WAIST HIGH: Valerie Day

7/20/2011

Valerie Day To Teach A Class For Vocalists At Portland State University.

Singer, percussionist and songwriter (most notably with Nu Shooz) Valerie Day will teach

Becoming A Contemporary Vocalist this fall at Portland State University.

From valeriedaysings.com: Are you interested in pursuing a career as a jazz or contemporary vocalist?

Would you like to know what it takes to navigate life as a professional singer? In this class you’ll get an overview of the wide range of skills that will help you achieve your goals. We'll cover everything from the fundamentals of vocal technique, style, and interpretation of songs, to how to rehearse a band, get your charts and gig book together, record, write a gig contract, how to market yourself effectively – and more.

Whether you're just starting to think about music as a career, have already been performing for live audiences, or want to discover more about who you are as an artist, this class will give you a look at the tools you’ll need to help you on your journey. Non Vocal Jazz Majors welcome.

To register, go to the Portland State website class schedule and search for Contemporary Vocalist under “Course Name Contains,” or Day under “Instructor Name Contains.”

Photo: Phil Harris via Oregon Music News

10/16/2010

Nu Shooz Return.

18 years since their last full-length release and 24 years since "I Can’t Wait," Portland Oregon's own Nu Shooz have returned as Nu Shooz Orchestra with a brand new CD.

The 14-song Pandora's Box, "a mix of tunes described as 'James Bond meets James Brown,'" was released August 1 and features nine new songs, funk/jazz remakes of "Point of No Return," "I Can't Wait," and "Driftin," and guest appearances by China Forbes, Curtis Salgado, and Echo Helstrom's Ross Seligman.

Formed in Portland, Oregon in the summer of 1979 by Valerie Day and John Smith Nu Shooz have changed their line-up over the years, "but in all its various forms, they've always pushed the boundaries between pop, funk, and jazz. Now, with the formation of the NU SHOOZ Orchestra, Portland's favorite soul explorers take one giant leap for mankind with a brave new sound, combining their signature brand of funk with elements borrowed from Film Noir, '60s Spy Movies and even Tarzan."

A digital version of Pandora's Box can be previewed and purchased at the Nu Shooz Orchestra store and the physical CD can be found at cdbaby.com.

In addition to her duties with Nu Shooz Orchestra Valerie Day performs with Portland's Vibes Trio and co-founded Brain Chemistry for Lovers, a multimedia performance using "music, film and the latest discoveries in the world of neuroscience to explore one of the most universal of all human experiences...Romantic Love."

Photo: Nu Shooz Music

Quotes: Oregon Music News, Nu Shooz Music, & Brain Chemistry for Lovers

CAST OF CHARACTERS

THE KERN COUNTY DRUNKARD
Everything at Waist High is a long story, and the story of The KCD is no exception. After this individual told Waist High in December of 2003 that she was going to kill her, "Waist High" the blog was born. Please do not tell Waist High the person that you are going to kill her or she will create "Waist High" the blog and write nasty things about you! Including the time you stunk up the bathroom at The Alley Cat. The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" detailed the drunken comings and goings of the live-in love interest of one of Waist High's most cherished male friends. Never has Waist High met anyone who drank as much as or as often as The KCD. The KCD, because she was an insecure drunk, hated Waist High for most of her decade long relationship with Waist High's most cherished male friend. She hated Waist High for the obvious reason: Waist High is hot. A one time source of much of the material for Waist High the blog, The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" was permanently retired in March 2005 when Waist High's most cherished male friend finally came to his senses and kicked her ass to the curb.

RAMPART
Rampart is the first ex-husband of Waist High. She refers to him as her first ex-husband because she knows there will eventually be a second. Rampart grew up on the mean streets of Bakersfield and claims to have been the co-discoverer of the well known 1980s dirt field party spot known as "The Place." Rampart's 1987 directive to Waist High, "Drink this six pack before I get back!" made both Waist High and Rampart parents at age 20. Rampart currently resides 4.5 miles from Waist High in the wilds of Oregon and is an enduring fixture at their local Cigs For Less shop. Once a Bakersfield Del Taco associate, Sail Thru Hamburgers drive up dude, and Wible Road AM/PM graveyard worker, Rampart claims to now net $49,000 per month. But only to impress people, not when required.

(THE FORMER) LOVELY TEENAGED DAUGHTER
Not your average 36 year old. Born to Waist High as a "Miracle on 34th Street" in Bakersfield Memorial Hospital on 34th Street, LTD is on the board of MAC cosmetics. Not really, but she swears allegiance only to them. When LTD's mother once purchased LTD some eye shadow from Target, LTD threatened to call the police. Sweeter than Tupelo Honey, with the attitude of a feral cat, LTD is disgusted with most things. Including being forced to live with Waist High from 1988-2005. The child at one time even had her own blog, "Living With Waist High," which detailed her misery. A graduate of the oldest institution in the Oregon University System, LTD kept her promise of not getting knocked up at age 20 like Waist High did.

THE STRANGER
Oh God bless The Stranger. The Stranger was one of Waist High's most loyal confidants during some of the darker periods of the blog. Although his fierce allegiance to really bad music was a great source of aggravation for Waist High, The Stranger gave her a much needed look at life. Through the eyes of someone not yet bitter. The Stranger was almost pushed out of a moving vehicle when he revealed to Waist High that not only did he not know who Barry Manilow, Captain & Tenille, or Spandau Ballet were, but that he literally had no clue what Trail Mix was.

"TRI-TIP"
Special Correspondent to Waist High, and one of Waist High's most cherished friends. Used to live with The Kern County Drunkard. Was a Special Correspondent to Waist High for 9 months before knowing it. Long story. This individual coined the ultimate mid '80s Bakersfield drinking phrase, "Lock hubs. Party!"

DESI
Waist High's former work spouse. Cares about Waist High so much that he once took Waist High with him on a smoke break the very next day after she spent $250 for hypnotherapy TO QUIT SMOKING. Was the first person in conversation to introduce Waist High to concepts like "The Dirty Sanchez," "Dog In A Bathtub," "Tea Bagging," and "The Shocker." Reminds Waist High as often as possible that if women "neglect the balls," their men will leave them.