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Carol Sloane: I come to the stage without theatrics, just as any of the jazz singers of past generations did.
 Q-What do you fear most in life? Carol Sloane: Like most people, I'm not looking forward to dying but I don't ponder my demise on a daily basis. I'd hate to suddenly be told I can no longer remember lyrics though. Q-What do you cherish most? Carol Sloane: Family, home, friends, music, books and the Boston Red Sox. Q-If you had to write your memoirs or biography, what title would you give to your book? Carol Sloane: As I've been laboring over exactly this project for more years than I care to admit, I can't imagine a title until I'm able to confidently approach the ending. Q-What goes in your mind, right before you appear on stage and facing your audience? Carol Sloane: I always used to wonder why on earth I was putting myself through such stress (stomach pain, dry mouth, once hyper-ventilating on stage at Carnegie Hall), but I don't do any of that anymore. Ah, the wonders of chemistry. Q-And upon leaving the stage? Carol Sloane: At the end of the night, I like to find a dry towel, a few well-wishers perhaps, and one Johnny Walker Black and soda. Then I'm gone. Q-What do you notice first about a person you meet for the first time? Carol Sloane: Posture, confidence, bright eyes. I don't appreciate the person who shakes my hand with Rambo-like strength. Even when I am visibly wincing in pain, some seem not to notice. Whatever happened to the genteel kiss on the hand? |
Q-And what people notice first about Carol Sloane? Carol Sloane: Probably my size, both height and weight. But my posture is erect and my eyes are bright! Q-Stage is an elixir of illusion. Do you bring your life to stage, meaning Carol Sloane the human being, or the Diva in you? Carol Sloane: I come to the stage without theatrics, just as any of the jazz singers of past generations did. I sing a set of songs that I really like, and I hope that my enthusiasm for them is accepted by my audience. If I've had a bad day, that negative experience does not accompany me to the microphone. Q-What are the virtues of a real singer? Carol Sloane: Clarity of pitch and an impeccable sense of time (ability to swing even if singing a capella), best possible song selections, a sense of humor, and an eagerness to sing with the fine musicians sharing the stage. Also, at this point in my life, it is nice to have something to sit on while instrumental choruses are being played. Q-Do you tolerate vicious artistic ambitions? Carol Sloane: I don't know of any, and that's the truth. My colleagues are all friends or acquaintances. I wish each of them long-lasting good health, pleasure in their work and thousands of loyal fans who will buy their records and make the effort to witness a live performance. All the things I've always wanted for myself, of course. Q-What does success mean to you? Carol Sloane: It really is the respect I feel I've earned over the years. I'm not in the Top Ten on the charts, and possibly might never be. But, those who know my work also know I'm unpretentious and I'm worth the price of admission. Q-To YOU, what is more important success/fame or talent. Carol Sloane: Having any of those would be wonderful for any artist, but I think I answered that one for you directly above. Q-Any price an artist must pay to reach for stardom? Carol Sloane: Just believe in yourself and don't be persuaded to change course, no matter what. Q-Did you pay that price? Carol Sloane: No. Very early on, Columbia Records seemed to think I was a pop singer, and handed me some appropriate material. Fortunately, only a handful of 45's were the result, and they are now scarcer than hen's teeth. Q-What's next on your agenda? Performance, concerts,.deals? Carol Sloane: A few fund-raiser performances in the local area, and an appearance at Litchfield, CT Jazz Festival Aug. 5. And recording a new CD before the end of the year.
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