With feelings of profound loss over the direction of the world in the last several years, Los Angeles vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia found herself searching back through songs from the ’60’s & ’70s – another period of existential uncertainty. The songwriters of the day spoke to those conditions, offering hopes for healing, love and redemption and providing a moral touchstone for a generation. Partnering with supreme musicians, Anthony Wilson, Josh Nelson, Lorca Hart, and Edwin Livingston, Cathy found new paths to voice the feelings at the center of those songs, while adding resonance for these times.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Cathy about the music, dream collabs, favorite songs and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Are you able to choose a favorite song of all time? Or would you label this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what’s your current Top 3?

No!  I’ve been singing since I was about 5, and there’s just so many songs.  Jazz songs are my favorites, but I love well written songs in every genre.

What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I picked some songs that were my favorites over the years.  I wanted to do older pop songs, mostly from the 60;s and 70’s, and do them in a current jazz style.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Art is necessary!  It balances the planet.  It’s everywhere, even tho I think people take it for granted.  It’s crucial.  Both in the final product and in the process.  It is a beautiful and kind way that we can learn about living. 

What motivates me to keep going?  Many people ask that, because that is how I run.  I can’t help myself from jumping in to a creative project, especially one that helps not just me, but a lot of people.  I learned a long time ago, that’s what makes me happy…helping me and others at the same time.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Various jazz artists…Carla Bley, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Larry Goldings, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea….the list is quite large.  I love creative jazz artists who use space in their creations of music.

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The End Of A Love Affair, by the French bassist/producer Daniel Yvinec.

I have too many favorites to list.  They range throughout Jazz, Blues, Funk, R&B, pop.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

www.cathysegalgarcia.com    https://www.facebook.com/cathysegalgarciamusic/

I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?

I always have CDs coming out (I have 15 right now), gigs happening, teaching privately and teaching workshops, starting venues…. Drop by and see me!  Thank you!