How did this new album and overall concept for it come about, and what are your ultimate goals with it?

This album was born out of my previous release Smile. We included a bonus track which was a Spanish translation of Smile called Sonríe. It was so well received that everyone encouraged me to do an all-Spanish album. Since my husband and I live in Miami, it was a natural transition for me because I love Latin music and singing in foreign languages.

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of recording a new album?

The most challenging aspect of recording this particular new album had to do with making sure that I sang the Spanish lyrics properly. I not only wanted to have the appropriate emotion involved with the song but, most importantly, I wanted to make sure that I pronounced all the syllables correctly.

Who would you say has been the single biggest influence in your life in getting you to where you are now in your career?

No doubt the legendary vibraphonist, Lionel Hampton because he took me under his wing and taught me many valuable lessons like be honest and always sing from the heart and make sure to choose music that the audience wants to hear.

How would you describe what inspires you to do what you do?

I’m inspired to do what I do because I love making people happy with my music.

What’s your favorite non-music activity?

My favorite non-music activity is to travel with my husband to as many places in the world as we can, while we can.

What would be the most important piece of advice you’d impart to a young musician just starting out in the jazz/smooth jazz arena?

I encourage a young musician to always be true to yourself, do music because you love and are passionate about it and as Lionel Hampton said to me, “sing from the heart.”