ANNIE Brazil is vibrant at 81.
Aannie Brazil, Philippine “Grand Lady of Jazz” and a lifetime achievement awardee of the US-based JazzPhil Society, stars in “How High the Moon,” a birth anniversary concert, on Oct. 6, 8 p.m. at Musica Bar in Greenhills.
What has been your most memorable gig so far?
There have been so many! In 1969, I sang with Duke Ellington in one of his shows in Bangkok. He picked me from the audience to sing while he played the piano. It was a dream come true!
Ellis Marsalis, father of Wynton Marsalis, also asked me to do a few songs with him during his concert in Manila—no rehearsals!
That led to so many wonderful opportunities. I was invited to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival in Baltimore, Maryland, where I collaborated with Nina Simone, the Bee Gees and Miles Davis.
But the one milestone I will never forget is when I became a lifetime achievement awardee of the JazzPhil Society in 2003. Being recognized by fellow musicians is something else!
How does it feel to be 81 and still performing?
I didn’t think I would reach this age due to the condition of my health but hey, look at me! I’ve never felt so alive. I’ve had ups and downs, and learned that the simple secret to a long life of contentment is to stay happy. I laugh a lot and it’s been good for both my body and my spirit.
Is there anything you still want to achieve in your life and career?
I just hope to never stop singing till my last breath, and continue to inspire
others.
(For tickets and reservations, call 5840051, 7051481 or 5518779. Musica Bar is at G-Strip, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City.)