An Interview with LookyLu! A busy summer, here’s a peak!

Artist Feature: Cynthia Downing Simmons: Lady Sings the Jazz

LookyLU had an opportunity to  sit down with famed Tulsa-based Jazz artist and musician, Cynthia Downing Simmons. This multifaceted artist let us into 5 minutes of what it’s like to be just Cyn. 

Ollie:  what feelings do jazz evoke, like what emotions?

Cynthia:  Emotions and feelings that jazz evokes: happiness, sassiness, sexiness, power, sensuality.

Ollie:  Now that you sing all the time, is jazz still as important as it was when you first became interested?

Cynthia:  yes! Probably more so because I am to perfect my craft.  There’s always so much more to learn.

Cynthia:  What is your absolute favorite song? I have lots of favorites depends on the mood I’m in and the genre I’m listening to.

Ollie:  What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about music since becoming the ultra diva performer that you are?

Cynthia:  Not to think of myself as an ultra diva performer. Just be me: on stage, in person, No matter what I do

Ollie: Oh But you are? Not diva bad, diva good!

Cynthia: I don’t think of myself as a diva. I’m a performer and I’m good. But there are so many people who are better. I always do MY best. Always be myself.

Ollie:  You wear many faces, one of them being a graduate school educated professional powerhouse?

Cynthia:  I’m just Cynthia…Yes I do. I’m an HR professional, a mother, a daughter, a friend, I have a master’s degree and an HR certification and I’m a girlfriend in addition to being a jazz singer.

Ollie:  You’re not busy at all. 

Cynthia:  But I’m still just Cyn who likes to sing, read books, and crochet when she can. Oh  and cook! Can’t forget that. LOL.

Ollie:  Crochet? It’s hard to imagine all of the sensuality that you possess on stage can be reduced to crocheting. 

Cynthia:  I’m crazy busy (Laughing)

Ollie:  Do you think you can draw a connection between food and singing, as in your relationship with both?

Cynthia: Sure, I often do both at the same time. By the way, the sensuality isn’t reduced when I crochet (Laughing). That made me laugh (laughing).

Ollie: Hahahahah! That made me laugh because I pictured you on stage in that stunning red dress sitting in a rocking chair crocheting with a mike in your hand. 

Cynthia:  Just make sure I’m showing plenty of leg!

Ollie:  In my daydream of you and yarn?

Cynthia: Yes! In that damn rocking chair.

Ollie:  Lots of leg…lots of red…lots of creaking. 

Cynthia:  Umm no creaking (Laughing)

Follow Cynthia’s blog:  https://cynsingsjazz.wordpress.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cynsignsjazz

Article used with permission from Looky Lu Magazine