So here it is, August, the month of my birth. I am experiencing a rebirth of sorts: shedding skin, bringing forth the latest version of me (in my fifth decade on Earth). Redefining myself as an artist during challenging times, especially now (perhaps every artist of every era says “especially now”). Sometimes all I feel is struggle; other times I feel exquisite flow, my body moving in time with the music in my soul.

Did you know I teach an exercise class for seniors? We sing, we dance, we punch the air to the Rocky movie theme (which is, incidentally, how I ended up with Rocky Balboa in one of my songs). I am their leader, their teacher – but they are really teaching me every week. They remind me to be playful, to interact, to MOVE!

Spring was a challenging transition for me – too much movement I suppose, with everything bursting forth at such volume. My new album release party was a smash. I’m so grateful to all who participated (my ten-piece band) and all those to came to listen. THANK YOU.

A few days later I flew to D.C. and wrote songs with/performed for hundreds of school children with my dear friend Mare. We had great fun on our mini whirlwind tour.

When I returned home, I was well worn out. At a time when I should’ve been ramping up, I simply retreated. I kept Facebook and email interactions to a bare minimum, and cocooned myself in a marathon Marie Kondo style tidying.

Other than singing with my students, I haven’t performed publicly since May. And that’s ok! I do feel like I am still on the ball, since two of my songs made it onto a pregame playlist at the SF Giants games. How exciting!

What happens next? First things first, I’m flying to Colorado to sing in a silo. Yep, the famous Tank Center for Sonic Arts – haven’t you heard? It’s a silo tank with marvelous acoustics. My friend is flying me out to record there on my birthday, August 24. I suspect this is where I’ll be emerging from the cocoon. Perhaps I’ll sound like a bee buzzing in the hive. Can’t wait to share tales of that experience with you.

In the meantime, check out what I’ve been up to in the past couple of months – working on a brand new website with gorgeous photos from Mike Lloyd Photography. Mike has a knack for making the person in front of his camera feel like a beautiful butterfly.

Speaking of being a poser, I asked Mike to take some yoga shots of me as well. This summer I’m celebrating my new status with IAYT, the International Association of Yoga Therapists. There’s a dedicated page on my website to tell you more about it.

Please kick the tires on my new site – I’d love to know what you think. There’s a new built-in player and a videos page. I want to give you more of what you want, so please tell me what you’d like to see. I welcome all comments and suggestions.

Wishing you love and new beginnings, especially now. 😘

Haven’t had a chance to get the new album yet? Go here to check it out.

“I am only human can’t you see
and I don’t have to leave
I break the mold
and here I hold
I hold, I hold, I hold”

excerpt from the new album, Atmospheric Epic

Olivia Newton-John has my back. Not that we’ve ever met, but I know that she would approve of what I’m doing. And the kid in me is hopelessly devoted to that beautiful, squeaky-clean blonde with the voice of an angel.

I associate ONJ with Grease, Xanadu and Let’s Get Physical. These sounds of my childhood bring me back to a certain time, place, even trigger smells of my past in a way that only songs can do. I love that about music!

The other day I was delighted to hear Olivia speak on the radio with two fellow songwriters about their new grief project, LIV ON. I recognized one of the others, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and her powerfully moving song, Sand and Water, about the death of her husband.

That also brought me back in time to the day when Beth performed this song for me and fellow Berklee students when we visited Nashville. Inspiring moments like these are what led me to move to Music City after graduation.

So here I am in my kitchen, 12 years later, getting tingles listening to this same song while chopping up vegetables for dinner. I find it such an indulgent treat to spend an hour listening to people talk about their creative passions. It doesn’t matter if I’ve ever heard of them before, it doesn’t matter if their style or subject matter is unfamiliar. I am always inspired and invigorated by the boldness of their vision.

Let me take a moment to rave about this radio program called Art of the Song. Each show is a gift – like the one I just heard – deftly carved out by hosts John Dillon and Viv Nesbitt. John and Viv have dedicated their lives to boosting the creative spirit; in fact, they have begun a collective called The Standing “O” Project to help musicians thrive through community-based support.

Do yourself a favor and honor their work by signing up for the free trial. You will love the experience of it.

Listen to as many shows as you like (over 200 Art of the Song interviews) – some from famous stars who have well-worn grooves in your mind, and others like me who are friends you’ve yet to meet. If you become a subscriber (for a small monthly fee), you’ll continue to feel the joy of this unique platform of engaging with artists and their treasured stories.

I’m spreading the word because I really want this to succeed. All creative doers deserve to be supported. We help each other thrive and survive in this world.

As for me, just like Olivia Newton-John, I have my own song about grief. Inspired by the death of Robin Williams and the communal mourning that followed, it’s also influenced by old Appalachian songs about life and death that were passed down from generation to generation. Songs about grief are often about community and that’s a good thing. We help each other through it. That’s why I write.

Listen now to Eve’s song, So Many Tears Must Fall

Live in SF? Come see me perform my original songs TONIGHT with Steven Strauss at the Bazaar Cafe.

Or hear my live performance and interview on Art of the Song Creativity Radio.

Come celebrate Eve Fleishman’s new album, Atmospheric Epic

***TWO WAYS TO WATCH:  IN PERSON AND ONLINE***

With a nod to Walt Whitman’s American epic poem, Eve’s songs and stories relate to a sense of place, reflecting her transition from Nashville to San Francisco.

Eve’s jazz-tinged, retro pop is beautifully beguiling. Her accompanying musicians create their own artistic “atmospheric” expression – the songs are dreamy, wistful, even playful.

RSVP for Eve Fleishman’s Atmospheric Epic Live Show on Saturday, March 25, 2017

$15 in advance/$20 at the door
Doors 7 pm, Show 7:30 pm
Opening act: Justin Seagrave (www.justinseagrave.com)
Location: Monument (140 9th Street @ Mission and Howard) in San Francisco
Full bar (no food service). Bring extra $$ to buy an autographed copy of Atmospheric Epic!

For those outside the Bay Area, watch the live streaming concert on Concert Window.

I’m thrilled to show you the finished album and announce that Atmospheric Epic is now out there in the world. Thanks so much to everyone who supported my pre-order. What a boost you have given me!

I couldn’t be happier with the sound and look of this album. The cover art (an actual painting which I now own) is by Hilary Williams. It perfectly captures the feel of this project. The accompanying musicians create their own artistic “atmospheric” expression – the songs are dreamy, wistful, even playful. Just like me, right? 😘

I’m still “emerging from the cocoon” with this new project – stay tuned for an updated website design with gorgeous new photos from Mike Lloyd Photography. Tour dates are also in the works – an album release party here in SF, as well as some east coast adventures next month. If you’re nearby, come see me perform a few tunes at the Fog City Songwriters event this week.

Might I also suggest this: my recent assignment (aka PledgeMusic reward) to make a cover song video. Thanks to this request from fan Tim Kirwin, here’s my acapella rendition of Mad World.

Whether near or far, I’d love to hear what you think of the new record. I hope it brings you moments of peace and joy in this mad world.

Get the new album today: Atmospheric Epic is available on CDBaby, iTunes and all major outlets. Thank you for supporting independent music! Buy Now

Pre-order for my new album, Atmospheric Epic, now on PledgeMusic!

Riding the wave of a “viral” post on Facebook, I’m encouraged by the 33,000 strangers who watched my video. If only I could lead them to my new album! I rely on you, my true fans, to help me get the word out. Your pre-order makes all the difference.

Where am I exactly? After chasing jazz ghosts in NYC, I flew to Nashville to begin recording with a stellar cast of jazz musicians who are very much alive and kicking. Under the helm of trusted friend and producer, Daniel Dennis at Prime Cut Studio (Peace or Drama), we carved our way through these new songs. “Your sound has matured,” he said. I agree.

Back in San Francisco, I recorded the amazing Steven Strauss on ukulele and am still working out some of the vocal parts. Though there is plenty left to do, this cross-country endeavor is well underway – my own American epic poem. And I cannot wait for you to hear it!

This PledgeMusic launch allows me to bring it to you first. All pledgers receive a digital download of the new album (once released) and the AccessPass – updates about the album’s progress, personal song demos, videos and more. You can also buy special items, like a signed copy of the CD, a spot for your name in the liner notes, even fine artwork from my Peace or Drama project signed/numbered by Hilary Williams.

Did I mention Hilary Williams has agreed to do the cover art for the new album? Whaaaat? Ack, I am so excited!!! Can you tell?

Pre-order creates an early buzz and increases shares about my album. Because of you, I get to bring this new music to life. Thank you for being my world!

PRE-ORDER NOW (CLICK BELOW)

Tonight I perform with two special ladies who were strangers to me only a couple of weeks ago. I entered the “Rock Lotto” just for fun – a musicians’ lottery where eight bands are formed by drawing names out of a hat. Our assignment: to come up with 10 minutes of original material to perform live.

In addition to working the old noodle, I’ve made two new friends and am inspired by their passion and devotion. Clara Bellino and Omi Bahari both have such positive energy – so much so that we started dancing and singing about bluebirds in the sky! Here’s a verse from our new bluebird song:

Nest in the tree of life
Have gratitude for sunshine
Be inspired by the light
Dance with the colors in the sky

Excited for tonight (details here if you’re in San Francisco). I’m also excited to fly to Nashville next month to begin recording a new album at Prime Cut Studio. Yes, it’s true. Pinch me, please! Looking forward to working with old friends and welcoming new strangers – in the form of brilliant Nashville players – to add their talents to my songs.

Feeling so much love in community right now, which is hard for an introvert like me. Sometimes I have to force myself to share. Alone time has its merits, of course, but I’m always amazed at what comes from a beautiful collaboration. Makes me feel lighter. And it’s fun!

So I invite you to get yourself out there. Make a new friend today and see what blooms! Drop me a line and let me know who inspires you. I’m doing a happy dance right now just thinking about friends I hold dear and friends I’ve yet to meet. Will you join me?

The weather has been so lovely here in San Francisco this week. I’ve got a spring in my step and an earful of tunes keeping me thrumming and humming along.

Soon I’ll fly to the east coast; perhaps I’ll see you there? This Sunday I perform at Andrea Clearfield’s Salon – a very special evening in a private home in downtown Philadelphia. Here is a brief description of the locale:

“The bones of the house may date to the 1780s. The huge attic, created when three row houses were combined, probably housed a painter’s studio. Over the years, it served as home to an art school, a party room for Mummers, and a studio for a Philadelphia Orchestra cellist.” Read more

I performed here a few years ago on my Peace or Drama music and art tour. What a thrill to share songs and paintings in this treasured spot! My pianist friend, Joseph S. Smith and I will return to perform the song we wrote together back when we were classmates at Berklee College of Music. The ghost of Van Gogh will be joining us.

We’ll also be channeling the ghost of Blossom Dearie, jazz singer/piano diva divine from the 50s-60s and beyond. On Monday I’ll head to New York City to research where Blossom lived and worked for decades (as I’m writing a show about her and the NYC jazz scene). Meet me on what would’ve been her 92nd birthday (April 28) at the historic Village Vanguard, where she traded sets with Miles Davis.

Last week I led a phone interview with fellow jazzer, Bob Dorough, who is still gigging in NYC at age 92.  Bob wrote/sang most of the Schoolhouse Rock songs from the 70s. He hired his friend Blossom Dearie to sing Figure Eight after the animator said, “We need a little girl’s voice for this one.”

So even if you don’t know her name, you’ll probably recognize her distinctive voice. I’ve been uncovering hidden gems from her early days on the Verve Records label. More to come on this, but I’ll leave you with one of my current faves – one I can’t help singing as I walk down these sunlit city streets. Let’s hope the balmy weather follows me east!

One favorite movie song per decade, from the 1920s to the 2000s.

Just in time for the Oscars, we are doing a special theme for our next Concert Window performance on Wednesday, February 24 at 5:30 PST/8:30 EST. This is a live online show – pay what you want, watch it from anywhere. A lightening round of music in about 30 minutes; buy your tickets ahead and log on early so you won’t miss a beat!

Curious to see what we pick? Send us your favorite movie song, and if it ends up on our list you win a prize. We’ll also have an interactive contest during the show – the first person to correctly name the movie corresponding to the song (without using Google) will win a prize. This is gonna be fun!

Speaking of contests, I’ve been entering a lot of them lately. Get a sneak peek at the video submissions for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest and the American Musicians Abroad program below. Hope it inspires you to join us a week from tonight – from my living room to yours! Cheers!

My interview with Art of the Song (recorded in Albuquerque back in October) airs on radio stations nationally this week! In this full-hour show, inquiring minds can find out why….

1. I’m throwing imaginary bricks at people in Nashville
2. I’m sketching wads of gum at the bus stop in San Francisco
3. I’m seeking over-caffeinated artists at 8 o’clock in the morning

You may think I like the sound of my own voice. Yes and no. I like hearing my voice when it best conveys my true self, whether singing or speaking. Yet I cringe at the vulnerable spots – I’m not Supergirl. Sometimes my voice cracks, I sound insecure or I say the wrong thing.

I suppose those moments are as true as any other. I may make a joke (or sing a note) that falls flat. Maybe you – as a friend or a stranger – will love me more for that vulnerability. Or not. I create, I communicate. Perhaps I make something that helps you feel the light.

Isn’t that why we share? I’ll bring you a cup of sugar. Or some extra veggies from the garden. Make something. Show me what you’ve got.

Right now, I’ve got this: a wonderful gift from the folks at Art of the Song and The Standing “O” Project, showing me an interpretation of my true self. My stories, my songs (new and old) remind me of all the people who have supported me on this creativity journey. Thanks for helping me communicate.

Hope you’ll carve out some time to listen – while chopping vegetables, sitting by the fire or dancing around the room. Here’s how:

• If you’re already a Standing “O” fan, just click here. Or sign up for a free 10-day trial.
• Fans can also listen to the show on one of the Art of the Song stations this week, January 25-31; or on the AOTS website, February 1-7.
  

May your days be merry and bright. Sending love,

Need a gift? Buy music on CD Baby and iTunes. Autographed CDs and art books available – just give me a shout!