Genre: Jazz
Sound description: Exciting, raw, scat-filled, bopish popish jazz with Carla's trademark impromptu improvisations
City: Little Elm, TX
Web site: http://www.carlanorrishopkins.com
Carla Norris-Hopkins is from Mansfield, Louisiana, and has been singing since the age of four. While living in Chicago, she was invited to be a part of the opening act for Bobby Blue Band’s Revue in Chicago.
Carla later moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, and recorded for Eddy Kozak for Red River Records after performing regularly with legendary blues and jazz veterans Jesse Thomas and Peaches Sterling. Carla co-founded the jazz and eclectic group Rum 'n Coke while also performing with various other groups throughout the area, including the Shreveport Regional Jazz Orchestra.
After dropping out of the music scene for 8 years due to a spiritual hiatus, Carla re-emerged in 2003. Her coolest gig was performing in Dallas at the Reception for Gordon Parks, the famed photographer, director, composer, musician and author, in 2005.
Information submitted by the artist
Musicians
- Carla Norris-Hopkins: lead vocals, percussion, vocals
- Prakash Wright: piano
- Yuka Tadano: upright bass
- Ahmad "Benny" Medina: drums
Influences
Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Cassandra Wilson, John Coltrane, Marchel Ivery
Albums
Hello, I Remember
Released 2005
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Comments
carlaj Anonymous
I happen to know that Carla's main influence is John Coltrane...his evolution...therefore his music...was and is...ear opening for her.
2 years, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Alan Cohen Staff
I'll make sure that we add that to her influences.
Do you know, what era of Coltrane is her favorite? I'm partial to the Atlantic years. Whether it was him tearing through Countdown, grooving on Equinox, or balladeering on Naima, these years had something extra special attached to every note.
I'm curious as to how that translates for a vocalist like Carla?
2 years, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
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