Marisa shared with Mélange . . .
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Her passion for singing
I have always loved singing because it feels good to express myself using the talent God gave me ! Even the sound , texture , resonance and the physical sensation is relaxing and pleasurable to me . I don ’ t recollect a time I didn ’ t sing and I would have to credit my Mom ’ s record collection for the birth of the passion in me .
Mom ’ s collection extended from Lord Kitchener , to Bob Marley , Brook Benton and Nat King Cole to the Temptations and the Supremes , to Credence Clear Water Revival and Tower of Power , from Teddy Pendagrass and Marvin Gaye to John Denver and Neil Diamond . Being exposed to such a wide collection of genres and vocal styles developed my appreciation for music . As a child it is important to be exposed and have access to all kinds of GREAT MUSIC . My definition of GREAT MUSIC is : Music that leaves you feeling satisfied by every aspect of its production ; lyric , melody and the instrumental arrangement .
I don ’ t remember a time that I wasn ’ t singing ! As I grew and opportunities to perform presented themselves , I took them and the desire to sing continued to grow along with my confidence , until I had my first night club gig at 18 yrs old and realised I was doing it for real ! I ’ ve always felt the desire to sing , compelled , and I knew if I could find a way to make a living from music I would be happy !
Her first performance
Public performances began at primary school !
At Merrivale Prep , Mrs Carrington the principal , hosted end of term concerts . “ Party Day ” Students were allowed to sing , dance express themselves and PARTY !! It was great .
Her musical journey from then to now
My musical journey continued with a vocal group called Harmony at Christ Church Foundation School . I would pick the harmonies apart and record each part on a cassette tape so that each member could hear their part separately and learn it . It was very good training for my ears . At 16 years old , I would come to appreciate that the skill of hearing , singing and arranging harmonies was a gift . When Anthony Lohar ( Barbadian Producer ) recognised I had that gift I was suddenly in high demand in his studio . I sang background vocals on many different projects , albums and advertisements . Doing voice overs , I learned even my speaking voice was an asset ! My diction is clear and I love the melody of the spoken word . This comes from my LOVE of reading and theater .
While at Barbados Community College I was given the opportunity to perform professionally in my first night club band when I was 18 , and I never looked back .
I would say my musical career began at the age of 28 . Even though by that time I had already been singing professionally for 10 years , I never considered what I wanted for my solo career , I just blended into the style and genres of all the bands I worked with !
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