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The Show

On My Way to Now Ad Feature Short

THE SHOW

On my way to now…

Think of ON MY WAY TO NOW as The Great American Songbook Re-Imagined.

I grew up listening to the music my parents listened to – the songs of George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Cole Porter – or what folks refer to as the “standards” in the Great American Songbook….. As a jazz singer, I have made a career of singing countless songs from that great music collection; songs like Over the Rainbow, for example. That song was written in 1939 and is still considered one of the most recognizable and beloved songs ever written. It’s timeless, and that’s what makes a song a standard — its ability to resonate in people’s lives decades and even generations after it was written. Still, having lived many years on the planet, raised three children of my own who now have children of their own, I realize that the songs that provided the soundtrack to my life growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, have become the “new standards” for this generation. ON MY WAY TO NOW celebrates the “standards” both old and new that are special to me, songs that have touched my heart, inspired me — each one representing an important milestone of my personal journey ON MY WAY TO NOW.

This show is mine.

THE ORCHESTRATOR/ARRANGER

BOH COOPER

I met Boh Cooper through a mutual friend in September 2018; we both felt that fate brought us together. It has been a joy working with this talented man. His arrangements are lush and interesting and bring new life to the songs I have been singing for years. His gift is writing beautiful orchestrations that not only allow me to soar, but also highlight the virtuosity and musicality of my amazing band, led by Bobby Jones, a renowned jazz keyboardist and my musical director since 1997.

"What a joy to be part of Colleen’s musical landscape as arranger! She is a captivating song stylist with a delightful, rich alto voice, reminiscent of so many great jazz and pop legends."
Boh Cooper
Orchestrator, songwriter, arranger, and musical director for David Foster and Peter Cetera

REVIEWS

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“Colleen Williams is the real deal. Her silky voice and soulful singing connect with audiences and musicians alike. She has a way of channeling the great singers of the past and making their songs sound new and fresh. I love making music with her.”
ROBERT FRANZ
Music Director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra & Associate Conductor of the Houston Symphony

"

“I had the great pleasure of performing with Ms. Colleen Williams and the Buffalo Philharmonic recently. Ms. Williams is an inspiration. Her affection for the music, sense of rhythm, and flexible vocal technique lent themselves exceptionally well to our program. The orchestra and I truly enjoyed working with her. Can’t wait to hear her new show, ON MY WAY TO NOW.”
Stefan Sanders
Music Director & Conductor of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra & Spartanburg Philharmonic

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“Colleen and I have been working together since 1998. Over the years, she has performed as the vocalist for my big band and symphony shows: Like Benny to Me - A Tribute to Benny Goodman, The Music of Artie Shaw, and The Music of the American Songbook, performed both with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and The Virginia Symphony. Her vocal range, wonderful phrasing, and charming stage presence always add luster to my shows. I’m excited for her in this new chapter of her musical journey.”
Salvatore Andolina
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

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“Colleen’s voice is captivating. Her singing comes straight from the soul.”
Bobby Militello
Dave Brubeck Quartet

The program

Orchestrations

Someone to Watch Over Me (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin)

Funny Valentine (Lorenz Hart/Richard Rogers)

I Don’t Know Enough about You (Peggy Lee/Dave Barbour)

When October Goes/Autumn Leaves (Barry Manilow/Johnny Mercer)

Yesterday I Heard the Rain (Armando Manzanero/Gene Lees)

Waters of March (Antonio Carlos Jobim)

Can We Still Be Friends (Todd Rundgren)

On My Way to You (Michel Legrand/Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman)

What Matters Most (Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, & Dave Grusin)

Blue Skies/Happy Days Are Here Again (Irving Berlin/Rodolphe Green: Milton Ager/Ken Welch/Mitzi Welch)

Colleen & Her Trio

New York State of Mind (Billy Joel) 

I Love Being Here with You (Bob Schluger/Peggy Lee)

Maybe You’ll Be There (Rube Bloom/Sammy Gallop) 

No More Blues (Antonio Carlos Jobim)

Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me (Duke Ellington)

Blame It on My Youth (Oscar Levant)

 

Audio & Video Samples

Can We Still Be Friends - Studio Version​

Todd Rundgren​

Call Me Irresponsible

Cahn/VanHeusen

Funny Valentine

Hart/Rogers

Booking INfo

The band and I look forward to bringing ON MY WAY TO NOW to your city.

CONTACT MY AGENT

Diane Ireland

Focus 4 Booking
Colorado Springs, CO