JACQUI JEANNE INTERVIEW
Jacqui Jeanne Interview
By Al "The Limo Man"
JACQUI JEANNE began singing at age five in her hometown of Aurora, Illinois. By the time she was in her teens, Jacqui was performing regularly at school dances and parties around Chicago. At age 18 she had to make a choice: college or music. She chose college. Her course of study enabled her to continue with composing and producing over 150 songs during her four years in school. Once she graduated, she entered the medical field, still playing her music on the side. Now, Jacqui looks and feels ready for the big stage. She has two independently released full length albums as well as a filmed concept music video in her current list of credits. She is now in the midst of a move to L.A. that will enable her to finally let the world hear what she has been developing into her entire life.
RCN: So what was the main factor in causing you to pack up and leave Florida for L.A.?
Jacqui: The music scene down their is good, but I had achieved all that I could on the club circuit there. My video was aired all over the state on cable TV. My CD was in rotation in every club. I just wasn't feeling fulfilled as an artist.
RCN: So you pack up 20,000 pounds of furniture and recording equipment and move to L.A. Now what?
Jacqui: Well, I got a nomination for Best Performance by a National Act in the L.A. International Music Awards this year. I will get a chance to perform at the event along with a group of musicians that I feel are destined for success in this industry. Together, we have created a band so unique that we are going to really impress the industry with our originality.
RCN: The song you will be performing at the show is called "The Magic Plant." Is it about what I think it is?
Jacqui: First of all, cannabis sativa is the most pure form of medicine on the planet. I spent several years in the medical field working along side surgeons. There were many times that I would advise, not prescribe, but advise suffering patients to try a few hits of the Holy Herb to help remedy their pain. I got so fed up with medical establishment and their continual denial of this God given natural medication for the sick and dying patients who needed it. I needed to make a statement.
RCN: What is it that you hope to achieve with your move out here?
Jacqui: I am hoping that this most important of all cities in the world will help me promote this message to the rest of the world. Everything that the rest of the world sees and does pretty much begins right here. If the industry here will recognize the meaning in the song and help to promote it, then the move was worth it.
RCN: You have been here all of one week now. What are your initial impressions with the city and the local music scene?
Jacqui: To tell you the truth I am a bit overwhelmed at how wonderfully I have been treated. You always hear, especially in places like Florida, that L.A. is full of unfriendly assholes who don't care about anyone but themselves. I haven't met one person yet who fits that description. Every musician I have met has offered their time and talents to me. This is the greatest city on earth.
RCN: What clubs have you checked out since you've been here?
Jacqui: I have to tell you that the single greatest place to hang out in this city is The Rainbow Bar and Grill. For years I had seen the segue on The Tonight Show that shows The Rainbow and The Roxy from Sunset Blvd. Mario, Michael and Tony are the greatest. They make everyone feel like such a star. Luna Park is also wonderful. The food there is superb. I really liked the vibe over at LePetit Four as well. AS far as clubs go, I like that place called Scruffy O'Shea's. It has such a British ambience to it. Plus, the bands were all good there. I also enjoyed The House of Blues.
RCN: You mentioned earlier about your unique line up of musicians. Describe to our readers why you feel so good about them and what they offer to your sound.
Jacqui: Well, I have three guitarists. One of them is Mike Croce, nephew of the late Jim Croce. He is the image of his uncle, including the handle bar mustache and dark curly hair. His dad wrote nearly every tune that his Uncle Jim made famous. One of my other guitarists is a 19 year old phenom named Benny Prestige. He plays strictly slide on a steel faced Dobro guitar. Then there is William. He plays a double neck vintage Ibanez. He plays lead on 12 string. I also have one of the most talented harp players on the east coast. My bassist plays a Washburn. We have no drummer at the moment, just light percussion with congas.
RCN: Sounds different. Do you think that these guys are ready for the big time like you seem to be?
Jacqui: Most definitely. I feel very good about them. There is such a strong musical chemistry there. We will really surprise a lot of people.