Next year is here!

Wishing you warmth, creativity and resilience in 2010.

I hope you all feel like THIS at this very moment!

Vicki

Here's the pitch!

Someone recently described the musical direction of my new album as "Erykah Badu and Bobby McFerrin channeling Mel Tormé, somewhere between Paris and Rio." Gotta love that!

Comments? Questions? Would love to know!

All the best,

Vicki

Now's the Time

Yes, a Parker blues I've been singing a lot lately, but also the feeling I have these days. It's all coming together: the new web site (victoriarummler.com), the new tunes (11!), the new quintet (guitar, keyboard, bass, drums and vocals), and various contacts with people in the business. It's a strange feeling of being on the brink of something big but needing that extra push to get there. Here's the deal: I want to connect with a label that has extensive international visibility, a booking agent, sponsor, and any possible venue for my music (performances, promotion, use in films/advertising). It's cool stuff; I want to share it!

Just felt like I had to put the word out there today. Feel free to respond, encourage and suggest!

Wishing you good things -

Vicki

Mattress Moments

Ah, summer in the south of Italy - the beach, the lilting language, the freshly prepared food, the...mattresses?! That's right. Imagine my surprise during a recent stint in that lovely boot-shaped country, when I was awakened by a garbled, poorly amplified voice bearing down on my dwelling. "Mattresses," the voice said, "one space, one and a half, even two spaces. Mattresses." The voice grew louder, then faded away. I rushed to the window just in time to see a large truck loaded with just that - mattresses - rounding the corner, its driver clutching the steering wheel in one hand and a megaphone in the other. Was I imagining things? True, life was stressful lately, but...

A few hours later another truck drove by, with a voice equally loud and equally deadpan: "Mattresses." So there was competition?! The drivers clearly didn't care if they sold any or not, but apparently they did; as the week went on, I got used to the occasional drone of the megaphones and started seeing mattresses - sprawled out on street corners, propped up against doorframes, peeking coquettishly out of giant trash bins - in short, everywhere I turned. Was it true, or was it me?

And wait 'til you hear about the scissor-sharpener!

Look out, Belgium!

Recently I had such a treat when three Belgian friends came to visit: one I already knew, and two new ones! For some reason, they decided I should perform in Belgium more often, and three weeks later it happened as if by magic! I can't thank Kathy enough for her hard work developing contacts and organizing concerts for me in that cozy, easy-going yet dynamic country just to the north. Here are two photos: from the sound check before the concert in Mons (Bergen) at the brand-new club "Le Point Jazz" (bisous Marc and Phil!) and with my super-lovely friend Kathy!

No bangles or beads please!

Strange realization the past week or so. I've always been pretty tidy and particular about my apartment, trying to save space whenever possible. But the other day I came home, looked around, and realized I have developed a fondness for - baubles! It's true, over the years friends/fans/students have given me small things, ranging from a doll made out of stones glued together, to a plastic blue sun in a dome filled with water and sparkles that swirl around prettily when you shake it (is there a word for those things? Anyone?) This is disconcerting, since each item is precious and I can't imagine getting rid of a single one. I never understood the little old ladies whose homes are filled with dust-collecting baubles, but it's quickly becoming apparent that I'm not just empathizing with these people, I'm emulating them! Aaaaa! Not sure whether to laugh or worry, so will choose the former.

Otherwise, for those who are keeping track, I've almost finished 9 out of 10 tunes for the new CD! It's been a long process, shaping the style and arrangements and really trying to make it as "me" as possible, but am really excited about the results!

Just for fun, here' s a recent photo by the very talented Gildas Boclé.

Happy Easter! Happy Spring!

Vicki

Ca y est !

...which means something like "I did it!" Now officially French, or Franco-American (think nationality, not SpaghettiOs) and feeling pretty darn happy about it. Had a heartfelt, random cocktail party the other night to celebrate, and received such gifts as a smelly camembert, a book on endangered French literary expressions, and a bouquet of blue, white and red flowers! Here's the distinguished head of the naturalization department handing over my shiny new passport and signed letter from Sarkozy.

Happy New Year to all!