Oxford, MD – The Oxford Community Center welcomes local vocalist Jayme D. accompanied by keyboardist, Chris Dingler from Johnny Bling to play Friday, October 11th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Jayme’s voice is described as deeply soulful and powerful. She mixes singer/songwriter vibes with inspiration pulled from New Orleans or Chicago Blues scenes. She is mesmerizing and a delight to watch perform in person. Executive Director Liza Ledford sat down with the talented singer and shares the following interview:
LL: How did you get started? Or how did you first discover that your voice was amazing?
JD: I have been singing ever since I can remember. Apparently, in elementary school, I wasn’t the greatest. I vividly remember one of my classmates telling me I sounded like a dying cat! I’m glad that didn’t let that deter me! For our 6th grade talent show, I was supposed to sing a song with two friends, who got cold feet at the last minute. I decided to push forward and do the song by myself. I remember finishing the song, and hearing the applause, and thinking, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” I have yet to consider my own voice amazing, but it has been incredible to see how it has evolved over time. As I have grown and changed, grown more confident, and experienced the ups and downs of life, it is really neat to hear how my voice has somehow absorbed all that and changed to reflect it. I feel like now I have finally found my sound.
LL: What musicians inspire you most?
JD: That’s a great question, and the answer is ever-changing, although there are a few staples that will always be favorites. I have always loved Indigo Girls – I love the sound of their voices together, but it’s their lyrics that really speak to me. Every song is a beautiful poem. Sting – I love his innovation and how he plays with genres and time signatures, but still manages to make music that has mainstream popularity. Stevie Wonder – especially the songs with the intricate horn parts… so good. I’m really into Chris Stapleton right now… his voice is so soulful, and combined with his wife’s pure voice on harmonies, the simplest songs just give me goose bumps . Eva Cassidy – she had such soul and such control of her voice and could sing any genre and make it sound incredible. There’s a musician I actually went to school with named Gabe Dixon. He’s probably my favorite songwriter, and has become one of my all-time favorite musicians. We were so fortunate that he was finishing up a tour in Baltimore the night before our wedding, and made a detour to come and perform at our reception. He’s now touring with Tedeschi Trucks Band as their piano player. I could keep naming people, but I wouldn’t get anything else done today!
LL: How would you describe the show coming to the OCC?
JD: It’s going to be a mix of original songs that I have written over the years and some of my favorite cover songs. My husband (Chris Dingler from Johnny Bling) will be joining me on keys, and it will be a mix of different styles and genres. I am really looking forward to it!
Join us Friday, October 11th at 7:00 p.m. for a $10 ticket price. Supporting local talent is part of OCC’s mission and we can’t do it without you and funds in part by the Talbot County Arts Council with funds from Talbot County Council and Maryland State Arts Council and concert sponsors Kelly Distributors.
For more information, registration and tickets please contact the Oxford Community Center at 410-226-5904, or email oxfordcc@verizon.net. Sign up for OCC’s weekly e-newsletter for additional announcements and updates or like OCC’s Facebook page at Oxford Community Center, Inc. The OCC is always open online at www.oxfordcc.org.