No Diva Attitude

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No Diva Attitude, Just Diva Talent From Edmontonian Kelly Alanna Liliana Lupse   “You know, as an artist and anybody, really, you get a little insecure and start feeling like you can't do this or that … and in the chorus of “Free” it says ‘…just take it one breath, one word, one song, one kiss, one dream.’ So …,” Kelly Alanna continues, after a thoughtful pause, “You know, you go back to that and take that breath - just one. It's like people say: You just take things one day at a time.” Native Edmontonian, Kelly Alanna, is indulging me in a telephone interview, and has been for the past 2 hours with her trademark honesty and humor.   My sister bought Kelly Alanna’s CD, all in good time, and we listened to it over and over again on a recent sister-night-out, and I was hooked! I then not only went out and bought Kelly’s CD, but also knew that I had to contact Kelly to talk to her about it. Just my luck, she agreed to an interview and, in the process, inspired me to continue striving towards fulfilling my dreams. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.     Listening to Kelly Alanna’s CD, all in good time, is something akin to reading someone’s intimate diary. So the first thing I asked Kelly was if the songs on this CD were reflective of her personal experiences? “I would say for the most part, yes,” she says, again after carefully pondering the question. Although she co-wrote all the tunes with her close friends Chris Andrew, Greg Johnston, and Trish Wight, “all the songs are certainly a part of me.”   Does Kelly have any favorite songs on this CD? “Um, I don't know about favorite songs ... and you're right, it's like asking a mother, 'Which one is your favorite?' I honestly couldn't tell you. I love to sing them all, I love them all! I think, in terms of this song "Free", it has the most meaning to me, even though I wrote this song years before I did the album. And, some days, when I’m feeling like I can’t, I kind of go back to the lyrics of the chorus.”   Was it intentional that this first CD has a contemplative, almost jazzy flavor to it? “Well, the ‘jazzy flavor’ I guess is intentional …  unintentional … it's almost how I sing, really,” Kelly responds. “I always kind of figured I'd want to be the next Shirley Horn - which, I guess, makes me giggle when I think about people comparing me to Diana Krall: Because I’ve wanted to be that piano-playing jazz singer who croons away while sitting at her piano. But, my CD definitely would have a jazzy flavor to it, because that's part of how I think ... who I am as a singer.”   Perhaps it’s because Kelly’s had “an amazing amount of support from my parents and family – even from my friends telling me to go for it” that she, in turn, is so supportive of other artists, and most especially her friends. “all in good time came about due to tremendous support from my good friends, Greg Johnston and Trish Wight … they’re the ones who really pushed me and helped me get past the fear of not only whether I can do it, but also being happy with the final result - because you’re always your worst critic.”   Given that Kelly’s styles of music range from jazz, to pop, to funk, Kelly says that at her upcoming performances she will “pretty much be performing all songs from my CD…or as much as I possibly can.” As a wonderful result of my sister being one of Kelly’s close friends, I have had the privilege of seeing Kelly perform many times; each time, I am drawn to her glowing stage presence. Many times, in fact, I look around the room and delight in seeing others equally fascinated with Kelly.   So, let me break it down for you: To see Kelly Alanna perform is truly a treat … it’s a feast for your eyes and your ears! The particular combination of her beauty and soulful voice lures you into the moods she specifically sets with each song. Kelly’s unconscious habit of slightly cocking her head when she sings, along with her seductive way of slowly searching the room with her eyes, and occasionally resting them on you – that is when she’s not closing them in her melodic reminiscences – all work to her advantage. Add to this the way her hair glistens golden hues in the spotlights, and it comes as no surprise that her particular brand of magic fascinates, as well as entertains.   Therefore, it begs the question of whether this polished performer ever gets nervous before a show? “Well, the stage is home for me and I usually only get nervous when it’s the first time trying something new … then I get a little nervous. But, you know, once the music starts, I take a deep breath and I relax because I’m where I love to be and doing what I love to do.” Ask Kelly about her success in the music industry, and she humbly attests that her success is due to being “surrounded and blessed with amazing musicians.” Her humility is surprising, given her incredible talent; however, all of her friends, my sister included, will attest to Kelly’s down-to-earth nature … “It’s what makes her special,” my sister says. “And makes us feel blessed to have her as our friend. With Kelly, you don’t get diva attitude, just diva talent!”   Now, for all of you Kelly Alanna fans out there, you will be happy to know that she regularly performs at The Four Rooms Restaurant in downtown Edmonton and in St. Albert. Oh, and for those of you who still can’t make it to her live performances, rest assured that you can always pick up her CD, all in good time, at Audrey’s Books Ldt. in downtown Edmonton, or at HMV, A&B Sound, Black Bird, and online at Spirit River Distribution @ www.spiritriver.com. That being said, though, I’d highly recommend that you see her perform … she may even sign her CD for you.