I have been an avid Rufus & Chaka Khan fan from as far back as I can remember. I still get goose-bumps when I hear Chaka's voice. There's just no one like her to me. I guess you could say, how can I do this tribute to her? Sometimes I wonder myself. Yet, I have studied her for so long and even slept, ate and drank her. It feels like she is a 'part' of me in some odd way. In all my cover bands, it's all I wanted to sing was CHAKA! I know that people in New England where I am from, equate me with her so much because of it.
So here I am...in my 40's and FINALLY taking on my dream to put together a tribute band to her and her band mates, Rufus. I am calling the band "Masterjam" after one of her songs and album name, because it's a great song and name. I lost my Dad almost a month ago now and he was my number one fan and I miss him so much it is hard to breathe some days but I know he would want me to do what I do best and that is to sing. He was also a good singer and knew the 'bug' I had been bitten by very well. My uncles all played instruments and had their own Cape Verdean band. I am so proud to be a part of the "Santos/ Gomes" family. Not to slight my Mom's Tavares family at ALL because they too are filled with great singers. I didn't have a chance I guess.
So now that I am on this quest...I am feeling so many different emotions at once! I have a lot of great people on my side and in my corner! I can't thank them all enough and you will be hearing about them here in this blog. Speaking of which, I decided to write this blog as a memory milestone of this wonderful project I am about to take on, because I never want to forget it. I can honestly say, I am scared, elated, joyful, ready to burst into tears, sad, happy, grateful but most of all PROUD to embark on this new journey. Come with me....
