A glittered disco-like ball hangs over the stage. It’s placed directly in front of a screen graced with an image of a brown-skinned woman. The feminine visual displays a beautiful Heather Headley splashing with an abundant glow of happiness and peace.
The vibe is all-around feel good.
Dusable Museum is filling quickly with laughter and conversation. Seats are taken and people are becoming comfortable and situated with their choices. The lights dim, and the creator of “The Experience,” Mr. Dedry Jones steps on stage and introduces the ever-so soothing talented actress and vocalist Mrs. Heather Headley.
She approaches center stage looking long and slim in her 5′8 frame. She appeared relaxed with her hair hanging just below her earlobes and smoothed back by a colorful headband. She chose skinny jeans with a stylish tan slouchy top and stiletto heels. Cute, simple, and comfortable-a style that suits her well.
After having to cancel her original set date; Headley returns to the DuSable Museum in good spirits to discuss her new album, “Audience of One,” as well as her journey to becoming the artist with a Tony award and two Grammy Award nominations. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention, the Trinidadian beauty also had the honor of singing at the 2008 Inauguration concert for President Obama. “It was beyond me,” she said of the humbling experience.
From the stage of musical theatre to the launching of a solo career, there have been choices to make along the way.
Growing up in Trinidad she recalls living above the church and jokes, “we shared the wall with the sanctuary.” For her and brother, Junior, the church was their playground she explains. Drawing from memories of childhood and the close relationship with the church encouraged Headley that it was now time to allow that to manifest through her music. The outcome was the birth of her third studio album, Audience of One.
With “Audience of One,” you are able to tell that Headley feels home. It seems so familiar and even more natural. Though she didn’t perform any songs from the new album, Dedry played a few tracks to give the audience a sneak tease of what could be expected.
The record opens with a smooth self-identifying track entitled, “Simply Redeemed.” Immediately attention is caught when the lines “I am a Christian, do you know what that means?” are delivered through the loud speakers. Headley drops her head and a hidden smile is secretly revealed. The lyrics continue with “…it means I’m far from perfect…” The audience relates to the lyrics and breathless sighs of relief and understanding fill the soulful air.
From Simply Redeemed, an up-tempo “Ordinary Me” reigned over all in the intimate space. The song questions with the utmost respect how an Extraordinary God can love just an “ordinary me?” The verses explore the imperfections of a human, yet the Lord still insists on offering his love. It’s a beautiful song and one may even sit and asks the same questions Headley brings forth after listening to it.
Throughout the evening, the audience laughed with the artists while she re-enacted her music theatre experiences and when she was asked to portray Lorrell in the stage play, Dreamgirls. She rises and places her hand on her hip showing attitude; “they want me to play Lorrell, I’m Deena!” she said with laughter. She was always use to playing Deena; however, she did the part and was happy with the result of it all.
Headley broke off into her Trinidadian accent to describe and joke about how her mother is a bootlegger. “She makes copies for all of her friends,” she said.
Through spoken imagery, you are able to tell that there is happiness in the hearts of Heather Headley and her family. There’s a sincerity she holds with her craft and wishes to extend that further through her music and also film.
“I think I do my best when I think it’s going to fail,” she said referring to all of her accomplishments whether it involves music or theatre-or even both.
The night ended with a great segue into the familiar tracks that helped start Headley’s music career.
The performance section was near the end of the event. Mrs. Headley requested a microphone stand before getting into the title track of her second album, In My Mind. The instrumental begins to play and the audience anticipates the first note from the mezzo-soprano soloist. She stands tall and harmonizes the first verse, giving off the attitude that is instantly felt when listening to the track.
The chorus hits and circular specs of colorful spotlights swarm the venue. The audience is blown away when Headley’s petite frame belts out vocals of strength and commitment in such a way you want to hold on as long as possible. You are able to hear every note and indulge in every emotion that she releases with such ease and comfort.
I must admit that when you are in the presence of one that really enjoys their craft it genuinely shines through. “Audience of One” is in stores now and is sure to continue to make her fans and family happy.