I drag my overly worked body out of the bed at 7:40 p.m. to try to make a music showcase, which is a mere 10-minute walk from my home. I'm going to see one of our gifted interns, Benjiman Poston, perform.
I find it more difficult to leave the house this day simply because for the past several months the only beds I have laid on were in hotel rooms, while I was on several business trips. I have been traveling both in and out of the country for the sake of my clients, clients that I am passionately dedicated to simply because they are great human beings.
These talented artists and visionaries have a clear vision on what sort of legacy they want to build and the message they want to convey to the generations to come.
Ron Carter is where it all began for me. His name is synonymous with Jazz and Classical music. But what many may not know about Carter is that he is also respected and appreciated by the modern musicians of today, by the likes of Erykah Badu, Q-Tip, A Tribe Called Quest, MC Solaar and Renee Neufville, formerly of Zhane.
This leads me to a whole other conversation about how mutual respect led to a meeting, which led to a foundation being formed. Wow. The discussions on education, music, art and the release of Ron Carter's biography, Finding the Right Notes, brought on the creation of his Finding the Right Notes Foundation. On May 5 from 6:00 to 9 p.m., three giants gathered together in the luxurious Carlyle Hotel in New York City. This happened the same night as the MET Gala, on the eve of the most important night in fashion, where the best and brightest in the industry get invited to sit in the same room with Vogue icon Anna Wintour.
We were blessed to have received the space that was filled with paparazzi and fans waiting to get pictures of celebrity guests who were staying there.
So the night was beyond spectacular. The energy in the room was absolutely majestic.
As the tall, slender, dark chocolate-figured woman arrived, I couldn't help but notice how Renee was laced with a bright yellow dress that cascaded the silhouette of her body, tapering at the waste then flowing to her knees. From there you saw nothing but long, beautiful legs ending with a five-inch heel to accentuate her gazelle-like legs even further. The dress was perfectly made by Ted Baker of London. The color was brilliant. The hairstyle was that of a young Diana Ross -- a perfectly massive, jet black, Afro. Makeup immaculately done.
That is the perfect way I could describe Renee Neuvfille that night as she moderated the evening that would introduce the legendary musical figure some 30 years plus her senior.
I recalled earlier that morning, telling her she would be moderating the conversation and how her soft voice turned into panic. It seemed like it took forever to assure her that she was perfect for doing this. But we all know that fear is fear.
As I had predicted, she rose to the occasion like a First Lady. A room full of reporters embraced this beautiful creature as she commanded the room with a gentle touch. All eyes were on her and all ears perked in her direction.
As if that wasn't enough, Ron Carter asked her to join him and Russell Malone in the balled "In a Sentimental Mood." Bravissimo! The room roared with clapping and praise.
So who is Renee Neufville? Now she is an official ambassador for Carter's Finding The Right Notes Foundation along with Art legend Danny Simmons. But even before this, she was still very much fabulous, grounded and gifted.
You don't have to take my word for it. Listen as she tells her story. All I know is I love my job and the wonderful clients I get to work with.