Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - with Natalie Douglas!

Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey

It's so fascinating to learn where our guest has his or her origins. In this case, Natalie Douglas grew up in Southern California - in the 70's. So there was an influx of influences, you might say. There has to be. Otherwise, how could she continue to pull off this array of genre expertise - and awards BECAUSE of that professional intuition? First, let's speak of her education. Profound. Certification in Theater and Womens' Studies. Master's Degree in Psychology and Magna Cum Laude while you're at it, thank you very much. And Phil Beta Kappa at USC :) Somehow, Natalie made her way to New York - and is that city grateful! A 7-time winner of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs. But there's MORE than those. So closely indentified is she with The Big Apple that her portrait hangs on the Wall of Fame at Birdland - where she just gave her 39th performance in honor of her CD's release. That album is called "Human Heart." This new project - Natalie's third - is overwhelming in its scope of emotions. Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Jerome Kern and Kurt Weill songs shine here. Those acting skills - that have been featured on TV, films and live theater - are in full bloom. You must know that this repertoire is limitless. From Gospel-inpsired Jazz to Dolly Parton tributes. Natalie hasn't been called "A true force of nature" for nothing! What makes her talent even sweeter: she gives back so much. A self-proclaimed political creature (one of the reasons why I adore her!), she believes in diversity workshops. And she'll be happy to explain that when her visit comes to pass on 5/10/16. Suffice it to say that this is going to be an especially articulate interview - Woo HOO! See you in The Chat Room at 1 p.m. Eastern.