Critics have praised singer-songwriter Nancy Goudinaki, describing her musical eloquence and virtuosity as immediately evident, with a voice that exudes femininity. We’re excited to speak with Nancy about her forthcoming CD single entitled “ Ariadne’s Lullaby” which is a preview of the full album she plans to release in the fall entitled ‘I Can Play.’
Thank you for granting the interview. Your music is amazing and we’re excited to speak to you about ‘Ariadne’s Lullaby.’ Tell us more about your approach to music, particularly with the new CD single and forthcoming album?
My first album was completely a jazz project, influenced by The Great American Songbook. My upcoming new album is different. I want to explore, experiment and surprise my audience and I’m super excited about it!!! Finally, my mom’s dream came true! It’s a solo guitar project called “I Can Play.” As a preview of the album, I ‘m about to release a cd single at the end of August 2019. The title of this composition is called “Ariadne’s Lullaby “, which was inspired by the birth of my newborn baby niece Ariadne, whose name means “most holy” in Greek. I wanted to create a lullaby that would not only be soothing and restorative for both my niece and my sister but one that would honor my niece’s rich cultural heritage.
Although this tune was initially written and produced for my niece, it is intended for a larger audience- future mothers, fathers, grandparents, and caregivers. The tune incorporates classical jazz elements and includes the recordings of my niece’s first babbling, sounds that every new parent cherishes for their lifetime.
How did you get into music?
I knew I wanted to be a musician since I was a child. Music was my passion. I would be singing all the time; even during class breaks at school. I studied classical guitar in Greece with the well -known classical guitarist Mr. Costas Cotsiolis. The great B.B. King years ago once described Costas Cotsiolis as possibly the best classical guitarist of our century! Costas has been my mentor in classical guitar. I graduated from his classical guitar curriculum program, getting my certificate and diploma in classical guitar with honors. With vocals, I studied with the legendary Barry Harris, Jd Walter, Cynthia Scott, Miles Griffith, and Craig Derry. All of my teachers have been an incredible influence and helped me to create my sound.
As a music teacher, you’re also an ambassador for the arts. How long have you been teaching and mentoring music students?
I have been teaching music since I was 18. Every student is unique in their approach to learning and understanding music. To be honest, I can’t define my teaching approach or methods but my students are my best advertisers and the best indication that I must be doing something right.
Which artists would you like to work with?
I just wanna play music with the best musicians in the world so I can grow as an artist through these collaborations. That’s always my goal.
To date, what track in your catalog is your favorite?
From my debut record “I Wanna Be Your Star”, as a singer, my favorite tune is” I’ll be Seeing You.” It’s a song I was singing at the studio whilst thinking of my late grandma and, as a guitarist, the tune ‘Milonga’ just because it reminds me of my classical guitar studies. I remember enjoying playing this fabulous melody by maestro Cardoso, which after years I recorded with Jd Allen on saxophone and Dwayne Burno on Bass. With these impeccable musicians, we gave a new life to this tune. If you ask me to name a favorite tune from my upcoming record it would be difficult as this album is representative most of my authentic voice as an instrumentalist.
How can fans and music lovers gain access to your music?
You can find my music through “cd baby “ under the name Nancy Goudinaki: https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/NancyGoudinaki
And through my website www.jazzynancyg.com
You can also follow me on IG as jazzynancygguitar
And on facebook on this link: https://www.facebook.com/Nancy-Goudinaki-194324130615846/
Featured photographs by Sotiris Spanos
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