CAN I BE COMPLETELY HONEST WITH YOU?
AS A JAZZ JOURNALIST, I GET SCORES OF ALBUMS TO REVIEW EACH WEEK. INVARIABLY A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF THEM ARE BY FEMALE VOCALISTS. AFTER AWHILE, A CERTAIN SAMENESS PERVADES THESE RELEASES, SO SOMETHING SPECIAL HAS TO GRAB MY ATTENTION.
BACK IN 2018, KANDACE SPRINGS GOT MY ATTENTION.
HER BLUE NOTE RELEASE INDIGO WAS A PERFECT MELDING OF JAZZ TRADITION WITH A PERSONAL DELIVERY, AND HER FOLLOWUP THE WOMEN WHO RAISED ME WAS A KNOCKOUT PUNCH WITH IT’S MIX OF SIMPLICITY AND INTIMACY.
SINCE THEN, SHE’S BEEN MOSTLY OFF THE RADAR UNTIL I HEARD THAT SHE’LL BE IN LA AT THE SUN ROSE FOR A COUPLE NIGHTS IN APRIL. TO MAKE MATTERS EVEN MORE TEMPTING, SHE’S FINALLY GOT A NEW RELEASE OUT, RUN YOUR RACE, WHICH IS MOSTLY HER OWN MATERIAL, AND IT’S IMPRESSIVE.
WE FINALLY HAD A CHANCE TO CATCH UP WITH MS. SPRINGS, AND SHE, LIKE HER MUSIC, IS UP FRONT AND PERSONAL.
YOUR LAST RELEASE WAS FOUR YEARS AGO. WHY SUCH A GAP BETWEEN RECORDINGS?
I did release one record in between, but it wasn’t publicized; I just kind of let it out there. It’s kind of hidden, called My Name Is Sheba, which is something I did with my father.
Basically the gap is just due to “life”. I released Women Who Raised Me right before COVID hit, and the one in my dad came out in ‘22
HOW DO YOU MAKE A LIVING AS AN ARTIST F YOU DON’T PUT OUT ALBUMS? SOLEY BY TOURING?
Yes, touring is now how most jazz artists make their money
YOU GREW UP IN NASHVILLE. DID THE MUSIC CULTURE THERE INFLUENCE YOU?
My dad was a professional singer in Nashville. He did everything from singing backups for Aretha Franklin, but mostly for the country stars like Garth Brooks, Amy Grant…
When he went to studio sessions he would bring me with him downtown. I’d watch him, and that’s how I got interested in it as a career option.
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“All you have to do is to sing with a single instrument so the tone won’t be covered up. Let the phrasing do all of the work”
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WHAT IMPRESSED YOU ABOUT IT?
Being inspired by them.
When I was 13, I heard Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” and that was a big turning point for me. She really appealed to me, even though I’m in a “country” city.
The Wooten brothers taught me how to play music. were here. They gave me a taste of funk, soul and jazz. I’m actually supposed to be doing something with Victor in the near future. His oldest brother Reggie not only taught all of his brothers, but he taught me how to play; that’s how I got into the jazz world.
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST THING YOUR FATHER TAUGHT YOU?
He told my not to cover up my voice with too many effects. You can get carried away in the studios sometimes. All you have to do is to sing with a single instrument so the tone won’t be covered up. Let the phrasing do all of the work.
I think my album The Women Who Raised Me really captured that. The first one did a bit, too. I have ventured out a bit more on Indigo here and there, but he always stressed to me to be myself
YOU STARTED WITH BLUE NOTE RECORDS. DID YOU MAKE A CONSCIOUS DECISION TO BE ASSOCATED WITH A JAZZ LABEL, OR WERE THEY JUST THE FIRST ONE TO FIND YOU?
I was first on Epic records for a couple of years. It’s a long story with my work with record labels; I had something set up with one, but we ultimately decided to go with Blue Note, and was with them for 6-7 years.
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“I see music in colors… I think of it as a portrait; I ‘m creating a picture. Where can I go with it and create something different?”
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YOU’VE BEEN WITH SOME MAJOR PRODUCERS LIKE LARRY KLEIN. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES A PRODUCER MAKE?
Larry Klein was really good about creating a space for me, which is what my dad wanted. He let me do my thing, that let him capture my best and most comfortable moments when recording, like when I’m improvising. Larry brings that magic. He’s very laid back, and yet hilarious.
FOR THE WOMEN ALBUM, WERE THE LADIES YOU SING ABOUT ONE THAT YOU CHOSE, OR WERE THEY CHOSEN FOR YOU?
All of them were my inspirations as singers. From Ella Fitzgerald to Dianna Krall 745, Roberta Flack and Nina Simone. Those were all of the cds I was listening to growing up.
THERE ARE A PLETHORA OF FEMALE SINGERS OUT THERE TODAY. HOW DO YOU CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE SOUND AND STYLE
Good question. I have several ways of going about that.
I play the piano and that helps me venture out.
I see music in colors. There’s a term for it, called “synesthesia”. I also draw and paint a lot, and when I listen to music, and then write it, I think of it as a portrait; I ‘m creating a picture. Where can I go with it and create something different?
I take bits and pieces of the way other singers sing and make it my own
I like the Old School; I’m an old soul, so there’s a bit of that in my music.
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“I take bits and pieces of the way other singers sing and make it my own”
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WHEN YOU SANG WITH NORAH JONES, WERE YOU AT ALL INTIMIDATED?
I was so nervous! Yet, at the same time I felt so confident; she’s such a sweet person.
YOU’VE WORKED WITH SOME BIG NAMES IN JAZZ LIKE CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE AND TERENCE BLANCHARD. HAVE ANY OF THEM GIVEN YOU ANY MUSIC OR CAREER ADVICE?
Nora Jones told me to keep on writing.
My next album coming out, titled Run Your Race, is almost 100% originals, which is really good. I’m excited about that. My other albums had me do a lot of covers, which there’s nothing wrong with, but I wanted to do it this way. I’m excited to get some originals out there.
WHO DO YOU LOOK FOR IN TERMS OF INSPIRATION FOR COMPOSING?
A little bit of everyone, even newer people like Lewis Capaldi. I love his lyrics. Norah Jones is a great writer.
For vocal control, I love Eva Cassidy, as vocal parts can influence lyrics
There are a stream of things that become a picture at the end. Burt Bacharach is great at that.
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“I’m an old soul, so there’s a bit of that in my music”
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HOW DID YOU MEET PRINCE, AND WHAT WAS YOUR THOUGHTS AFTER YOU MET HIM?
Prince was CRAZY! (laughs)
He met me on Twitter of all places, and the next thing I know he’s calling Blue Note. They said, “Prince called us and he wants you to play with him at the 30th Purple Rain Anniversary”, which was in 2014
He was a mentor, too. He said the same thing that my dad was always saying, “You don’t need too much stuff around your voice; you’re at your best with less.”
WHAT WAS THE MAIN REASON YOU PUT OUT THIS NEW ALBUM? TO SHOW YOUR COMPOSING SKILLS?
The title, Run You Race, is something my father used to say to me. He was a fantastic track star in his high school and college days. He passed away in 2020, and towards the end it was difficult for him to walk.
So, the track thing was a reference to him to finish his race. He’s in a better place now, out of pain and running his race again.
But, it’s a message for us who are still down here on earth; we’re still running our race, so don’t take anything for granted. If your parents are still around put love on them.
That’s part of the message on this record.
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“There are a stream of things that become a picture at the end”
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DID YOU WANT TO EMPHASIZE JAZZ OR R&B WITH THE MUSICIANS ON THE ALBUM?
I got Elena Penderhughes on flute, who plays with Herbie Hancock all the time.
There’s a lot of me on piano and keyboards a lot, with backing vocals by Cindy Mizelle, who works with Alicia Keys.
Most of the artists on the album with be on tour with me. Caylen Bryant will not be there, but Camille Gainer will be playing drums with us. 1329
She’s incredible, she’s played for Alicia Keyes and Diana Ross
WHEN YOU WATCH A SINGER, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR, AND DO YOU HAVE A PET PEEVE?
My only pet peeve is when singers ride on the Auto Tune too much. C’mon! Let your voice be! I like the naturalness of the voice
I look for tone, space and control. It’s like going into a car and test driving it. What are you doing to the tune? That’s why I like those singers, they have their own personality and strength.
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“(Prince told me) ‘You don’t need too much stuff around your voice; you’re at your best with less'”
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IS THERE ANY MUSICIAN LIVING OR DEAD THAT YOU WOULD PAY $1000 TO SEE PERFORM?
I would love to see Stevie Wonder. Roberta Flack. Nina Simone, all day
I love Nina. Just the way she plays piano. I play classical piano, and she does too. Her history is so fascinating . I love her attitude; her voice tone is so original.
When I first heard her as a kid, I didn’t know what to think about her voice. But I kept replaying it and I finally got it. She was one of my biggest influences.
For Roberta Flack, I just love her control, her tone on “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” . I still perform that song to this day. I play it in almost every show. I try to write songs like that.
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“We’re still running our race, so don’t take anything for granted. If your parents are still around put love on them. That’s part of the message on this record”
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ANYONE IN HISTORY, THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SIT DOWN FOR AN EVENING AND PICK HIS OR HER BRAIN?
Eva Cassidy or Ella Fitzgerald.
I love Eva Cassidy’s story. It’s really sad because she didn’t blow up (in popularity) until after she passed away. I’d like to know what she was thinking; she played at The Blues Alley all of the time. Her voice is just enchanting. Just listen to her sing “Over the Rainbow” and “Autumn Leaves” and you will melt into many pieces.
She moves me so much, so I’d love to know what went through her mind.
ARE THERE ANY BOOKS THAT YOU’VE READ THAT REALLY INFLUENCE YOU?
Not books, but tons of Prince stories.
YOU SEEM WELL GROUNDED. IS THERE A PHILOSOPHY OR RELIGION THAT MAKES YOUR MORAL COMPASS?
The biggest thing is to not get wrapped up in other people’s opinion of you. I used to do that, and it just consumes your life.
Just be yourself and plow ahead. Life’s too short to be unhappy.
WHO TAUGHT YOU THAT?
I just figured it out. A good friend of mine had that attitude, and I thought “I want to be like that”
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“My only pet peeve is when singers ride on the Auto Tune too much. C’mon! Let your voice be! I like the naturalness of the voice “
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WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST JOY?
Being on stage and connecting with the audience. It’s like being in another realm.
I also love cars, coming home and driving my cars. Also playing soccer.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT CARS?
Just like singers are super heroes, so are my cars! I’m addicted to them; I own 16. I’m more of an American car girl.
I have 8 classic cars, and two Dodge Vipers, a C7 Corvette, a Hummer, a 66 Mustang, 69 Cutlass, 69 Firebird, 74 Challenger. I love a variation
IS THERE A HOLY GRAIL THAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
I’ve got to get my hands on a Lamborghini at some point (laughs)
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“The biggest thing is to not get wrapped up in other people’s opinion of you. I used to do that, and it just consumes your life”
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WHAT FUTURE GOALS DO YOU HAVE?
I’d love to have a Grammy nomination.
I just love writing. Just to have a steady career and do a tour here and there
I love to meet people and grow every day
WHEN DO YOU THINK YOU’LL ARRIVE AS AN ARTIST?
I feel half and half about that. One part of me feels that I’ve arrived, but there’s always room to grow
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST THING YOU WANT TO CONVEY TO YOUR AUDIENCE WHEN YOU PERFORM?
I want to inspire people to be themselves.
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“I want to inspire people to be themselves”
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IN HIS CLASSIC BOOK APPLIED IMAGINATION, ALEX OSBORN WRITES THAT NO ONE IS TRULY “ORIGINAL”. EVERYONE THAT SOUND UNIQUE IS THAT WAY BECAUSE HE OR SHE HAS TAKEN IDEAS FROM OTHERS AND MELDED THEM INTO A PERSONAL IDEA OF HIS OR HER OWN. THAT IS WHAT MAKES KANDACE SPRINGS STAND OUT. YES, SHE HAS IMBIBED FROM THE WATERS OF NOTEWORTHY PREDECESSORS. BUT, SHE HAS NOT IMITATED THEM, BUT HAS LEARNED FROM THEM IN ORDER TO CARVE OUT HER OWN PATH. IT’S A PATH WORTH FOLLOWING. CHECK OUT HER LATEST RELEASE AND LOOK FOR HER ON HER PRESENT US TOUR