Company's "Love, Janis," which opens in previews next Thursday and continues through April 9 at the Temple of Music and Art. Otey plays keyboards and sings backing vocals in the production.
Otey saluted the Janis Joplin musical with a lively, fresh take on "Me and Bobby McGee."
The day after the airport show, she looked back and called it "a cool gig."
"Some folks treated it like a brown bag concert. We had about 10 that came just for the show."
The crowds will be a bit larger on March 31 when Lisa Otey and the Desert Divas perform at the Tubac Jazz & Blues Festival. The ensemble should hit the stage at 11:45 a.m.
For information about other upcoming shows, go to www.lisaotey.com.
Sultry blues at baggage claim
By M. Scot Skinner
skinner@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona Published: 03.15.2007
advertisement
OAS_AD('300x250_1')
When Tucson International Airport put out a call for musicians who wanted to perform in its remodeled baggage-claim area, the first one who phoned was Lisa Otey.
A blues vocalist and pianist who has performed at countless venues in the Old Pueblo over the years, Otey was promptly booked — but that's not all.
A go-getter of the first order, Otey gave TIA some pointers and helped put this unusual concert series together, said Paula Winn, a spokeswoman for the airport.
Otey kicked off the Live at Tucson International Airport series with an hourlong set Monday afternoon. Standing at the keyboard and with her voice sounding as strong, sultry and nuanced as ever, she performed "Stormy Weather," "Georgia on My Mind" and other jazz standards. At one point, she even managed to get a call-and-response thing going.
"Welcome to Tucson," she said, playfully interacting with travelers. "For those arriving on United flight 1208 from Denver, your bags will arrive shortly on Carousel Three."
She laughed.
"I always wanted to be an announcer," she said.
Otey, among the hardest-working divas in town, seemed to take seriously her role as the airport's tuneful greeter for the hour.
"Before y'all head out into that hot sun, relax and have yourself an iced mocha or maybe a cookie," she said.
Along the way, she plugged Arizona Theatre Company's "Love, Janis," which opens in previews next Thursday and continues through April 9 at the Temple of Music and Art. Otey plays keyboards and sings backing vocals in the production.
Otey saluted the Janis Joplin musical with a lively, fresh take on "Me and Bobby McGee."
The day after the airport show, she looked back and called it "a cool gig."
"Some folks treated it like a brown bag concert. We had about 10 that came just for the show."
The crowds will be a bit larger on March 31 when Lisa Otey and the Desert Divas perform at the Tubac Jazz & Blues Festival. The ensemble should hit the stage at 11:45 a.m.
For information about other upcoming shows, go to www.lisaotey.com.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Forget dinner and a show; try these Valentine's dates | www.azstarnet.com ®
Forget dinner and a show; try these Valentine's dates www.azstarnet.com ®:
Forget dinner and a show; try these Valentine's dates
By Gerald M. Gay
ggay@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona Published: 01.25.2007
"You already make beautiful music together. Take a break and watch others make it with a trip to Z Mansion, 288 N. Church Ave., for some 'Hot Love,' the third installment of a series that looks at the sensual side of music. "
Forget dinner and a show; try these Valentine's dates
By Gerald M. Gay
ggay@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona Published: 01.25.2007
"You already make beautiful music together. Take a break and watch others make it with a trip to Z Mansion, 288 N. Church Ave., for some 'Hot Love,' the third installment of a series that looks at the sensual side of music. "
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