Whatever happened to the pure vocalist? We're talking about the formally trained ones. Not the ones that sing off-key in the shower or the ones who by the magic of modern technology (i.e. studio equipment) sound like they've got the voice of an "angel.''
Looking to bring back that old-school flavor is vocalist Kimberly Dalton, of Oceanport.
Dalton isn't just some fly-by-night songstress; she earned a degree in music from Providence College. Although she can play the guitar, the multi-talented Dalton says, "My main instrument is my voice.''
And what a voice she has -- smooth, crystal and sultry. Many people may know her from her seasonal album "Christmas Serenade,'' a Shore-area favorite.
Those unfamiliar with Dalton can hear her at the chic restaurant Teak in downtown Red Bank Thursday night. Before performing there recently to a packed house, she took time to talk about her beginnings, her future plans and why staying at the Jersey Shore is so important to her:
Q: How did you get started singing?
A: Well, I started out very young. My grandmother sang a lot and when I was 5 years old, she taught me to sing ""Over the Rainbow.'' We were always singing, especially while riding in the car. She wasn't formally trained, but she has an amazing voice. There are musicians in my family, so at family functions we get together and perform. It's a lot of fun during Christmas.
Q: How did things evolve from there?
A: At first, singing was seen as just a hobby to me, but my senior year of high school I tried for the musical "West Side Story.'' I always loved the music of that play. I never realized my singing talent until the audition … I received a standing ovation. Since I didn't have any acting experience I was given a part to sing solo. I performed the song "Somewhere'' during a dance sequence and I brought down the house every night. I was in shock because I never thought I was that good. Teachers began to encourage me to pursue a career in music.
Q: Who are your major influences?
A: Other than my grandmother? Kathleen Battle, who is an opera singer. I also like Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. I love all different styles of music and I want my voice to translate pop music as well as soulful music.
Q: Why did you choose Providence College to major in music over Juilliard or Berklee College of Music?
A: I wanted a well-rounded education. You know … more than just music. The music program had an intimate setting with only five people majoring in music. I loved getting the individual attention.
Q: Do you feel you get enough exposure on the Jersey Shore?
A: I could always step it up a notch … which I'm doing now. The problem I had earlier was that I'm an independent woman working full time. Now that I'm settled with my daytime career, I have more freedom to explore my vocal talents. The Internet has opened a number of opportunities for me, along with friends who have marketing experience that help me. I feel you should always start
where you are, locally.
Q: How do you feel the music scene here could improve for all musicians?
A: I think there needs to be more female vocalists performing popular music. Venues need to take bigger risks and allow artists to come in and sing. Once they move outside the box of the same old thinking, things here would definitely improve for the better.
Q: How do you stay motivated in the music industry?
A: Motivation has never been a problem because singing is my passion. With the songs I wrote my outlook on life has changed. I stop writing dark, moody lyrics and decided to uplift and encourage people. This drastically changed me into a more positive person.
Q: How do you stand out from other vocalist?
A: I'm not necessarily trying to stand out from others. I feel that I have a purpose in life, I just want to bring out peoples' aspirations. As long as people can have access to my music then I'm happy.
Q: What else do you have coming up in the works?
A: The main thing is recording my original songs and getting back to performing live. I'm auditioning for the Frank Sinatra Tribute show at the Count Basie Theatre. I have a holiday CD that is very popular locally. I'm looking to add more tracks to that as well.
Q: Do you prefer performing live or would you rather be in the studio?
A: I'll say this; I enjoy the studio if I'm excited about recording great material. But you can't beat being out there performing live. I love to see peoples reaction when I breakdown a popular song acoustically. That's my favorite.
Q: What's your ultimate goal for your singing career?
A: To phase out my day job and just concentrate on my music. It's just a matter of time before that happens.
Kimberly Dalton will play Thursday, Oct. 29 at Teak.
