Interview with a bad musician, because problematic person, as if vocalist Judy Mangini. An interview by email in writing. I included this lady on the Bad Musicians page because she has problems with politeness, she can’t communicate in a civilized manner and creates problems for us as well as herself. Arrogance will kill her one day, unfortunately. And I have also shortened many parts of self-praise from her answers. Be modest, lady!
JazzBluesNews.com: – First, let’s start out with where you grew up, and what got you interested in music. How exactly did your adventure take off? When did you realize that this was a passion you could make a living out of?
Judy Mangini: – I grew up in Newark, De. I have always wanted to be a singer. It is the only thing I ever wanted to do and be. I started singing in a band with my brother and his best friend singing country music and originals.
JBN: – How has your sound evolved over time? What have you been doing to find and develop your own sound?
JM: – Ten years ago, after singing in a classic rock band and realizing that when I sang Blues, which I absolutely love, I wanted to sing more of it. Some people may not like my style, but that’s ok. There is plenty of music out there to chose from.
JBN: – What routine practices or exercises have you developed to maintain and improve your current musical proficiency, in terms of both rhythm and harmony?
JM: – I was taught early in life by my middle school music teacher, Ms. Marilyn Weldin, what techniques to use to strengthen and protect my vocal chords and the best way to hold a note and using my “air”. I never had any formal training other than her guidance and interest in this twelve year old adolescent. And I have used those techniques and still use them to this day. She is the one who taught me about everything music, and I am forever grateful for her.
JBN: – Have you changed through the years? Any charges or overall evolution? And if so why?
JM: – I needed to be true to myself. I don’t always say yes. I have to be comfortable in my decisions. I respect the fact that they could have gone anywhere, but they came to see me and my band. I also understand the politics in this business and I won’t play them. Politics don’t belong in music. It should be about the talent.
JBN: – How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?
JM: – First, to prepare, I drink a lot of water. Hydration is key. I also stay away from dairy products because they cause phlegm and increase mucus which isn’t good for a vocalist. I have horrible sinus issues which already cause that, so I don’t ingest anything that will increase it. Second, I try to relax my vocal chords the day of the gig. I do a little singing, but I save the power for later. And right before I take the stage, I step away and in a private moment, I say a prayer asking Him for a great evening and to give me the strength to use the gift he gave me to the best of my ability.
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JBN: – In your opinion, what’s the balance in music between intellect and soul?
JM: – Soul has to come first and I would say it carries the most weight. If you don’t feel it and can’t express it, don’t sing it!! But, you need the intellect to know how to structure the song and the placement of where it builds and then how to bring it back down to make the song the best it can be. Timing … But, damn … you better have the soul to drive that bus!! Soul 80% … intellect 20%.
JBN: – There’s a two-way relationship between audience and artist; are you okay with delivering people the emotion they long for?
JM: – So, every time my feet hit the stage, I give it all that I got. I am telling them a story and I want them to feel what I feel. I never want them leaving wanting more. And I think I have accomplished that.
JBN: – How can we get young people interested in blues when most of standard tunes are half a century old?
JM: – I believe most of that has to start in the home. As a child, I grew up with my parents music … country, Elvis, Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass, Lawrence Welk, Dean Martin, Linda Ronstadt….I wasn’t exposed to Blues until later in life.
JBN: – John Coltrane once said that music was his spirit. How do you perceive the spirit and the meaning of life?
JM: – Music is healing. It is transending at times. Especially Blues. People can understand Blues. It is such a deep emotion because we have “all had them” at one point or another. I believe we all have a purpose. There is a reason for our conception. Our birth. Sometimes we find out what it is and sometimes we don’t. And it is one hell of journey trying to figure it out.
JBN: – If you could change one single thing in the musical world and that would become reality, what would that be?
JM: – NO POLITICS!!!! It shouldn’t matter who you know. It shouldn’t matter “who you are” It shouldn’t matter “who’s turn it is”. If you’re talented, you’re talented!!
JBN: – Whom do you find yourself listening to these days?
JM: – I love me some Danielle Nicole Band. I love her music, her passion, her stage presence when I watch her.. She is also a tremendous bass player! I also love Albert Castiglia!! He is so much fun to watch and one hell of a guitar player. He is also so down to earth and humble. And Victor Wainwright. What a showman!! Probably the best keyboard player I have ever seen live. Shemekia Copeland is also a favorite of mine. Her stories really grab at you.
JBN: – What is the message you choose to bring through your music?
JM: – You are not alone. Respect yourself. Stand up for yourself. And work hard!! Don’t be afraid to express yourself and share your experiences and stories.
JBN: – Let’s take a trip with a time machine: where and why would you really want to go?
JM: – Back to my teenage self and really push …. demand …. that I got my parents to support me in my dream to be a singer. I didn’t have that. I wish I had pushed harder in that direction. I wonder where I would be now.
JBN: – At the bottom line, what are your expectations from our interview?
JM: – And who knows …. maybe Quentin Tarantino will hear “He Hit Her” and ask me if can put in one of his films!! A girl can dream, right 😉
Interview by Simon Sarg
