Chateaux Gardot

2008-08-23T23:44:00.002-11:00

Leaving Cambridge

Cambridge has proven to be one of the hippest towns weve visited all tour. The people - you know who you are - so amazingly hip that they snapped almost all night. Tell the truth Cambridge after last night, you are now my favorite city away from home here on the East Coast. (Sometimes thats all it takes - one night)

THANK YOU! to everyone who came to the Regattabar and made the show a blast. Will most definitely make a stop back :)

Bisous

2008-07-28T10:02:00.002-11:00

On this journey one must strive to be like a plant.

I fell ill on the last leg of the european tour. Weary and tired from our many travels I had overused many parts of myself: mind body and spirit, all going on constant output. The major factor that prevented my journey to Nice however was the loss of my voice. After the London show I went straight home and rested hoping it would be enough, but the following two days proved incredibly disappointing as my voice slowly faded away. By Thursday evening (the night before the show) it was completely gone and I was without the ability to perform.

My sincerest apologies go out to anyone who was expecting to see us and purchased tickets. I would have loved to see Nice and perform and was truly looking forward to it. Its nearly 7 days since my voice began to fade and Im slowly seeing some improvement. With much time spent in silence the days are spent in thought and meditation...and with that often comes clarity.

As I was sitting this morning in the sun, finishing up a beautiful macrobiotic meal, I gazed out onto the deck and saw the pampas grass blowing. A thought came to me about my own personal journey and the way that Nice and the end of the tour unfolded. The words came something like this:

On this journey one must strive to be like a plant

Firmly rooted in its soil

Present and happy to be alive

Sleeping with the moon and rising with the sun

Bending and bowing in the breeze

Unresistant to change

Unguarded to passersby

Happy to see the rain and storm as if it were the sun in the sky

Dependent only upon the love and care of others when put in a place of dependency

Self Reliant for energy

Constantly creating

Always growing

Always blossoming

Never taking in excess

Shaped and molded by the world around

Yet always still firmly rooted in the ground

2008-07-05T20:41:00.003-11:00

Who'd have thought a strike would actually be more productive when work needed to be done?

While leaving our hotel in Montreal, the hotel staff went off on a rant and started a strike. I only found this out because when my usual "excuse-moi, housekeeping" whisper was replaced by silence and I called down to order a ridiculous breakfast tray filled only with hot water (I make miso soup in the hotel room), the francophone voice on the other end of the line replied "desolee madame mais as you may know our hotel is experiencing zee strike and all zee workers are unable to provide service today. Zee restaurant is closed, there is no housekeeping and no porters for luggage. Were very sorry." I was shocked for a second and thought I was still sleeping, then saw that I had only 1 hour before checkout. Panic started to creep in. A hefty empty suitcase sat beckoning for my attention nearby, so I hung up the phone and thought for a second. Strike? (the cogs started to turn) If there is no housekeeping and no room service, the likelihood that Ill be kicked out at the firm 1pm checkout is pretty low.......in fact, they might forget Im here...... And so I began the worlds slowest pack job. Not because I wanted to cause problem, or make anyone's life harder, but simply because I never rush, and to have the time available to do something right is always a welcome change......

I didnt actually check out till nearly 3pm and though disaster loomed for the hotel's afternoon fate, no one was bothered by my tardiness. My things were beautifully and skillfully packed, mostly because I refolded all that was once chromatic silk and cotton chaos, but also because I left a good number of things behind. Ive been catching and releasing clothing like a skilled fisherman for years. The only defeat for now lies in the occasional money spent on nailing the "catch of the day" so to speak (thumbs through pocket for BCBG receipt - gulps).

As the copper elevator doors peered open, I entered the lobby that looked like a scene from an eastern shore amusement park. There was a winding line of about 60 people waiting to check in/out...and two frizzy haired staff women repeating the same thing I had heard two hours prior "as you know our hotel is experiencing a strike". Faces dropped, bags sat abandoned behind clusters of unhappy arrivers, it was a scene out of daycare only all the children were adults, no one had any idea who was in charge and the line leader failed to do his job. Clusters of people rushed the mahogany desktop shaking crumpled e-ticket reservations and waiving useless silvery credit cards....For those people there was no sigh of relief. For yours truly, however, the strike and the union was the best thing that had happened all morning. As I passed the dancing protesters outside the hotel gates, I smiled and wished them luck thanking them silently from my insides.

2008-05-09T02:12:00.002-11:00

From the Glee Club:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9fqVO6qtxg

sorry. couldnt embed it. bleh....bloggger......

2008-04-28T23:45:00.004-11:00

BANDWIDTH EXCEEDED AT WWW.MELODYGARDOT.COM
Ugh!!! Thats a good thing though. It means you guys are all logging onto the site and checking for updates. Great! What it means though is I have to post an update here instead so you can see it!

So here goes: Tonight, Tune into BBC2 Television at 10PM LONDON TIME to watch me Live on Later with Jools Holland. The band joins in....and I got goosebumps already. The set is unbelievable....so get your TIVO's ready. :) Find out more info here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/later/

2008-04-28T11:43:00.002-11:00

Mellow- Yellow:

Went over to the Jools Holland TV show today to soundcheck and prep for the broadcast tomorrow. I found this dress here in London and the shoes and sweater in LA. Im not only combining unusual color schemes, Ive gone all out and brought geographic regions together.....so fashion forward. Banana yellow is the new black. You heard it here first.

The show is going to be amazing...some great acts, a great set and amazing host-as you know!
Were performing two songs, Sweet Memory and Worrisome Heart. Make sure you tune in in the UK! BBC2!! 10PM!!!

xo

2008-04-27T02:42:00.002-11:00

Travel Ready

So in traveling overseas for a month, I discovered that there are a few things I cant live without...at least not if Im looking to live comfortably...well maybe more "live eccentrically".

1. Derby/Porkpie hat
2. Really Raw Honey
3. Seda France Citron Du Sud Candles
4. San-J Instant Miso Soup
5. Aura Cacia Bath sats
6. BCBG flats (these save my feet!)
7. Maroma Amber Incense
8. Neutrogena Lip Gloss
9. Boiron Homeopathic Remedies
10. Aura Cacia Lavender Oil

OH! and a sneaky little number 11......Sea Gift Korean Kim (for when Im dying of a hunger attack). So much for being low maintenance.

2008-04-25T08:54:00.001-11:00

Video for Goodnite

Three words:

1. Greenscreen
2. Rooftop
3. Couture

We're working on a video for the song "goodnite". I'll have more info soon....but those three words and that little pic give you the clues you need to figure out what its all about.....

2008-04-22T20:47:00.003-11:00

Cane do?? I lost citizen cane for about 20 minutes today. I dont think it was any kind of conspiracy, rather that the next door neighbor was auditioning for the part of Willie Wonka and needed it for his entrance scene when you first see the Purple Velvet Jacketed creature exit his factory. If you recall he makes his first introduction to the crowd with a hobble and a slow stroll then does a front flip and a chorus of "ooohhs" and "aaaaaahs" explode from lines of spectators awaiting his first phrase.

Not only do I appear to have lost my cane...my arm too...(believe me THAT wasnt stolen). But the cane did disappear. To my surprise when I awoke my cane was not beside my bed with breakfast on a tray and a good morning muffin-its usual way of awakening me. I slipped my feet into my slippers and hobbled a few feet looking for a trace of its existence but found nothing. As I pondered the whereabouts of said Citizen I noticed there was a remarkable shine to the floors beneath my badly beaten bunny flops. The wood glimmered with the morning sun and suddenly my senses were assaulted with the thickened taste of lemon. Not real lemon, chemical lemon. Pine sol? No pledge maybe.......no Lysol. (tsk) Definitely Lysol. As my neck turned the corner to peer out the bedroom door, there standing - rather leaning- before me was Citizen Cane, placed in sterility amongst the other newly cleaned surfaces. His neck an effervescent glow of sterilization. His handle pristinely shined so that my reflection in the tip nearly made me flinch in momentary fear of spectre. Citizen Cane was no longer my finely fingerprinted friend. In a mere moment of slumber he was lost in a sea of dust bunnies. Scooped up in his prime. Taken away from me without warning. The cleaning lady had come.

(Too bad she couldnt fix the door on the heater).

2008-04-06T20:25:00.004-11:00

burned making tea. ow. Im going to need a sleeve to cover this one. OW! Stupid nerves and not being able to feel temperature. Ow. Anyone got an ice pack?

2008-04-05T14:06:00.003-11:00

Bought a new juicer this week. Its impressive (or rather I'm impressed by it as you can see by my enthusiastic and overworked little index finger) and beyond being impressive its HUGE. Amongst a series reactive "wow"'s spoken unwillingly and uncontrollably out loud (while I'm alone and looking like a crazy person------don't judge me I'm happy here :p )....I couldn't even fit it on the counter. But whats more is I didn't have a three prong outlet in the kitchen to use it with. (yay modern living) So where did I go? The bathroom, naturally. Yep, atop a wide wicker basket normally reserved only for dirty laundry, I made my nutritional content for the day skyrocket through the roof. I'm betting I gave that laundry basket more excitement than its ever seen before (pending some ex-boyfriends funky briefs occasionally landing in the middle of my delicates that is).

I revved. High Speed. Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Celery, Cucumbers and Ginger all met their match with this space age vitamin extractor. And what a beautiful orange liquid.....yum.
New Juice Fast!!!! Um hmm.... Zero to lightspeed in three quick blends of what was once a whole and recognizable vegetable. Take it from me, the road to health requires a high speed machine. And Ive got the jaguar of all juicers. Vroom vrooom baby.

2008-03-27T03:49:00.001-11:00

Somebody sent me this link today.

This is the cutest thing Ive ever seen.

2008-03-21T07:43:00.003-11:00

Today's the day!

For everyone who has written me an email following the NPR story and has been wondering why I havent responded.....Ive been waiting till I had a second to sit down. So if you sent me a message check your email today and tomorrow. I'll start working on responding this evening. :)

xx

2008-03-20T12:52:00.003-11:00

ARE YOU A DAME OR A BROAD?

As a self-penned "modern-day dame", I figured I ought to give this test a shot just to see if my self-assessment was on the money. Apparently Im 94% Class. So what's the other 6%?
Take the test

2008-03-19T07:29:00.003-11:00

Im a joker, Im a toker, Im a wall street broker.......okay maybe not.....but a girl dream cant she?? - - - - oh the sillyness.....

So I'm in Los Angeles (enjoying the sunshine and hugging my guitar as you can see from the photo above) getting ready for my day when an email floats into my inbox from someone at the Wall St Journal. Half an hour later, we're on the phone talking about how he found my music on itunes.....and within a few hours this article shows up online. HERE Its kind of a cool outsider view on the recent reaction to the Album Worrisome Heart being released internationally (yea.....I can hardly believe it either).....

Check that out and then, if you havent heard it already head over to NPR and check out the weekend edition with Scott Simon HERE This is probably one of the nicest people I have ever been interviewed by. It was early....so Ive still got the early morning hoarseness going on.....don't make fun of it....its kind of hot. ;)

All my love,

p.s And to everyone who sent emails about the Chevy Commercial "Under My Skin" - we only did it for the purposes of the commercial, but if enough people ask about it I may consider releasing a cover version of this song.....you never know!

2008-03-17T05:28:00.003-11:00

Chevy Commercial - "Under My Skin"

Recently I was given the opportunity to do something cool and unusual via the help of a great company in NY. If you have a television, chances are you've seen this commercial. Its the one that features a man carving out of clay a giant car which by the end winds up being a real life Chevy Malibu. The song, as Im sure you could have guessed, is "Under My Skin", the classic Sinatra swing ballad.

I fell in love with this song when I heard Bono do the duet with Sinatra on the "Duets" album so I jumped at the chance to possible reinvent the song as my own - even it is was just for 30 seconds!

You can hear the commercial on almost any network, at least I think so. I dont actually own a television OR a car which makes the whole thing terribly ironic, but I've gotten numerous emails from people telling me theyve seen it everywhere from during the Grammy's to during episodes of Lost. So if you were wondering who it was - it's yours truly. (smiles sheepishly)

2007-12-18T01:32:00.001-11:00

Singing with Herbie Hancock, Performing in London...

After returning from London I realized that I hadnt posted to my blog in a months! MONTHS! I dont know why but for the last few months I couldnt figure out how to log in. Blogger changed its format from when it first was created, went all new and beta on me, and anyway, long story short, I just now learned how to get back into Blogger and post. Talk about a technological dinosaur! ha!

So here is a recap of London: On Wednesday November 14th, I flew over to sing with the BBC London Orchestra with a slew of other massive talent such as the incomprable Ian Shaw, Lizz Wright, Claire Martin, Juliette Louis, Terri Walker and Jamelia just to name a few. We were performing a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald called "We All Love Ella" (Also a record out now....) as the kick off event for the 2007 London Jazz Festival at Royal Festival Hall in South Bank Centre. This, playing with a full orchestra on a gigantic stage with some of the best performers not just in London, but in Jazz in general, was my London debut.

A good friend and fellow American, Rob Mounsey conducted. What a doll! He is in the pic above behind me (we look like one person with two bodies). You would know Rob's work if you heard it. He's done everything from Carrie Bradshaw's theme song (the Sex and the City theme) to the latest Deborah Cox record. Truly a great guy too...

Oh and the dress! The dress! It was a fabulous creation by this brilliant designer Richard Christopher. Richard is a NY secret, best kept for those who are in the loop of vintage-inspired gems and treasures. Richard made this amazing black satin dress...it was to die for. By way of not eating so I could fit into it I mean!

That was Friday. Saturday I crashed and slept for a record-breaking 16 hours. Sunday, I popped over to the 606 club, while Ian Shaw was hosting his own night. He invited me to sit in for a few tunes, which I did only to find that fellow singer Judith Owen was in town! Judith had invited me in the past to perform with her on her holiday tribute, in fact is was almost a year ago that we had met. And here I saw her on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean 11 months later. It was something out of the twilight zone. The world is soooo small!

(Albert, the 606 Driver *top and owner Steve and guitarist Dave Preston in the blurr *below)

Now as for MONDAY, Monday was worthy of mention. Monday was the day I woke up and saw this:
In case your browser eyes are fuzzy and unable to note this....its a rainbow. Monday was the day I was prepping to leave to go sing with Herbie Hancock at Abbey Road Studios as part of a taping for the show "Live from Abbey Road". Herbie's latest record is a collection of songs from the Joni Mitchell songbook as well as her personal fav's, such as my long time favorite Solitude (Ellington....sigh......how I adore the Duke). Singers, Corinne Bailey Rae, Sonya Kitchell and I all sang on the show. Bandmates Wayne Shorter and Vinnie Colaiuta were there as well as my new friend and guitarist Mitch Dalton. Mitch, in case youre wondering, played in the rhythm section with the Orchestra on Friday, then on the session Monday with Herbie and at that point I pulled him aside and said "any man that shows up in my life more than twice in a weekend is something special," and invited him to join us at the Pigalle that Thursday. He's a major talent and total blast.

Actually in this pic i goes from L-R (Sonya Kitchell, Mitch Dalton, Wayne Shorter, Me, Tep, and Vinnie) I sang "Edith and the Kingpin" with Herbie and gang and it will air on the Sundance Channel in 2008.

The rest of my photos are still coming....lost my usb but as soon as I find it Ill post more!

2007-03-16T15:30:00.000-11:00

Note From Melody:

So I have never been one for all things exclusive. Hot Spot Clubs, exclusive restaurants, members only jackets.....all that seems like rubbish to me. BUT.....The truth is that I get to be on the other side of that velvet rope for once. Im not going to hold it as tightly as all those bouncers do. I wont turn you away if youre not dressed cool or if you have silly hair or an obnoxious laugh. In fact, I welcome the bad pants, slept in hair and corny chuckles. However, anyone with serious b.o is not going to get through. Im going to be within a few inches of you and I just cant be held responsible for my overactive gag reflex that acts up around pungent bodily scents. Its an unavoidable reaction and I'd really rather not have it happen while performing. Its not pretty - for you or for me. So bring your deororant. Its a small investment for the event and you might even score a date in the process.

And WHAT are you bringing your deodorant TO? I havent even mentioned and youre already swiping it on arent you? Clever person that you are. That velvet rope is lifting as I type.

Thursday March 22nd we'll be taping for XM Radio and youre invited to be a part of the audience. We're taping in Washington DC at XM studios. Its limited to 40 people and theres only 6 days for you to reserve a seat, so if you want it - send an email to the xm coordinator. You can find out more details by going to www.melodygardot.com . Consider the velvet rope lifted.

2007-02-11T19:49:00.000-11:00

Melody Gardot's "Worrisome Heart" reviewed in PASTE MAGAZINE

4 Stars - "Superb Debut from Young Philly Chanteuse"

Melody Gardot’s backstory will pull at your heartstrings. She was seriously injured in a car-meets-bicycle collision at age 19, and endured eighteen months of grueling rehab that left her disabled and in constant pain. But Worrisome Heart needs no melodramatic props. Devoid of self-pity, the eleven quietly understated original songs here inhabit the intersection of folk, blues, and jazz, and Gardot’s horn-like vocal timbre and sense of swing lift them far beyond the ordinary. She’s a luminous singer. Consider the amazing scat interplay between Gardot and violinist Diane Monroe on “Wicked Ride,”or the title track, in which Fiona Apple sits in on Miles Davis’ “Blue inGreen” at 3:00 a.m. in a dimly lit bar.

– Andy Whitman, Senior Contributing Editor, PASTE MAGAZINE

Andy Whitman is not only the Senior Contributing Editor of Paste Magazine, he is also a frequent blogger on music and all things artistic. Visit his blog [here].

2007-02-06T20:29:00.000-11:00

In the middle of winter, when its freezing cold there is nothing like soup from a diner. My grandmother died when I was really really young so its one of those things where I dont really remember much about her. But the one thing I cant forget is her soups...they were incredible. So warm and comforting and so full of flavor. Every vegetable cubed to perfection, splashed with boullion and chicken stock, nestled in between rice or noodles. In my eyes, a good soup is like a fine work of art: supremely balanced in both texture and color; and the best art piece is one that evokes some kind of memory in us, interrupting our thoughts and boldly commanding the attention of all the senses.

Okay so Im stretching it a bit. But the point is I had a quart of soup today that just about made my millenium. And it didnt come from some fancy high priced restaurant. There were no "special" ingredients. It was just from my local diner with a side of crackers in a plastic container that leaked on the way home. And you know what? It was awesome.

2007-01-22T23:28:00.000-11:00

So I have been listening to more and more music these days as a way to sort of soundtrack my life. Sad I know, but somehow the world seems to make more sense to music, and the only unfortunate truth is, when I indulge in music I do it the way most food addicts attack an unsuspecting Maytag refrigerator: I go for the jugular....full force, relentlessly in a sonic frenzy thats so intense I barely remember to stop and breathe between the beats. I listen on repeat for hours until I cant take the feeling of the padded headphones against my buzzing eardrums.

Its the kind of thing I cant explain. I just have these moments when I experience something fantastic in a way thats not unlike an epiphany and want to keep the sensation going for as long as possible. Hence I bring you my overindulgence of the moment: [David Poe] - "Love is Red"
If you care to binge along with me click the link above.

2006-12-20T08:29:00.001-11:00

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT: James Hamilton
About James Hamilton: "Based out of Philadelphia, James Hamilton Photography works with musicians, dancers and artists to provide imagery that depicts their style and energy." more info/photos at [www.jameshamiltonphotography.com]

This was my favorite shot taken by James during the Philabundance Holiday show at World Cafe Live.(shown above)

2006-12-14T20:55:00.000-11:00

Harry Shearer and Judith Owen are by far two of the kindest people in the entertainment industry. They are also two of the biggest all around talents!! Harry, an actor/comedian/musician and Judith, a singer/songwriter(cross between Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos)/hilarious host are actually husband and wife. Every year they put together a holiday show involving a sing along and several special guests. The audience is put on the spot to sing (whether they like it or not) and the stage is adorned with chairs and furniture making it look like you've just stepped foot into the living room of your home! Only instead of coming home to your cat, you have 8 musical guests belting out songs over their instruments. Oh and there is wine and well...a giant projection screen with falling snow and a moose... Other than that its home!

The show is a complete and total blast. And whats more, Harry and Judith give the proceeds to a foundation in New Orleans that helps musicians who need aid: Tipitina's Foundation . Singer songwriter Marshall Crenshaw, New Orleans group the Phister Sisters *amazing!! btw**, and yours truly all joined in the celebration that took place at the Sellersville Theatre in Pennsylvania. The show, as cool as it is, is traveling, so you can catch it in several places around the US. The next and last stop is NY on Dec 15th. Visit Judith's Site for more info.

And check out this video from the evening:

Photo Credit: "Melody Gardot" William Quigley
Video Footage: J. Smith

2006-12-10T21:10:00.000-11:00

Mark your calendar! Melody Gardot will be live on San Francisco's KGO-AM 810 Radio Tuesday, December 12th 2:30PM EST (10:30AM PST) Tune into the Ronn Owens Show and hear the interview [here]

About Ron's show: In a format that explores everything - from local politics and popular culture to current events, personal issues, or just plain gossip - Owens' highly-rated program is the ultimate electronic town meeting, and Owens himself the versatile ringmaster. On any given day, he can switch instantly from a tough, relentless interviewer to a compassionate, and always well-informed discussion leader. His wide-ranging knowledge encompasses local, national, and international issues.

2006-12-05T12:53:00.000-11:00

ABC NEWS TUNED INTO MELODY GARDOT

ABC, WPVI Channel 6 Action News will be doing a featured story on "Tuned In", their new music segment, here in Philadelphia. You can check out a preview of the segment online with a write up and a video. The video was recorded at World Cafe Live here in Philadelphia. Melody Gardot is joined by musician Ken Pendergast on upright bass.

CATCH THE ABC PREVIEW [here]