A Force of Nature – Rock & Blues of Sari Schorr.
By Lena Yudina, for Coffee District Media.
When it comes to writing articles about singers like Sari Beth Schorr, I always wonder about the beginning of their careers. What was their path to becoming a female Rock & Blues singer in the overcrowded and artistically spoiled New York City? How did they get interested in having a music career? Did they have a music background, family, sponsors, or influences? Was New York City’s music life a bliss or a hardship for them? The creator of her album ‘A Force of Nature’, Sari partook on a journey that is exemplary and influential. In this article ‘A Force of Nature- Rock and Blues of Sari Schorr’ I will pinpoint the milestones of her career. I will also share about the inspirational style that she created by her hard working and dedication to music.
Sari’s Bio and More News on Entertainment in New York
My story about Sari widened from just retelling Sarri’s bio to paying tribute to the most famous underground music spots of New York City, particularly in the Lower Eastside of Manhattan. These arenas, stages, and music cafes became a starting point of the careers of well-known musicians. The list includes: Bob Dylan, Lana Del Ray, Jeff Buckley, Arcade Fire, and many others. Born and raised in New York, Sari couldn’t avoid digging in the underground music scenes of the city. A city that welcomed artists of all ages and backgrounds, like we would welcome old friends for a cup of Joe.
CREATIVITY IN Post COVID 19
Why do I bother writing on the topic? Well, it is mostly personal. And it is partly on demand. Sari had contacted me with her questions about the options and possibility of being featured. Besides, I love writing, reading, and promoting talented people. Reading feeds my mind, while writing gives me a chance to express my own thoughts, knowledge, and feelings. With that being said, I have a humble hope that perhaps, reading this article will influence beginners and acclaimed artists. It might encourage them to strive to create and work hard despite the challenge of creating arts in post-COVID 19.
Who is Sari Schorr?
Sari was born to an Air Force pilot and a fashion model, and she grew up in a musical environment. The songs of Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald accompanied her early years at home. It was usual for Sari to emulate her favorite singers. She memorized most of their lyrics, rhythms, and every nuance of phrasing of Billie and Ella while learning to sing from the masters. Perhaps the music and spellbinding lyrics of Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Janis Joplin, Billie and Ella, and this passion from her early age, founded a future Blues-Rock singer, the Sari that we now know.
Sari has no formal (academic) music education; however, she had classical voice training throughout high school and college. She was encouraged to pursue opera. But Sari was already committed to developing herself as a Blues singer and a songwriter. The incredible volume, timbre, and range of her voice (5 octaves), dedication to the Blues, Jazz, and Rock genres, and hard work made her famous. But how did things begin?
Underground Music and Talent Incubator Spots in NYC
At the beginning of her career, Sari performed with music bands that came out of the South Bronx, NYC. For a New Yorker, South Bronx is affiliated with a hardcore community of factory and hard labor workers mixed with small groups of the artistic intelligentsia. Back then, it was not so unusual to hear gunshots ring out between songs on the stages of the South Bronx. Sari also did a lot of gigs on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, at venues like CGBG’s and Arlene’s Grocery. “When I first started, there were shows when my band outnumbered the audience. But, you give your all and never forget, that no matter what, it’s a privilege to make music, ” as Sari said in her interview.
Caffe Vivaldi, CGBG, Arlene’s Grocery and more
Music spots like ‘CGBG’s’, bar ‘LunAtico’, Art Bar ‘Caffee Vivaldi’, and underground music venue like ‘Arlene’s Grocery’ are common hot spots for local and touring pros and indie musicians. Often you could find filmmakers, radio or label records producers of all kinds among their crowds. Many NYC music venues are attached to a restaurant or a bar, where the music and the bartending happen in the same space. Such restaurants and bars welcomed an impressive range of global jazz, blues, and rock stars and acts. The hyper-intimate space, mostly occupied by small café tables, offered delicious menu, tasty coffee, and first-come-first-served policy, makes for a truly unique neighborhood vibe. These classic listening room were quintessential for NYC’ talented musicians & artists sharing their stories & songs. Order a pot of Lavender Tea & honey, glass of Italian or French red wine, cheese plates or Gouda cheese fondue with fruits, or go with the Dark Chocolate Mousse, and listen, listen, play, sing, learn, and discuss.
Cultural and Music Vibe of the Lower East Side Manhattan
Why was it essential for Sari to perform at these venues? There were many reasons to do so; from getting experience in singing on stage to extending her repertoire, to meeting with excellent musicians. Meeting guitar players, drummers, producers, and other professionals in the entertainment industry. The vibe and the music interests of the members of the Lower Eastside community ranged widely. From listening to Led Zeppelin, Queen, Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Pink Floyd, Simone, Billie Holiday, Van Morrison, to playing music of Bela Bartok, Chopin and Rachmaninoff. Collecting the latest records in the contemporary pop, rock, and jazz was also included to the list. For many singers, performing in such spots played a significant role in their careers and intellectual growth.
Sari’ Success and Achievements
The challenging life of the performing musician can get tough from time to time, but 2017 was a successful year for Sari Schorr in Europe. She toured Great Britain, and she also made guest appearances at festivals such as the Steinegg Live Festival in Italy, and the Rother Blues Days in Germany. The debut of her albums, ‘A Force of Nature’ (2016) and ‘Never Say Never’ (2018), gained broad acceptance, positive reviews and were welcomed by her followers.
Even after she recorded her albums, extended her global touring schedule, and performed on stages such a Carnegie Hall, she still believed that making and sharing music on any stage was a great privilege. Let us remember that too. It is incredibly hard for a woman to prove her talents and that she can dare to Be… Whether in business, music, entertainment, banking or socio-economic fields, society tends to downsize and withdraw the effort, impact, and talents of many women.
New York Hall of Fame
Sari Schorr’s name was included in the “New York Blues Hall of Fame” list. And currently, she is one of the prominent female Blues singers that keeps Blues alive. Her touring schedule is extensive but slightly changing due to COVID-19. All of the updates and information about her music and work you can find by visiting her website: https://www.sarischorr.com
I thanked Sari, for our collaboration.
If you have a story about your music, career plans, or plans to share, please don’t hesitate to let me know. It will be my pleasure to talk with you and share your story with my Global Audience. Click here to reach out to me.
Sharing is caring! Please share this article with your friends and your Global Social Media audience.
