My Bio
I WAS BORN TALKING…so it is by design that Devorah means “she who speaks”. Numerous friends and fans have nicknamed me “The Firecracker”. That name fully describes the spontaneous combustion that is ever present in my live performances. According to Dan Whipple, in his novel ‘Click', “spontaneous combustion has vanished from the list of threats to national well-being", so it's totally safe to attend my shows….
I’m a towering 4’11 and ¾” 105 lb. brunette, full of heart, gullibility, commitment, and humility. I am the youngest child in a family of terrifically talented musicians, and that’s exactly where I garnered my formal music education. I describe myself as “The Princess of Persistence,” (hey, there's already a Queen of Soul, King of Pop, and Duchess of Hop).
My mother was a highly respected pianist who performed with symphonies and countless Broadway musicals. To me, she was Beethoven, Scott Joplin, and McCoy Tyner rolled into one remarkable package. Her final words to me were to follow my dreams. "Believe In Your Dreams", was written in honor of her life, and was my first Billboard Song Contest award.
Dad was a fifth generation professionally trained cantor with a soaring, glorious tenor. I loved his sense of humor, and the way he poured his heart into his chanting. He left a legacy of sacred Hebrew melodies that have undoubtedly influenced my current pop/jazz/rock material. I meticulously studied his chanting style, and now carry on a family tradition as a part time cantorial soloist. Dad was my mentor, best buddy and a darned fine golfer….even if you haven't won a Grammy people….you’ve got to learn to putt!
My first college band was an eclectic, genre crossing group of mischievous musicians. We toured five star resorts from Montana to New Mexico under the name “Subject To Change”; were masters of creating crowd frenzy; drawing triple encores; and never looking at the clock when the night was over. Washboards and trombones were a part of our diverse shows. To this day, I miss the trombone, and emulate its sound, without a vocal processor, that adds color and humor to my music.
Accomplishments:
- Two Billboard Song Contest Awards “Believe in Your Dreams”, “Too Many Lovers” (have never been friends)
- Colorado Folks Festival with Ani di Franco, Nancy Griffith, Ben Harper, and John Hiatt.
- Guest vocalist for a David Foster Fundraiser.
- Concert with Nashville's top writers: Kostas and Bernie Nelson
- Paul Overstreet (Scarlet Moon Music) song placement on a compilation album with Harlan Howard and Paul Overstreet.
- Cheddar Cheese Music publishing contract for the song "Karla" from first CD.
- First CD Sundog "Speak" with venerable writer/guitarist Tom Doenges.
- Radio ad voice over with legendary Pat O’Day.
- Showcase performances at Nashville's prestigious Bluebird Café.
- Airplay on Seattle’s KXRX with radio DJ Norman B.
- Performed "Wake Up For The Children" (see media page) at the Universal Peace Day Concert 2006 in NYC with monster violinist Geoffrey Castle
Musical Influences:
- Vocal chops: Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Emmylou Harris, and Dad
- Vocal Phrasing: Frank Sinatra, Bonnie Raitt
- Lyrics: Joni Mitchell, Sting, Paul Simon
- Melody: Beethoven, Mozart
- Improvisation: John Coltrane
- Pop to Rock: Madonna, AC/DC
- Comedy Influences: Richard Jeni, Ellen DeGeneres, Sherry O’Terry
In retrospect, I have stayed true to my dream, by supporting myself as a professional musician throughout my life. Recently, I’ve written material that has opened me up to another level of artistic consciousness, and I am jamming with joy and writing more. I am thrilled how these songs turned out, thanks to Chad Quist, who not only produced, sang harmonies, played guitar, engineered, but brought in Seattle’s dream team of musicians (see the San Juan Journal article for details). I love performing these songs, hope you enjoy them and that you’ll come to a show soon…..and that’s a fine place to be.
To hear soundbites from this great performing songwriter go to media….
This phase of Bio 101 is complete, finito.…done. It’s been a great exercise in humility, and if nothing else has saved me gobs of time filling out a ‘match.com’ profile. I most always have to get the last word in, and now I only sometimes always do!
