by Lisa Feren
Live Music by Suzanne !
by Lisa Feren
Live music . I don ’ t know about you , but I don ’ t go and see live music nearly as often as I should . But after every show , I wonder why I don ’ t go more often and always promise myself I will make a better effort to see more . Living in San Diego , we are so lucky to have so many amazing venues both large and small like Mattress Firm Amphitheater or Valley View Casino Center ( which I thought was still called Sports Arena !) and intimate venues like House of Blues , Belly Up and Humphreys . My favorite part of listening to music live is how you really feel the music – when it literally moves right through you . The drums , the beat , the vocals . I am moved by the music . Jazzed up by the energy .
I was lucky enough to be able to write about San Diego native , Suzanne Gladstone this month . Suzanne is the female half of the music duo McGonigle and Gladstone . Their music is best described as “ a unique crossover style of Soul / Pop / Country / Folk with beautiful lyrics and a classy feel ”. Suzanne ’ s vocals are powerful and strong yet still a bit sultry and raspy giving her voice a deep texture that you could listen to over and over again ! She , along with the beautiful harmony of her partner Michael have mastered a sound worthy of the big stage and some serious radio time ( which I am sure is coming )!!!!
They can be seen live - entertaining throughout the year at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla , singing a variety of styles from the 50 ' s through today with a focus on classic songs sung by " Simon & Garfunkel ", " The Beatles " and " The Eagles ". Suzanne serenades with her unique renditions of songs by " Adele ", " Whitney Houston " and " Patsy Cline ."
So how did this magic happen ? Funny enough , they met through Facebook only a few short years ago in 2012 . The original plan was to learn some cover songs and play some shows to hone their craft together . As a writer since the age of 14 , after only a few practice sessions together , Suzanne made it clear she wanted to work on original music . Suzanne wrote a song called “ I Can ’ t Forget Your Name ” and Michael agreed to compose the music . After ironing out a melody and practicing , the song was soon completed . It was at that time , they both realized they had something special together . After only a couple more months , they had written 13 original songs , and were ready to go into the studio to complete them . A little over a year later they completed 5 original songs in a professional studio .
“ We feel our music is very unique and has a mix of eclectic-melancholy sounds with a hint of jazz , country , soul , folk that includes memorable melodies , catchy hooks , meaningful lyrics , and sweet harmonies mixed with piano , drums , bass and guitar . We both come from completely different backgrounds so our influences are all over the place .”
A little background on Suzanne : Suzanne grew up outside of San Diego in Lakeside . Music became a part of who she was at a young age from attending church with her large family of 9 siblings and grandparents . Through her siblings , she was exposed to a variety of musical styles and genres , which shaped her musical influence . Other than some singing lessons from one of the ladies from church at age 16 , and some “ stage ” experience singing Karaoke , Suzanne ’ s natural talent was finally