Aremuorin

“She’s not just good. She’s phenomenal. Carleen Anderson is one of a kind” – James Brown

Let’s get to know Carleen Anderson, better. Thanks for agreeing to this interview. We usually do this in 14 ways, but for blessed burdens, like you; we reserve exceptions ..’

“For live performances, you have to see Carleen Anderson, at least 3 times, in your life. She’s someone, I’d hang around all day, just to hear, her sound check ..” – Amy Winehouse

Sweet, but only where heaven is falling. I don’t call those bitter, anymore. I’m a love child, to love, from love. God favours me. That’s Carleen ..’ – Anthony Everest

You are a great work of art and truly inspirational. It’s an honour and a mare privilege, to touch the peripherals of a great mind that’s seen a lot of life, in various lights, to a great degree. God bless you ..’

I remember interviewing Carleen, when I produced and presented for Voice of Africa Radio, half a decade ago. Then, inviting me to see her play, ‘live’ at Ronnies, in London ..’

Couldn’t get over her songs and her endearing powerful wise way of allaying thoughts on paper, creatively, with a succinct colourful pedigree of words, unrestrainedly.

Set to a backdrop of propelled vocals, centred on beautiful ivories; running through her fingers, gracefully yet fearlessly, to a spellbound, mixed audience.

1. Who Is Carleen Anderson

The mother to her Sun Bobby Anderson being the most significant element of her earthly existence alongside the blessings of nurture by her paternal Grandparents since her infancy, Carleen Anderson is more widely known as an independent vocalist/composer whose solo albums and celebrity collaborations are globally acknowledged as relevant Soul Music.

She is further known because of her work with the group, The Young Disciples. Her family association with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, via her stepfather Bobby Byrd and her birth mother, Vicki Anderson, is often mentioned in connection to her music career.

2. What is fortune drive

Fortune Drive is a metaphor referring to my life in contrast to being raised on Cage Street by my Grandparents.

3. What is failure

What would be considered failure to me is to be without any association of love in my heart during my time on earth.

4. Why success

Success to my mind is the ability to have room in my heart for love even when the heartaches of life seem overwhelming, as having time and space for love brings uplift to any situation.

5. Where did leopards in the temple come from? Epic song.

The title ‘Leopards in the Temple’ was drawn from a poem written by Franz Kafka whom I read during my University creative writing studies. Decades after first reading Kafka, circumstances of life resulted in me translating the theme of betrayal in his poem into a song that I wrote about the same topic.

6. Favourite song on the new album

Every song on my new album, “CAGE STREET MEMORIAL~ The Pilgrimage”, is dear to me and favoured equally.

7. What’s your fav duet experience

The blessings of musical collaborations throughout my career all have graced me with favour but the most dearest is the impromptu LIVE performance with my Godfather, James Brown at the Royal Albert Hall in London, 2003, which was captured on my LIVE DIVD, Grace and Favours.

Shifting times:

8. Most terrifying moment

To speak of terror except in incidents where justice demands it is to give fear power without any benefits of purpose to self-preservation.

9. Who inspires you most

The inspiration that visits me the most is from loved ones long since transitioned who encourage my spiritual journey.

10. What’s love to you

What I consider love to be is sincerity in moral support and active carefulness.

11. Your A list crush

The last time I had a celebrity crush was when I was a teenager. It was for the 1970s actor, Billy Dee Williams. Such idol fantasies have since been long gone.

12. Fav destination

In an ideal world, I’d love to spend time in the Seychelles. From what I’ve read about it, the place seems peaceful.

14. Your worst critic

Of all the critics that have professionally put me down, their worst pales in comparison to that which I experienced personally at a very early age from someone who for this interview shall remain nameless.

The launch of Carleen Anderson’s new album is scheduled for its showcase by the EFG London Jazz Festival at the newly refurbished Jazz Cafe on 18th and 19th November alongside its FREESTYLE RECORDS distribution release in November 2016.

#MercyfulGrace #CaleenAnderson #CageMemorial

By Aremuorin
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Àrèmúorin – Anthony Everest is a Jazz, Soul-R&B Multi Award Winning Indie Singer-Songwriter, Author, Producer. No1, 49+ Weeks, Jazz Charts.

(C) 2017 MercyfulGrace / Anthony Everest

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