UAE-based jazz musician Anita Williams is back with her bright orange curls, vintage style and a brand new track titled Big Blue Eyes.
Williams says the song is about the insecurities of being in a passionate and tumultuous relationship. It’s part of Williams’ upcoming album, due to drop in January.
Gulf News tabloid! finds out how it came to be, and whether or not Williams was always made for this unpredictable life of jazz.
How did the idea of Big Blue Eyes come to you, and what is the song about?
To be very honest, it was a complete surprise to me. I had never written a lyric before and when the words merged with the music, it was beautiful. I realised I was reliving a previous situation in my life through this song. The song addresses insecurities of a very passionate relationship, surrounded by jealousy, lies and obsession.
How do you usually work — lyrics inspire the melody, or melody inspires the lyrics?
Melody inspires the lyrics. I have a very musical ear and I hear everything.
Do you come from a musical family?
Yes, I do, but a very different genre of music. My two brothers and a sister are traditional Irish musicians; my eldest brother is a full-time musician and plays the bagpipes, flute, and bodhran [a drum]. I fell in love with jazz and left the family tradition.
What were you like when you were a child? Were you a studious pupil?
I was a total tomboy, always looking for adventure and very good at creating my own. I used to put on weekly shows for all our neighbours. I laugh at these memories now. I was every teacher’s nightmare at school. [I] was not at all interested in anything academic, but I loved music and art. I went to drama school very young — six years old — and my path was paved.
You’ve always had a distinct fashion sense and signature bright curls. Does your style mirror your music and personality?
I have always had a passion for vintage fashion. I loved the days when everyone wore hats and gloves; we lost an era of class and style. My hair and my hats have become my signature style, which reflect my music.
Advice to budding jazz musicians in the UAE?
UAE is a cosmopolitan city and honestly we need more jazz here. If we are to build a jazz circuit and performers, everyone has to come together: venues, sponsors, industry and the community. Jazz is one of the most complex of genres and it requires hours of rehearsals and honing the technique. Improvisation is a big part of performing but this takes time to develop. If you have the jazz bug, go with it, give it your 100 per cent and own it.
What’s next for you?
My dream is to perform at major jazz festivals around the world; get a chance to share my voice and the new album to [an] international audience. Most importantly I want to keep the brilliant works of Billie Holiday, Peggy lee, Nina Simone alive, let those not familiar of jazz legends hear them through my performances. That’s my plan.
———————
Check it out!
Anita Williams’ new track Big Blue Eyes is out on her official YouTube channel.
