Meet Cathy Segal-garcia | Jazz vocalist, composer, arranger, educator, producer of music and events/venues, connector, national and international recording & performing artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathy Segal-garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi cathy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Interesting to think of “risk” as risk. When I think of the things I did, in life and career, that might be considered risk from others…to me it was an idea attached to a feeling, sometimes in the moment, and sometimes over a period of time…short or a little longer.

Looking back at the many “risks” I took, I feel like I was probably connected to a higher power, allowing the strong feeling to be my leader in my actions. Of course, sometimes I acted on the wrong feelings! But for the most part, I’m glad for all the risks I actually took. Some of my most favorite memories are connected to those risks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been on my path my whole life. Always singing, working, enjoying the art and the business, writing, recording (I have 16 albums), connecting people, booking, creating venues…. I’ve of course had difficult moments, like everyone. But I’ve been brave, courageous, not daunted by failure, always wanted to continue.

I have a deep love for philosophy, and have studied different traditions, read many books, listen to speakers. That’s a huge part of why I’m still here, and why I keep going.

I’ve learned things like: Truth feels good. Whenever there’s a problem, the solution, even if it’s tough, feels good.

I’ve learned that ANY problem can be solved by: 1. Being able to look at it (confront it) and 2. Taking responsibility for it, as completely as possible.

Quality is of the utmost importance, in everything.

Ethics are hugely important.

Love is good.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The beach. Touring different city spots, funky ones, like along Melrose from Vine to DTLA. Hollywood Bowl. Jazz clubs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, there are so many artists whom I have gleaned perfection/realization/creation from! Too many to name really. So many have given me a sentence, a talk, a look, a musical joining, a support…that has changed me.

I have a patron who has supported my creative efforts both emotionally and financially, for the last 10 years…a man named Dan Davilla. I wondered why for the longest time, and then I just accepted it.

My mom who was a can-do person, with an open heart, a creative spirit, and a love for people.
My dad, who was a jazz musician and lead me down that path.
My husband, Gary Hoffman, who has never stood as a block in almost anything I wanted to do. Just simply supported my desires.
Free Play, Improvisation in Life and the Arts…by Stephen Nachmanovitch and Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner were books that really changed my life. They cam out with their books the same year, and 30 years later they both came out with their 2nd great books!
A bunch of old-school musicians in the late 70’s who took me under their wings. Frank Severino for one, great drummer. They all made me feel like I was a cool person, and meant something in the world.

Website: https://www.cathysegalgarcia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathysegalgarcia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-segal-garcia-93bba14/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CathySegalGarci

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathysegalgarciamusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Zbrpjfv_rqHJQJcF57NCQ

Other: Noontime Archived Hangs on onedrive https://onedrive.live.com/?id=EE4599A27F684EA0%21124&cid=EE4599A27F684EA0

http://spoti.fi/3hEGDcf – Cathy’s Artist Page.

https://hopeyoulikeit.org/?page_id=2

Jazz Legend

https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/cathy-segal-garcia

Image Credits
L.Aviva Diamond