Search - Betty Johnson & Elisabeth Gray :: Chattanooga Swing - Big Band

Ten years ago, I was singing regularly in a club in Madrid, accompanied only by the impressive sounds of maestro Rafael Ibarbia at the piano. One night after a show, I was approached by a gentleman who asked me if I would be interested in singing with a Big Band. I immediately said yes, went home, called my mother and asked, "How do you sing with a Big Band?". She replied that while she had often sung with large orchestras, she had never sung with a Big Band. Nevertheless, she encouraged me, told me I would be terrific and advised me to sing with my heart and have fun. Ten years later, i am still following her advice -- as is she! Last year, she came to one of our gigs and joined The Chattanooga Big Band in a few songs. She thought it was such fun (and received such a thunderous applause!) that she came up with the idea of doing a CD with the Big Band. Of course it would have remained a dream if not for the vision and hard work of Patxi Urchegui. He did everything at the speed of light and with a smile on his face. Motivated by admiration for my Mother and friendship for us both, he made the whole thing come together. And what a trumpet player! Under his leadership, we recorded the entire CD in four days! My poor Mother arrived in Madrid, went to sleep, woke up the next day and went to the studio for a twelve-hour, non-stop session, in which we recorded nine songs. I marveled at how professional she was; even at four o'clock in the morning! For the musicians, it was a real treat to work with someone as wonderful as my mother. She left them all agog with her rich tones, warmth and natural talent. For me, it was a dream come true. My mother, sister and I have always sung together, but we rarely have had the opportunity to record those moments. The only thing missing on this CD is the beautiful voice of my sister, Lydia. Maybe one day... This CD brings together so many things that are important to me: My mother, who is so far away from me; the Chattanooga Big Band, my home away from home; and the music, which everyone responds to, regardless of culture or language. This is our gift to those we love.