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Oghalé Agbro

Vocalist - Seattle, WA

Which style of jazz are you most connected with? My style is an assorted blend of Bebop, Classic and my own personal interpretation. Holding the melody as a vocal foundation, I dance freely upon it with light feet.

Which style of jazz are you least connected with? My sound is least like Smooth Jazz; I wouldn’t really call my voice a “commercial” sound.

Tell us about your musical training. I received my formal music training in middle school where I played the cello for the “Eckstein Middle School String Ensemble” for a couple of years.

This is where I gained a solid music theory base. In high school, I was privileged to have had the chance to study under the venerated Scott Brown—music director of the “Roosevelt Vocal Jazz Ensemble.”

Is the human voice the most difficult instrument to master? I would say yes—there are no keys, no valves, no strings, etcetera.  Everything has to come from inside; I call it creating from the abyss.

What musical walls are you still struggling to climb? Scatting. Hearing singers like Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald and Greta Matassa transform a melody in to a wordless wonder just gives me chills. The first thought that comes to mind after hearing them is, “Man, I want to do that.”

What good things have been happening for you during the last several months? I’m getting some recognition and fine-tuning my craft. Of course, getting a chance to do this profile—I’m very glad about that. Also, I’ve been asked to open for KembaCofield—an internationally recognized east coast Jazz vocalist.

What are your thoughts concerning the state of the music/entertainment industry? I think that quality is becoming less and less of a commodity.

Has jazz lost the “It” factor? As long as there are people still in love with jazz, then it could never lose “it.”

Why is Cassandra Wilson so important in the history of jazz? I think she is one of the most original musicians alive today. She can take a pop song and completely recreate it with a jazz “paintbrush” so to speak, and she can take a jazz song and make it almost otherworldly.

How can a serious jazz artist reach a younger audience? I believe that staying interesting will get and keep the attention of a young audience.

Other than jazz, what activities do you enjoy? I love to jump rope. I love to read; Barnes & Noble is like my extended living room. I’m a bit of a conspiracy theorist—I consider that a hobby.

What gives you strength during tough times? My family, including my close friends; as long as I can call on them I know I will get through a tough time.

What is the difference between peace and satisfaction? I think the only difference is scale. Peace, to me, is a sustained satisfaction with myself.

What do you want people to remember about you and your music? I want people to remember my vocal honesty and individuality.

What is your performance schedule for the next two months? Egan’s, SeattleWA, June 8th; Tula’s Seattle June 11th; Star Jazz & Blues lounge, Atlanta June 13th; Twains, Atlanta June 16th.

What are your thoughts concerning the state of the music/entertainment industry? I think that quality is becoming less and less of a commodity.

Has jazz lost the “It” factor? As long as there are people still in love with jazz, then it could never lose “it.”

Why is Cassandra Wilson so important in the history of jazz? I think she is one of the most original musicians alive today. She can take a pop song and completely recreate it with a jazz “paintbrush” so to speak, and she can take a jazz song and make it almost otherworldly.

How can a serious jazz artist reach a younger audience? I believe that staying interesting will get and keep the attention of a young audience.

Other than jazz, what activities do you enjoy? I love to jump rope. I love to read; Barnes & Noble is like my extended living room. I’m a bit of a conspiracy theorist—I consider that a hobby.

What gives you strength during tough times? My family, including my close friends; as long as I can call on them I know I will get through a tough time.

What is the difference between peace and satisfaction? I think the only difference is scale. Peace, to me, is a sustained satisfaction with myself.

What do you want people to remember about you and your music? I want people to remember my vocal honesty and individuality.

What is your performance schedule for the next two months? Egan’s, SeattleWA, June 8th; Tula’s Seattle June 11th; Star Jazz & Blues lounge, Atlanta June 13th; Twains, Atlanta June 16th.