"Just the fact that there is a need for a specifically "vocal" jazz column reflects both the history of the marginalization of vocal jazz singers who are on par with their instrumental peers, and the progress. I am experiencing a responsibility towards my peers, elders, and the next generation, to support the realm of vocal jazz , with conscious balance. As a singer, composer, and band leader, I enjoy a wide range of instrumental and vocal jazz, and plan to offer vocal highlights rooted in history and tradition; vocal jazz that reflects fresh experimentation; hybrid-genres; and vocal jazz that falls between genre cracks, ie. anti-categories. In other words, I respect history, and evolution.  I am invited to write, as an artist and experienced listener. I  grew up in jazz  and will continue to listen and expand my ears, with conscious respect for ethnic diversity, gender balance, and anti-ageism. I say this not only because I know justice must be a conscious endeavor, but because --  I love a range of sounds. My favorite musical way to spend a weekend is on a jazz-bike expedition through the boroughs, bopping (pun intended) around to a lot of different musical (and literal) neighborhoods. One night last year, Laurence (Donohue-Greene) and I covered 30 miles. That's a lot of sounds. (I call Laurence the Mad-Max of Jazz.  Bike paths along the river really are beautiful at 3 a.m.) When asked "What is jazz?" Sonny Rollins once responded with one word: "improvisation". Improvisation is at the heart of jazz, people.  I know there are a lot of debates around about definitions. Definitions aside, the process of improvisation is at the heart of jazz in one way shape or form. Is that a definition? Okay. Well, with that definition in mind, I will focus on vocal jazz that includes the process and energy of improvisation in one way shape or form.  The invention of  rhythms, phrasing, notes, and singer-instrumentalist inter-play, are process aspects of some vocal jazz improvisation.  So is the spontaneously expressive sonic energy found in really fine pure melody based singing.  I am excited to carry some weight for the vocal jazz torch that lives in the moment, and bring as much of that vocal spirit to your listening ears' attention as I possibly can. 
In 500 words. Once a month. 
It's an honor. "