Gone Too Soon

Hedreich's memories of Michael Jackson go all the way back to the Jackson 5's Ed Sullivan debut. So it was a bittersweet day singing on Al Walser's "Living Your Dream". It will be released for Michael's birthday, August 29th, with a closed release ceremony being held on Blofeld Entertainments' terrace in Zürich. Hedreich sang from the heart. Harmonizing with Jermaine Jackson would have been a highlight for any singer had it not been for the fact that the recording is only coming to pass because Michael has indeed "gone too soon". Still, Al has pulled in some excellent Swiss talent and the project promises to be a grand musical bouquet paying homage to one of the most influential musical entertainers of modern times. May he truly rest in peace.

Back to the Grind

The Houston Gospel Music Legends event hosted by Kurt Carr and Yolanda Adams was an extravaganza extrordinaire. As a presenter, Hedreich's role was relaxed enough so that she could enjoy the festivities of the evening with "Legends" she's known since childhood. One of the event's highlights was Hedreich sitting in as drummer on the award winning "Order My Steps" sung by Barbara Johnson Tucker, who happens to be Hedreich's Godmother. It goes without saying that presenting the BC&S Music Excellence award on behalf of her mother--Brenda Waters-- was a very special honor.
Now safely again ensconced in the Swiss Alps, the unpacking will have to wait. In addition to all the vacation paperwork piles, Hedreich has been invited to work on a Michael Jackson tribute project with Al Walser, Nubya, Phil and Tanya Dankner and Jesse Brown. The project is spearheaded by Jermaine Jackson and is slated to be released for August 29th, Michael Jackson's birthday. Check back in a few days to see how the session went. In the mean time, we'll keep a light on for ya...

Pure Americana

Imagine a perfect Fourth of July. A warm summer evening with people of all ages under an open sky dancing, singing, toe-tapping. Picture people of African, Asian, Hispanic, European and mostly--to a greater or lesser degree-of mixed racial descent all listening to a music born of that melting pot: Swing! The Olney Big Band played fiery renditions from some of America's most beloved composers from the 30s 40s and 50s. Hedreich, the evening's special guest, peppered OBB's performance with her rendition of Lady is a Tramp. Her scat solo won her the hearts of the listeners. She rounded out the evening leading the audience in song with these words; "...let us all be grateful for a land so fair, as we lift our voices in a solemn prayer; God bless America, land that I love..." Happy Birthday America from the hedreich.com team.