Rediscovering the Talents and Gifts of Inspirational Musician Gigi Worth

For a long time now, too long in fact, vocalist and musician Gigi Worth has been content to reside on the other side of the spotlight, but no longer. It’s most fitting for her to be seen and known by more than just the vast community of Grammy-winning multiplatinum recording artists and concert headliners who call on her to tour with them or sing on their records.

Now, you already actually know Gigi, at least her voice, very well in fact. Even if you don’t get to many live concerts, you’ll instantly recognize the standout style of the charming brunette, who graces numerous videos on YouTube as a featured backing vocalist, master percussionist or guitarist.

You might have seen her on tour with Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, or years ago when she stepped forward on tour to sing a duet with Christopher Cross on “Open Up My Window.” Gigi is also featured singing with him on Cross’ 1995 CD, “Window.”

Or you’ve possibly watched Gigi playing killer percussion while singing. Yes, drummers can sing and drum at the same time, well many of them at least. Or, sometimes Gigi just brings her own (anonymous) guitar brilliance to support Christopher Cross’ angelic “Words of Wisdom” as in this video.

Ever watch Don Johnson in “Nash Bridges”? From 1996–2000, Gigi was the one singing the theme song at the show’s opening. Remember the Val Kilmer movie, “At First Sight”? The exceptional vocal on the movie theme, “Love is Where You Are” is indeed all Gigi. Others have covered the song, but the best version belongs to Gigi, unquestionably.

The soundtrack from “Mr. Holland’s Opus” also belongs to Gigi. She’s a prolific studio singer who’s been requested by so many heralded artists to sing on their records as she makes those vocals “hers.” That’s a producer’s dream to find a talent who can do that.

You know Worth’s voice even if you can’t see her, because it is “her” voice that undergirds many signature premier television and radio commercial jingles for national accounts like Toyota, IBM, and Ford, but it doesn’t even phase her. What’s more you’ll never hear her discuss it. She may speak of “working on a project” but that’s it, according to friends who know her well.

How many singers would just love being “the voice of a brand” and then be so excited to tell everyone they knew? Not Gigi. That’s part of her professionalism, though. As a working professional singer and musician, she’d almost be content to be on the sidelines just doing her job, but she really belongs out front in the spotlight, for a change, and from the looks of things, she’s on her way. Once you meet her and hear her sing, unplugged, she’s absolutely unforgettable—a gentle dichotomy of bold reticence. And just call her Gigi. That’s really all you need to identify her.

One of the most beautiful songs from Gigi Worth's solo CD, "Skylark" is "Embraceable You." Her exquisite vocals lift the song to a new level of beauty.

Gigi’s debut solo CD, “Skylark” is quite the masterpiece and revisits the most beautiful standards ever recorded by the generation that preceded her. Songs like ‘Tenderly,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Almost Like Being in Love,” “Embraceable You,” and “Moonlight in Vermont” belong to the generation of her mother, the exquisite singer and musician Gisele MacKenzie. In fact, Gigi actually recorded the album as a tribute to her mother, who appeared on television, radio, and in commercials for products in Canada and the United States.

A standout, must-hear track of all the beautiful ones, is “Stranger in Paradise,” on which Sony BMG gave their permission to use her mother’s version so that Gigi could add her harmonies on the song. The result is simply phenomenal, almost bringing tears to your eyes except that it’s so uplifting to hear the familial voices resplendent in crossing over time and space.

Gigi’s unique vocal skills remind you that one minute she can be singing “Cry Me a River,” and the next minute she can strum her guitar exactly like Joni does and sing Mitchell’s “Just Like This Train” to perfection. Her go-to bassist Steven Lawrence is on this CD and did the musical arrangement on “Embraceable You” and “Let’s Make a Go of It” (coauthored by Gigi, Catherine Beck and Steven Lawrence).

The CD, “Skylark,” has a special and poignant story behind it, and how it came to be released some ten years ago. There’s a beautiful story from 2011 shared by Susan Frances in “Jazz Review,” wherein Gigi relates how the earliest works in recording the album with her Executive Producer, arranger and keyboardist, Bobby Zee, were literally destroyed in a fire that burned his home and recording studio.

Imagine the feelings of devastation that followed. And yet, both Zee and Gigi agreed they, like the phoenix, would rise from the proverbial ashes and start over. The end result is outstanding and an important must-have for your collection. It’s available from CD Baby, but suggest you get the CD rather than the download as you will want to read the liner notes for the stories behind the songs, plus have the chance to see Gigi’s beloved horse, Miss Easy Street.

The opportunity to meet Gigi Worth came, thanks to her good friend and fellow musician, Kiki Ebsen, who invited this journalist for a behind-the-scenes look at their collaborative band, Trouble Child. Rehearsals were in progress, and the set list was taking shape for the band’s debut at Kiki’s peace.harmony concert at the Healing Equine Ranch earlier this year.

Gigi Worth sings "Free Man in Paris" in debut of Trouble Child, Joni Mitchell tribute concert.

It was a cool but sunny afternoon when the longstanding friends arrived simultaneously at the California home of fellow singer-songwriter and music professional, Guy Thomas. As Gigi unlocked the passenger door, a beautiful whippet named Tippy exited gracefully. “Tippy Whippetsworth” was there as I was, to hear the trio rehearse.

Multitalented musician Gigi Worth and her beloved Tippy Whippetsworth, who has an all-access pass and a great view of the stage.

Worth opened up her case, took out her guitar and then placed her coat inside to line the case. Tippy waited patiently while Mom did that and then curled right up in the case and Gigi covered her up. Rehearsal could begin. Thomas’ dogs Woofie and Sadie (whom Gigi insists on calling ‘Cabbagehead’ for fun) took their places and work began. Guy and Gigi have been playing music as a duo in many venues across Los Angeles recently and they work so well together.

Gigi and Kiki are longtime friends who have also worked together as the beautiful, talented bookends framing the stage with Grammy-winner Christopher Cross for several international tours. Check out some of their tour work as they perform “Alibi.”

Now, in previous rehearsals Kiki and Gigi had already carefully reviewed and considered Joni’s abundant catalog to choose 22 songs from which they would create their musical mosaic. So, this work session would determine which songs to which Guy would be bringing his brilliant guitar solos or adding in a third voice on harmonies. He loves Joni Mitchell’s songs possibly even more than Gigi or Kiki, though that’s a pretty high bar to meet.

Let’s just say that each is equivalently versed in every nuance of Mitchell’s collective body of work. The masters working on the masterworks is basically what was observed by this writer (and Tippy, Sadie, and Woofie). The quality was exceptional and the search for perfection was inspirational that afternoon.

The three-octave range that Joni had as she originally composed so many of these songs was met effortlessly by Worth and Ebsen. Give them a song, any song; they have it down. Gigi can sing brilliantly and richly in the highest parts of Joni’s songs, or she can shift right into alto parts and blend wherever it is called for, and she makes it all look easy. Gigi also has a grand time playing all the songs she knows by virtually any artist.

Yet, despite a disarming, genuine smile, Gigi is one of the most highly demanding artists you’d ever hope to meet. Yet, it’s only of herself that she demands it, that perfection she seeks to deliver, and she’s hard on herself at times because she won’t settle when she’s called upon to sing Joni’s songs. It’s touching to see how one amazing iconic talent, Joni, has inspired such devotion and discipline for these amazing professionals to “bring it” to do her music such justice.

Kiki and Gigi cofounded this band to honor and perform the music of Joni Mitchell, whom they revere and respect as iconic, influential, trendsetting and unique, the exact same properties many agree they each have as individual artists. When you put the two singers together, musical magic and harmonies emerged that even Mitchell herself would undoubtedly approve.

The concert was already sold out, but online viewing was going to be provided courtesy of the exciting new collaborative, Alert the Globe, who was filming the event for later broadcast and for some exciting simulcasting. The actual concert day and events preceding the concert are described in related articles regarding Kiki Ebsen's peace.harmony concert series at The Healing Equine Ranch.

After the gift of being able to watch Gigi Worth rehearse and later perform in concert later in the week it must be said that she still does not see what all the fuss is about. To her, it’s just what she does. And she loves what she does. Yet, when the audiences and her music colleagues shared their praise and regard for her gifts, she seemed not to understand why they were making such a big fuss over her vocal talents.

It’s likely because, and they all had this in common, they view their voices as their gifts and instruments, they take care of them, and when they are called upon to use their talents to entertain, they are entirely focused on the work, the music, the perfection in delivering the right notes, and they forget to take the time to hear the accolades.

Fortunately, the Alert the Globe network was on hand, thanks to Gary Bergeson, Southern California radio personality at KSBR Radio (he is also affiliated with Alert the Globe), the premiere Trouble Child concert was filmed for a future broadcast and some video clips are sure to emerge. It will be then, and only then, when she hears herself sing that Gigi Worth will finally understand what all the fuss is about.

Speaking of making a fuss, it can be a challenge for Gigi, having a famous, superbly talented mother (who was a television star, host of her own shows, plus a gifted violinist and concert-caliber pianist to boot). Just ask her good friend Kiki Ebsen, who also is finally being seen as the individual talent she has long been, separate and apart from her father (who was a television star, motion picture actor, vaudeville dancer, music composer and artist) and mother (who was a gifted theatre producer and exquisite writer).

Bassist Steven Lawrence had that in common also, as his parents were well known California studio and television singers for several television programs in the 1960s. And Gisele used to favor Steve with the praise by introducing him as “the talented one.” Gigi jokes about it all the time as Lawrence is like her second brother and he does look out for his little sister, whom he fondly calls “My Geege.” Steven lost his sister, Jules, whom he called “the joy of my life,” to ovarian cancer far too soon, so it would appear that into that void in his heart, he was gifted with another soul to whom he could be brother (and allowed to pick on her just like any annoying brother is capable of doing). Life is full of grand gifts and surprises in times of the most tragic events. A special spirit is everywhere it is needed, it seems.

It’s not about whose daughter or son you are (anymore) that defines the second-generation progeny first and best. Forget their last names or the body of work of their parents. Instead, focus on the voices and faces in front of you and just know they all had great examples by which to develop a professional work ethic. That’s their big secret advantage: they show up prepared and work.

You can call her Gigi MacKenzie if you want to order the CD, “Skylark” or you can call her Gigi Worth, when she’s touring on stage with the Grammy winners like Michael McDonald or Kenny Loggins most recently. But really, this down-to-earth talent with the ethereal voice and tremendous sense of rhythm is best known by only one name.

She’s the unforgettable artist with a voice that heals by creating harmony in a time and place for audiences in search of reasons to forget their day, their past disappointments or failures, and in search of beautiful music by which their souls can simply be healed.

May her voice be heard, now and always, on records and in concerts, in the front of the stage this time, because she has such tremendous gifts to share, so much to offer music lovers. And, you can just call her Gigi.

‘Tuscany Unplugged’: Clifford Bell, Tiffany Bailey bring Cabarabia to San Diego

Clifford Bell is a man on a mission, and that mission is to show audiences how cabaret entertainment and jazz vocals go together so well. He has coined his own term for the blend, called “Cabarabia,” and to pronounce it correctly, think “Lawrence of Cabaret (Arabia),” and then it flows. In the world that is Cabaret, you find Bell. And on Sunday night, you will find Clifford Bell, Tiffany Bailey, Marsha Bartenetti, and Errolyn Healy in concert in “Tuscany Unplugged,” Sunday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., at Tuscany Italian Restaurant, in Carlsbad, California. Tim Moore is producing the evening with Justin Gray on piano, serving as music director. In a recent interview for examiner.com, Bell shared more about the evening ahead. As a veteran producer of entertainment and music shows for California, Bell began his music journey in San Diego, before concentrating primarily on Los Angeles and New York venues, and all parts in between. In a recent conversation, Bell said he’s really looking forward to returning to his old college town, and he’s very excited that he’s sharing a stage with Tiffany Bailey, one of his newest friends and music.

Here's an example of one of Clifford Bell's Cabarabia evenings with Kiki Ebesn as guest, singing "You Don't Know What Love Is". Written by Don Raye (lyrics) and Gene de Paul (music) As featured in Kiki Ebsen's show, "To Dad, With Love: A Tribute to Buddy Ebsen")

Clifford’s credits include a host of quality entertainers he has either “directed, produced, or booked,” and of course it’s impressive. Many may remember Bell as a regular producer/director of shows at the famed Cinegrill at the Hollywood Roosevelt, Catalina Jazz Club, Café Carlyle, and The Oak Room at the Algonquin. Yet, one of his highest and best gifts is spotting extraordinary music talent in performers and finding showcases to introduce them to larger audiences.

And so it is with the lovely chanteuse, Tiffany Bailey. How the serendipitous world of jazz works, at least for Bell, is that one person is a catalyst and brings together complete strangers and in an evening of entertainment showcases, creates a group of new friends who share and bring out the best in each other by virtue of their association. How this evening began, then, was months ago, as Clifford joined forces with the acclaimed and respected singer and vocal workshop leader, Cathy Segal-Garcia, based in Los Angeles.

Bell said, “Cathy is so well respected for spotting singers with original styles, and she encourages them to continue to develop those styles as performance signatures.” Meeting Tiffany Bailey a few months back and hearing her sing, Bell knew immediately that this young lady had both stage presence, vocal chops, and a flair for performing that would take her far. The accompanying video here, of Bailey singing “Damn Your Eyes” shows the magic Bell heard during rehearsals.

Within the hearts and minds of many Los Angeles vocalists, there are many talented and philanthropic collectives, just one of which is a group of people who donate their time, usually monthly, to share their talents in a fund-raising event where the evening’s proceeds are dedicated to a particular nonprofit organization. So, when Bell met Tiffany through Cathy, he learned of Bailey’s devotion to the nonprofit, Autism Speaks. Instantly he decided that would be the beneficiary of their next event.

Thus was the genesis of a Thanksgiving 2015 benefit, “Giving Thanks 2015” at the trendy E Spot Lounge in Studio City, California, which Bell co-hosted with Cathy Segal-Garcia. Entertainers that evening included Tiffany Bailey; Gary Brumburgh; Chambers, Herbert & Ellis; Karen Benjamin, Alan Chapman and Molly Chapman; Mon David; Kiki Ebsen; Martha Taylor LaCroix; Mark Christian Miller; Dolores Scozzesi; and Gabriela Vahanian.

Bell also hosts a weekly podcast on the Global Voice Broadcasting Network. (Search Goole for Cabarabia and Gloval Voice Broadcasting Network) to watch Bell, Bailey, Segal-Garcia talk about the “Giving Thanks” event. From the outside looking in, the worlds of jazz and cabaret entertainment are both beloved and more often than not, rather separate audiences. Bell thinks that’s entirely wrong and insists they combine to form the perfect intersection when you bring together performers with backgrounds in each for a night of entertainment that lends itself to show flow.

Normally you can find the engaging raconteur and vocalist at the producer’s helm of engaging shows in Los Angeles, but this time, he’s agreed to be part of the talent lineup at Tim Moore’s “Tuscany Unplugged.” Tim was a regular viewer of Bell’s GVB podcast every week and Bell said, “Tim always had very interesting feedback and questions, and when he became a producing force down south with his creation of the San Diego Cabaret Awards, I have happily participated wherever I could, which I will do again this year on Monday, February 1, for the Third Annual Event.”

Bell is equally comfortable onstage as offstage, but it’s a rare treat to get to hear him sing. Bell has hosted showcase runs for well known actors who sing, or singers who are popular actor, Peter Gallagher, Katey Sagal. He's also featured his friend, composing talent Artie Butler, who wrote the music to Phyllis Molinary’s lyrics in “Here’s to Life,” but when Bell sings it, a very poignant performance results. (Ed. Note: Having heard him sing it in person, I was brought to tears by his poignant performance.)

Another featured performer for Sunday's lineup, Errolyn Healy is a 2014 San Diego Cabaret Performer of the Year nominee, who is said to bring a gentle effervescence, somewhat akin to Kristin Chenoweth, to the program. Bell said, “I’m really looking forward to hearing her sing.”

Then, there's the "tremendous Marsha Bartenetti, who is well known for smooth jazz, the Great American Songbook." And as an adult contemporary artist, she really delivers classic tunes with a powerful, precise style that will find you swaying along to in your chairs as she sings.

As jazz and cabaret enthusiasts are often heard to say, the evening is going to be “Epic!” Although some tickets are reasonably prices at the door for Sunday’s “Tuscany Unplugged.” For more information, you might want to act sooner and visit the Facebook event page for Jan. 10. All things considered, if Clifford Bell is in the zip code, it’s going to be a grand glimpse into the world that is Cabarabia.

And now, here is Clifford Bell's latest discovery and ingenue, Tiffany Bailey, singing "lights out" on her signature tune, "Damn Your Eyes" with Mark Massey, piano, Al Garcia, bass, Tom Bowe, drums, Dori Amarilio, guitar. She's effervescent and delightful, isn't she? A real dynamo and one to watch for the future.

Performed Live on Dec. 20, 2015 at The E Spot Lounge at Vitello's in Studio City, California. Thanks to award-winning videographer/editor/director, Marc Saltarelli, for his usual magnificent job of filming all the Cabarabia productions.

Dawn Lee Wakefield

Houston Music Examiner Story First published January 8, 2016 on examiner.com