Q&A at The Juilliard Journal

Q&A at The Juilliard Journal

By SUSAN JACKSON Rondi Charleston is an expert at switching gears. At Juilliard she spent two years in the Drama Division (Group 9) before reaudtioning and enrolling in Vocal Arts, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1982 and 1983, respectively....
For Rondi Charleston, songwriting is in her ‘DNA’

For Rondi Charleston, songwriting is in her ‘DNA’

She has described herself as an archaeologist, always digging in her songs “for the truth behind the story.” But regarding her latest album Signs Of Life, acclaimed jazz chanteuse Rondi Charleston speaks like a geneticist. In fact, the centerpiece track of the album,...
Critical Jazz Review

Critical Jazz Review

By Brent Black Stunning cover art welcomes you to an equally stellar release from Rondi Charleston. Signs of Life is a marvelous look at the musical make up of one of the finest female vocalists across any genre of music. Honesty, passion and a genuine sense of...
Critical Jazz Review

WEMU FM 89.1 review of Signs Of Life

With Signs Of Life, singer Rondi Charleston breathes new life into jazz classics and shares highly personal yet universal reflections on life. During Women’s History Month we are focusing on women of jazz and blues past and present. Rondi Charleston’s Signs Of Life is...
Notes on Lyric Writing and Song Conception

Notes on Lyric Writing and Song Conception

by Rondi Charleston The process of writing lyrics and music is part of my everyday existence. The ideas that fuel future songs come as a direct result of my being constantly aware of my surroundings – observing people, places and things – and taking mental snapshots...
The International Review Of Music

The International Review Of Music

Live Jazz: Rondi Charleston at Catalina Bar & Grill By Michael Katz Hearing a hitherto unknown vocalist for the first time in live performance is a little like a blind date. Hopes are high, introductions can be awkward. Rondi Charleston dropped onto the LA jazz...