Deborah J. Carter’s Journey: From Obama-like Childhood to Jazz Stardom

Deborah J. Carter: A Jazz Icon’s Alphabet

Deborah J. Carter is a world-renowned jazz vocalist with a deep affection for Brazilian music and cooking. Her musical journey began in childhood with the xylophone, and she believes that a highly developed musician is multisensory. A few years ago, she graced the stage of the National Academic Drama Theater named after M. Gorky, performing Ella Fitzgerald’s songs at a concert dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the legendary singer. We had the pleasure of speaking with Deborah about her “mouth dances,” happy accidents, and meaningful words.

C — Curiosity

Throughout my musical life, I’ve experienced countless wonderful adventures. These were sparked not so much by courage, but by curiosity. Courage led me to places where only the brave dare to go. But curiosity allowed me to forget fear and calmly await what would happen next.

D — Dancing

As a jazz vocalist, I have many musical heroes, and Ella Fitzgerald is at the top of my list. She was a world-famous singer who initially wanted to be a dancer and “accidentally” started singing. Nevertheless, when she sang, the notes “danced” out of her mouth. Rhythmic ally, she was unparalleled. When I try to do the same, I derive immense pleasure from singing.

E — España

España is the Spanish name for Spain, the first European country I lived in. I moved there at a young age, and Spain influenced how I transitioned into adulthood. Although I now live in the Netherlands, I am delighted that I can travel to Spain (San Sebastián) twice a month to teach at a local conservatory.

G — Generosity

I am heartened by examples of musicians caring for each other, even when fierce competition is expected. My favorite example of an artist’s generosity is when Tony Bennett founded a school of arts in New York, fulfilling his dream. He named it the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. What could be a better example of generosity than this act?

L — Laughter

Besides a sense of music, my mother instilled in me the ability to see the funny side of the world. I’m not a clown, but I often manage to make my friends laugh.

M — Music

In school, I didn’t socialize much with my classmates. I dedicated a lot of time to two things: books and music. By the end of high school, I had convinced myself that living for music was something other “special” people did too. But I still marvel that I am involved in music.

O — Oahu

Oahu is the main island of the Hawaiian archipelago and where I grew up. There, I was almost always barefoot, even on hikes. I climbed trees, surfed, and stole pineapples with my brother. At 14, I moved to Japan. Obama had a similar childhood, and look at what he achieved.

Q — Quirks

These are the unusual and unexpected things that fill my life: from a 16-year delay in Spain instead of three weeks to a nine-month yacht trip with the man who is now my husband. Even the fact that I became a singing teacher is a happy accident.

S — Sisu

This Finnish word, meaning “to stay in the game” and “not to give up,” is very important to me. I enjoy an interesting and music-filled life simply because I am alive and have what I have. In a way, the door I’ve been knocking on for so long is beginning to open.

T — Tsundoku

This Japanese term means “buying books and not reading them.” My husband and I admit to this habit. But I love every book I buy. When I’m home, after a morning walk, I make myself spend some time reading during breakfast. This takes me about 30 minutes. During the day, I read from my smartphone or e-reader.

V — Variety

I love experiencing variety in everything. Trying new foods, working in different musical styles, changing stage images, and even performing songs differently each time. Some people need to do the same thing all the time. I don’t judge them, but that lifestyle would depress me.

W — Walking

Lately, I start my day with a walk through the green surroundings of my home. I do this before breakfast, often accompanied by my husband. We stroll among meadows and canals. I greet ducks, parrots, herons, and my favorite trees… I return home with a dose of happiness that allows me to start the new day lightly. When I work in Spain, I walk to the conservatory along La Concha beach in the mornings.

Y — Yogurt

This funny word appeared in the interview for a reason. I often use it when talking to students about music and its creation process. When making yogurt, we leave a certain amount of the mixture overnight to get a thickened mass – yogurt – by morning.

The process that happens at night is called coagulation. Coagulation is the most unusual and important element necessary for a musical ensemble to work. The quality of any concert depends on how well the musical ensemble is united – whether there is coagulation.

Z — Zest

Zest is enthusiasm with a touch of passion. I advise adding liveliness to everything and approaching tasks with the joy of a child. Even if your job is to clear plates from tables in a café. There are people who do this with zest – they are the happiest. It’s important to be able to find pleasant moments in everything.

Recorded by Julia Volchok