'Living The Boheme Life!'

Erin Boheme is one of jazz’s brightest emerging artists. She makes her Concord Jazz debut on March 28th with What Love Is, a truly groundbreaking release that pushes the boundaries of "jazz" even further. With several of the 11 tracks produced by Concord’s executive vice president of A&R, John Burk, and indeed four by Gregg Field, the label’s commitment to such a bright musical star; and the future of jazz, is evident.

Boheme’s fascination with the talent and casual nature of traditional jazz legends such as Frank Sinatra is her source of inspiration to create honest music that shows her own interpretation and appreciation for what the legends before her have done. Whilst paying homage to the old school, Boheme also admires the likes of Dianna Krall and the artists who have opened jazz to a more youthful audience.

“Life is too short to settle, and I’ve made a promise to myself to keep doing it, whether it’s in front of ten people or 10,000," Boheme said. "Now I’m getting a chance to live my dream. It’s a very humbling and gratifying experience.”

Chatting recently with Erin, and taking it from the top, I first noted that it had been stated that she was 'one of jazz's brightest emerging artists' and that her new album is 'a groundbreaking release that pushes the boundaries of "jazz" even further.' So, just how easy is it to live up to her own press sometimes ...? "Oh my ... well, I hadn't heard that before! That's lovely isn't it? Well I just take it with a grain of salt. It makes me feel so happy to have people listen to my music and feel a connection. That's the whole idea for me. The recognition and the prose are very nice, but in the end ... the music is what it all comes down to. Some people will love it, and some people just won't get it. And that's okay ... but I'm always going to do it because it is who I am."

... and, in your own words, what does make this new album of yours so 'groundbreaking' for the jazz genre? "You know what ... I just think it's something a little different than what people are accustomed to hearing on the music scene today. The fact that I am 19 probably is apart of it! Those are tremendous words, and I appreciate them very much, but like I said I'm just doin' my thang. I am so excited to be apart of this music movement. Young people are really bringing this sound back. Jamie Cullum, Michael Buble, Jane Monheit ... it's very exciting."

With all 11 of these new tracks produced by Concord's executive vice president of A&R himself, John Burk, that must make you feel very special; very loved by your new label? "It's a wonderful feeling. The people at Concord have very much become like a second family. It's a very warm, supportive amosphere that is a rare find in this buisness. They really have my best interest at heart, and John has been an incredible teacher for me throughout this entire process."

Your album title 'What Love Is' is an interesting choice, but perhaps it originates from a more personal standpoint for you? " Absolutly. 'What Love Is' is a song that I wrote about a particular, life changing event for me. It has so much to do with what the core of this album is. The lessons of love and life. The truth is, yes I am 19 and have a lot of learning to do ... but I don't know any 60 or 70 year old that has all of the answers either. I think it really works because despite age or anything else ... everyone is always searching for an answer to that age old question."

If there was one track on this new album that truly encapsulated Erin Boheme at her musical and lyrical finest, which one would it be? "Oh come on now, don't do this to me! Wellllll I have different favorites for different reasons. I love 'Someone to Love' because that for me is just very .... me. 'One Night with Frank' is a bit whitty and sassy ... and it's about Sinatra ... I think as an overall ... 'What Love Is' has both ingrediants in a big way. Lyrically, I just put it out there ... to some of my family's blushing ... and melodically it came very naturally. It clicked like it was supposed right away. Like it was meant to be."

Tell us more about the luscious photo shoot for your CD sleeve art and if there is a behind-the-scenes secret from it that you can let us in on?! "Oh la la. Well, I can tell you that it was about 10 hours and by the end I was soaking wet!! Randee St. Nicolas was the photographer, and was so brilliant. She captured so much of the mood, and feeling. It oozed this sexy, mysterious feeling. Eric Bernard is the the fella that put my face on. He did a wonderful job as you can see!! It was my first real expierence with that kind of thing, and they all really put me at ease. I had about 7 different outfit changes ... Sinatra and Buble got me in the mood pouring out of the speakers and I just kind of played with the camera and tried to be as sassy as I could. It was so fun!!"

For fun, and taking the titles of a few of your album tracks, please let us know:

'One Night With Frank' - If you could indeed spend one night with Frank Sinatra, where would you take him and what would be the first question you would ask him?! "Heh. I would want to go somewhere in Italy and drink red wine on some incredible terrace while watching a jazz ensamble. I would ask him where 'it' comes from for him. Then ..........."

'Touch Me Tonight' - Er, ... OK! But, if we were truly allowed to, where would it be OK to do such a thing without getting quickly slapped and then arrested?! "Hahah. I am a lady! And who's getting arrested? I'm over 18 ...... yuh oh!"

'Don't Be Something You Ain't' - But, if you could be something that you ain't for a day, what would it be and why?! "Brad Pitt ... who wouldn't want to be Angelina Jolie's other half?!"

Noting your last name and knowing that 'La Vie Boheme' means the bohemian life; or the artistic life, I'm wondering just what other artistic qualities you possess aside from music? "I love film. I love studying film, and acting/writing for them as well. I love to draw, and paint. I must admit, getting down with my bad self is something I love to do on the dance floor ... although, I don't know if I look too hot doing it."

What '80s (and possibly cheesy!) pop song would you love to cover today if asked ... and why?! "George Michael's 'Faith'. It's got a kick ass rythm, and the lyric is a bit brassy, which is always good!"

Lastly, I like Penguins ... do you?! "Psh...who doesn't?!"

Thanx again for doing this for us today, and we wish you all the best for the future. "Thank you so much!!"

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

If you would like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Erin's brand new CD, just answer this easy question: Erin Boheme permanently moved to which city 2004?

Send me your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one of these great new and AUTOGRAPHED CDs! Just send us an e:mail here before May 15th with your answer and the subject title 'ERIN BOHEME SIGNED CDs' to: exclusivemagazine@flash.net