“Kaylene Peoples’ remarkable journey began with classical training, where she mastered the flute, and developed a five-octave vocal range. Her early mastery of music propelled her into composing, conducting, and string arranging, which opened doors with major record labels like Warner Bros. and Capitol Records. Working on high-profile projects helped her carve out a unique niche in the industry.”
Well, needless to say, I’m thrilled. It’s been an incredible few months of recognition. Starting in August 2024, I’ve been cover story for several publications, and now, in October, Cosmopolitan UAE reached out to do a story on my career journey. The article covers everything—from my music to publishing and filmmaking, as well as my upcoming projects. It’s such an honor to be on their cover.
As for recent projects, I just released Vampire Odyssey, my neoclassical album, which has been a significant milestone. And as always, there’s more in the works. A friend recently reminded me that I’ve been juggling multi-disciplines at a high level my entire life. I’ve been so immersed in doing what I love, I never stopped to think about how it looks from the outside. While I’ve been told more than once that I’m “doing too much,” I’ve never dropped a ball. Sure, I’ve faced my share of setbacks—who hasn’t? But those challenges make us stronger. If everything were easy, we wouldn’t have the drive to improve.
“Kaylene Peoples is a powerhouse in the worlds of music, film, and publishing. With a career that spans multiple decades, Peoples has not only garnered attention for her extraordinary talent but also her ability to innovate across several creative industries. From being an award-winning jazz and Bossa-nova artist to a filmmaker and publisher, Kaylene Peoples is, in every sense, a Renaissance woman who thrives in creativity and versatility.”
— Cosmopolitan UAE (United Arab Emirate)
But back to Cosmo! Their feature dives into my multifaceted career, and it’s exciting to see how it all comes together in one narrative. I’ve always believed in following my passions without letting others’ opinions hold me back. And this cover story feels like a reflection of that journey.
Shaping the Worlds of Music, Film & Publishing:
“A True Renaissance Woman Kaylene Peoples is a visionary whose career defies conventional boundaries. Whether through her award-winning music, film, or publishing endeavors, she continues to break new ground. Her relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and dedication to empowering others make her a true renaissance woman of the modern era.” – Adonis Harris, Essence Weekly Magazine
I’m thrilled to share that I’m on the cover of Essence Weekly Magazine! As an artist, I’ve been fortunate to explore so many creative paths, from jazz and Bossa-nova to publishing, film, and beyond. With every project—whether it’s releasing music, conducting symphonies, or working with my team at AGENDA Magazine—I aim to bring something fresh and meaningful to the table.
From my early days with All Jazzed Up! and the incredible journey that followed with albums like My Man (where I worked literally with music legends) to the Grammy ballot and international acclaim for Romantic Bossa-Nova, it’s been a wild ride. And being asked to perform with CAB in 2016, playing Chick Corea’s complex compositions, was one of the highlights of my career.
But my artistic vision has always stretched beyond just one medium. As a filmmaker, my film Redemption took home awards and proved to be a rewarding experience, blending my love for storytelling with music. Now, with AGENDA Magazine thriving after 20 years (thank you, Feedspot, for naming us a top magazine in LA!), and KL Publishing Group continuing to launch exciting literary works, it feels like everything is coming together.
I’m currently working on two albums, Doppelganger and Romantic Bossa-Nova 2, and I can’t wait for you to hear them. Being called a “Renaissance Woman” is such an honor, but at the heart of it all, I’m just doing what I love—and I hope to inspire others along the way. Thanks, Essence Weekly, for this incredible feature!
Read the article: https://essenceweekly.com/kaylene-peoples-a-modern-renaissance-artist-and-visionary/
Kaylene Peoples, Maxim Fashions Magazine, Issue #20
I am delighted to be the cover story for Maxim Fashions Magazine, Issue 20. You will discover my inspirations as a musical artist, and specifically what sets me apart from other artists. You will learn what inspires me, and the milestones I’ve achieved, as well as some surprises.
“What makes Peoples unique is her ability to wield both vocal and instrumental skills at an exceptional level. As a flutist and singer with a five-octave vocal range, she possesses a wide variety of tools for musical expression. Her background in composition and string arranging also adds a cinematic quality to her music, creating intricate, emotional arrangements.” – Maxim Fashions Magazine, Issue #20
Enjoy Issue #20: “Kaylene Peoples: A Journey from Classical Music to Jazz Stardom”
I was delighted to be asked to be the cover story for The Hollywood Magazine. A lot is happening this month. I discovered that Feedspot.com named AGENDA as one of the Top 20 Best Magazines in Los Angeles, ranking #10 out of thousands of magazines in LA.
(Feedspot.com recognizes AGENDA as the Top 20 Best Los Angeles Magazines for 2024.)
“The best Los Angeles magazines from thousands of magazines on the web ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness.” – Feedspot
This recognition means so much. Ever since I published the first issue that year in June 2004. The timing was incredible; literally, June 2024, was when this prestigious list was announced. AGENDA has been around, putting out timeless content and raising the bar in 2014 when I took it to print. Available all over the world, the magazine has stood the test of time. I only just discovered that it had made the Feedspot list less than a week ago. Then, I was contacted by The Hollywood Magazine about being featured on their cover.
Kaylene Peoples in concert at Spaghettini “Romantic Bossa-Nova” (Photo: Sheryl Aronson)
I’m in good company with LA Weekly, LA Times, KTTV (Fox 11 Los Angeles), and others. AGENDA was the only fashion/lifestyle magazine in the list. Deemed a “Renaissance Woman” first by Apparel News, then by Formidable Woman’s Magazine, I was delighted to discover my cover story by The Hollywood Magazine shared that same sentiment, titling the article “The Renaissance Woman: Kaylene Peoples.” Check out the article here: The Renaissance Woman: Kaylene Peoples.
I’m anxious to see what other surprises this month has in store for me. I am grateful my hard work over the years is being recognized. Thank you Feedspot.com and The Hollywood Magazine.
A score I did years ago, “Vampire Odyssey,” I decided to finally release the recording, mastered by Brian Gardner (Bernie Grundman Mastering). I composed, conducted it; and played flute on some of the cues. It was a 32-piece ensemble with opera singer Althea Celeste Moultrie, Jon Brooks was the featured percussionist, with guest performance on guitar by Rich Mouser who also mixed the score. I recorded it in several studios, including my own living room! I was commissioned to score it first, and the picture would be cut to it. Sadly the film was never released, but owning the rights to my music, I decided to finally release and distribute it. Aside from my orchestral score, Ilio samples of Gregorian chant are peppered throughout.
“Vampire Odyssey” Composed/Conducted by Kaylene Peoples with full orchestra mastered by Brian Gardner/Bernie Grundman Hollywood
I just found my masters 3 weeks ago, and I am thrilled to be able to let the world hear this music. Saxon Hamilton hired me for this intense creation, titled “Vampire Odyssey.” Check it out. All 14 tracks are on YouTube. #bellacomposersphilharmonic #bellacomposers #womencomposers #vampireodysseybykaylenepeoples
YouTube Playlist “Vampire Odyssey” by Kaylene Peoples
“A Journey Through Jazz” featuring Bunny Brunel and guest performer Gwyn Foxx 2.0. Live & hosted by TV Writer & Comedian Kevin Foster happened at Catalina Jazz Club on August 11th, 2023. I am utterly blown away by the response of this show. I curated it with the intention of honoring the long-standing genre of jazz in all its forms, including a spin on James Brown’s legacy done in the “spirit” of jazz. Then Bunny Brunel played his upright bass on some straight-ahead tunes that included jazz staples like “Dolphin Dance” and “Someday My Prince Will Come” to a very appreciative audience that evening. He was backed by the all-star trio that included Land Richards on drums, Mahesh Balasooriya on the grand piano, Joe Calderon on guitar. Their set was amazing. These musicians are top LA players, and it showed with their intense round of improvisational solos. Bunny wielded his upright with the ease of his fretless and played intricately and melodically otherworldly soundscapes. The audience response is always the same … mouth open, eyes wide, shocked at his musical abilities, the same reaction by audiences around the world. Yes, Bunny Brunel is a marvel.
Bunny Brunel plays a set of straight ahead jazz standards on the upright bass at the Catalina Jazz Club for Kaylene Peoples: “A Journey Through Jazz” (Photo: Karim Saafir)
But let’s talk about Gwyn Foxx 2.0 Live’s show. Do you know that she had only 2 weeks to put her show together? Here’s the backstory:
I was approached by Catalina’s to perform in August, which at the time was less than three weeks notice. I hadn’t been doing my own show(s) as Kaylene Peoples and particularly my show “Romantic Bossa-Nova” which had been growing in popularity. I have been mostly a sideman (woman) playing flute and singing a couple of tunes in Bunny Brunel’s band CAB. But as Kaylene Peoples . . . not much this year at all. So I took this opportunity to get back on stage. Now mind you, I was planning to make my presence known next year, but I was still really just working out the details. Basically, I was on a break. Last year, I saw an amazing show with Gwyn Foxx. She was dynamic, doing a set of r&b hits, including a James Brown tune. The audience at that show was extremely attentive. You could tell they loved her performance, it was literally the first time I’d had the privilege, but there was something about that James Brown tune, and the response we all had in that room that night. I approached Gwyn about putting together a show and being my guest at Catalina Jazz Club. Well, she not only pulled it off, but was a smashing hit with the audience who really appreciated her “ode to old school” with the hits “Get Up Off of That Thing,” “Gonna Have a Funky Good Time,” and “Please, Please, Please.” Foxx’s singing was off the chain with the audience dancing in their seats to “I Feel Good”, “Papa Got a Brand New Bad,” “It’s A Man’s World,” and others, segueing into Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” and performing her single “Never Gonna Leave Me.” What a powerful performance with background singers on-point and a five-piece horn section!
Gwyn Foxx performs her tribute to James Brown and Al Green at Catalina Jazz Club (Photo: Karim Saafir)
After Gwyn’s show and Kevin Foster’s riffing with the audience, I finally approached the stage, carrying a vodka martini, which I had never done before. I tend to have a martini before I go up on stage, meant only to cut the edge. There had been a slight hiccup in my show. I had advertised Dave Brubeck and had intended to play my arrangement of “Blue Rondo a la Turk” with the band. Unfortunately, my flute mic had other ideas; it wouldn’t stay on. Could have been the battery, but who had time to figure that out? I was up next.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 11: A Journey Through Jazz Starring Kaylene Peoples featuring Bunny Brunel and Gwyn Foxx hosted by Kevin Foster at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA (Photo by Karim Saafir)
“Following Gwyn Foxx’s highly energetic performance and Bunny Brunel’s acoustic set with his exquisite musicianship, my show, “A Journey Through Jazz,” took a slight detour to a journey through my soul that evening. This year, I had taken a hiatus, rather a soul-searching sabbatical as an artist, pondering the meaning of it all as not only a musician but as an entertainer. Coming back fresh to Catalina’s stage, I found my sweet spot. And that evening I let loose, and enjoyed myself and the audience! I was able to engage, and it felt wonderful. It was a true celebration of the spontaneity of jazz!” –Kaylene Peoples
I had the harebrained idea to toss my setlist and use my martini as a prop! I led with “Girl from Ipanema” in a more mellow performance than the way I usually had sang the tune. But before doing that, I introduced my martini as part of the act, placed it on the stool next to me and did the song. After Ipanema, I called out Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life” and the band fell perfectly in step. that song was sublime. At least it felt like it was. By the sheer overview of the audience, they were with me on every lyric. At the end of the song, I drank my martini and bowed my head. Wow! That felt great. From there I was just randomly calling out tunes from my setlist and the band stayed in step with me on every song from “One Note Samba” to “Berimbau.” I completed my set with “Spain,” so I thought when during the round of solos, I had forgotten to do the Brubeck tune I promised. After ending “Spain,” I explained that I had promoted “Take Five” and wanted to keep my promise, so that became my encore, and the audience loved it. I was so glad. Joe Calderon and I share a complex unison guitar/vocal scat after his solo, and we nailed it. So that was the show. Here are some quotes from the evening:
“Many people don’t realize that I actually started playing the bass on the upright. This show made me bring out the old friend that started it all. One thing I have learned through my musical career is it doesn’t matter what kind of bass you play, what’s important is that you PLAY the bass. My set “Bunny Brunel Unplugged” gave me a chance to step away from fusion and my fretless, reminding me how it all started in the first place!” –Bunny Brunel, Founding Member of CAB & Grammy-Nominated Bassist
“I never thought in a million years that my singing one James Brown tune from my setlist would inspire talented Kaylene Peoples to approach me with the idea of performing an entire set of 90-percent James Brown songs. But it did… and so did I. I have to say, it was a funky and fun experience! I noticed that the audience really was into it as well as my 5-piece horn section, background singers, and myself! One of the audience members came over to me and said, ‘Thank you for taking me down memory lane.’ It was awesome. What a great experience for us all! The sound was incredible, the venue is well known, the band was amazing, and the feeling was fantastic!”–Gwyn Foxx 2.0 Live
HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 11: A Journey Through Jazz Starring Kaylene Peoples featuring Bunny Brunel and Gwyn Foxx hosted by Kevin Foster at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA (Photo by Karim Saafir)
And here’s what Kevin Foster, our host had to say about me …
“Kaylene performs with such passion and energy (an audience consensus). The scat sequence on “Take Five” with guitarist Joe Calderon was very technical and precise. Nice new wrinkle. Kaylene has a powerful command of the stage, and ironically people are [still] surprised when she plays the flute like they still don’t expect women to do that!”–Kevin Foster, TV Writer & Comedian
Host for the Evening Kevin Foster at the Catalina Jazz Club for Kaylene Peoples: “A Journey Through Jazz” on August 11, 2023 (Photo: Karim Saafir)
Yeah… about that! So people, there are tons of women musicians, I’m just one of many. Interestingly, I play my flute in my shows as a soloing choice. Don’t let me break loose! lol! Anyway the show, in my humble opinion, was a moment in time that I feel will be a musical night to remember. I am extremely proud to have had the honor of curating this show, having the incredible musicians who were involved all with the backdrop of the premier jazz venue in Hollywood, the Catalina Jazz Club. Thank you Manny and Catalina for the opportunity to stretch my wings! Until the next time…
Check out the great press from this event: Daily music Roll; Agenda; Schmooze Jazz;Music Industry News
“Another great concert writeup! Congrats to the Journey Through Jazz team: Curator Kaylene Peoples Music, Bunny Brunel II, Gwyn Foxx 2.0 Live, and the all-star trio (Mahesh Balasooriya, Joe Calderon, and Land Richards) who performed at the Catalina Bar & Grill! Other notable mentions come from Associated Press, United Kingdom News (Incl. 3 more news sources in Great Britain), and 5 additional news sources in Canada, including Quebec News), Fox News in three states; Also a big mention in Google News (Digital Journal & Benzinga)!“ First Take PR
Visit The gallery to see more concert photos: https://kaylenepeoples.com/gallery/
#JazzPerformance #LiveMusic #MusicalCollaboration #ConcertReview #JamesBrownTribute #MusicEvent #UprightBass #FlutePerformance #MusicalDiversity #AudienceEngagement #MusicVenue #ImprovisationalSolos #KaylenePeoples #BunnyBrunel #GwynFoxx #CatalinaJazzClub #MusicalExcellence #FunkyPerformance #MusicianShowcase #JazzLegacy #MusicExperience
“Rite of Passage” on the Radio, the Release of BASS BALL 2, “Fusion Holidays,” and a Nod from Smooth FM Portugal!
THE LA LIM SHOW: What a thrill to hear my song “Rite of Passage” on the radio this year, not once but four times thanks to Davi Radio LA and Limuel Flowers, the host of the LA LIM show. I have been sitting on this single forever, waiting for just the right time, and Limuel offered me a spot and blessed me with massive exposure. This gave me a chance to test the waters. Was my song still relevant after all these years? And the answer is a resounding “yes!” I have to admit, there’s nothing like hearing one’s own music being played on the radio to an engaged audience. I was in great company at least twice (with a requested rebroadcast for those who missed it) as my friend and iconic musician Larry Dunn (original Earth Wind & Fire keyboardist and 7-time Grammy winner) was interviewed. Limuel gave Larry an amazing tribute to his music and to the Larry Dunn Orchestra with his wife Luisa. I was part of that show . . . and my song even followed Sting! It took some time, but I did finally come down from that high. Needless to say, there has been a lot going on with me musically from mid-2022 to present, and I’d like to share some of those highlights!
Davi Radio Los Angeles with the La Lim Show featured on multiple shows “Rite of Passage” BY Kaylene Peoples
BASS BALL 2 BY BUNNY BRUNEL & FRIENDS
I am playing flute on the newly released Bass Ball 2 by Bunny Brunel & Friends. I’m joined with an elite group of musicians that include Stanley Clarke, Patrice Rushen, Larry Dunn, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Virgil Donati, Jon Wackerman, Kyle Eastwood, Federico Malaman, and countless other prominent musicians on this groove-heavy album. I am featured on three of the tracks: “MAWU,” “Aquarelle,” and “No Such A Thing.”
Bunny Brunel & Friends “Bass Ball 2” Cover
I was part of the first Bass Ball CD, which was produced by Bunny Brunel and Stanley Clarke and released six years ago. Wow, how time flies. That CD was the first of its kind to feature a lineup of prominent bass players, which included Victor Wooten, Billy Sheehan, Hadrien Feraud, and so many others. I played on a track arranged by Larry Dunn and Luisa Dunn that Bunny Brunel titled “Lulu,” as well as being featured on “John’s Space,” and “Bay of the Angels” in 2017!
FUSION HOLIDAYS BY BUNNY BRUNEL LEADS TO A TOUR.
Bunny Brunel “Fusion Holidays” – Composer/Producer/Arr.: feat. Roman Miroshnichenko, Kaylene Peoples, Virgil Donati, & Mahesh Balasooriya
In Spring of 2022, I was on Bunny Brunel’s single “Fusion Holidays,” featuring Russian guitarist Roman Miroshnichenko, where we just returned from a music tour of Russia, titled “Fusion Holiday.” I was also featured along with power drummer and legendary Virgil Donati and keyboardist Mahesh Balasooriya. “Fusion Holiday” is a great composition with outstanding musical performances, starring, composed and produced by world-famous bassist Bunny Brunel! After waiting three years for this tour that was scheduled pre-covid, it kept getting pushed back due the the constant threats of the pandemic. I was finally able to go on as part of Bunny Brunel’s band that featured multi-award-winning Russian guitarist Roman Miroshnichenko. We performed in Kaluga, Vladimir, and ended our tour in Moscow. It was exciting with great audiences, and even greater people.
SMOOTH FM NAMES ROMANTIC BOSSA-NOVA ALBUM OF THE WEEK!
In the summer of 2022, “Corcovado” from my album Romantic Bossa-Nova was on the radio in Brazil and was “Album of the Week” on Smooth FM, a station located in Portugal that also broadcasts to Canada and Brazil. That was a huge surprise. I was beyond thrilled to be given that nod! I guess I nailed the accent!
Kaylene Peoples “Romantic Bossa-Nova” named Album of the Week July 2022 by Smooth FM Portugal
AND THERE’S MORE COMING!
So what’s next? I have a big concert at the celebrated Los Angeles jazz venue Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset Blvd. on Friday August 11th, 2023, featuring Bunny Brunel on upright and singer Gwyn Foxx with comedian Kevin Foster (Monogamy) hosting… ” That’s all I have to report on the music front, but I promise to keep you updated! There’s a lot brewing, too much to tell in this post. I’ll dish the juicy details when the time is right. You can wait a bit, can’t you?
Kaylene Peoples Talks About the Album and Why the Title
Kaylene Peoples goes deep as she talks about what led her to record My Man, and the title track in English, including the unplugged French version, “Mon Homme.”
I established myself as a jazz artist with my first jazz release, All Jazzed up! My single, “Do You Remember?” topped the independent charts. There was literally a 10-year gap between my two big jazz projects. I don’t think people realize how much goes into releasing an album. Just like with the first project, in My Man I pored over songs that I knew I wanted to cover, but they had to be something I could see myself performing for the rest of my life. Just the track listing alone had to have staying power.
I knew when I first listened to Diana Krall’s album Love Scenes, the repertoire was everything, combined with a great melody, great performances, and inspired arrangements, it didn’t matter the size of the band. And Diana Krall proved that with her trio ensemble on that release.
“With this project, I was excited to finally make my song selections. Some recordings never made it on the album. But between two major studios (Westlake and The Mouse House) and nearly four years in the making, My Man was a massive undertaking.”
Kaylene Peoples
Kaylene records vocals at Westlake Studios (Photographed by Arun Nevader)
My Man was the album I was born to record. Ever since my first jazz CD, All Jazzed Up!, I knew I was meant to become a jazz/Broadway singer. Without divulging too much, as a small child I was always drawn to music. From as young as four years old, I remember enjoying and even trying to dance to the music my parents would play! We’d take road trips and in my parent’s car, I’d be humming along to my dad’s eclectic, yet very diverse collection of music, ranging from BB King’s “Blueberry Hill” to Lee Morgan’s “Sidewinder.” As I grew older, my own musical taste began to emerge. I was allowed to watched many movies, mostly G-rated musicals. I grew very fond of the Barbra Streisand films, ranging from Hello Dolly, to What’s Up Doc? Sometimes the movie of the week even featured Streisand’s older films. Now, I can’t remember when this happened, but one day, I caught a movie called Funny Girl. I was so into this film. It resonated with me. Remember, I was very young, but I related to Fanny Brice’s character. I felt like I, too, had this huge talent and nobody knew it but me.
Barbra Streisand from a Scene in Funny Girl
From there, I listened to Nancy Wilson. I mean I listened to her a lot! And when I heard “Guess Who I Saw Today,” I fell in love with Wilson’s conversational singing style. Barbra and Nancy could tell a story through a song like nobody I had ever heard at that time in my life – a mere ‘tween in junior high. I had sophisticated taste for such a young, scrawny 6th grader. Another fact (I mention on the home page “Flutician”) is that I fell hard for jazz. I discovered Dave Brubeck, heard “Blue Rondo a la Turk” and made it my mission to memorize it, including every major solo Hubert Laws and Dave Valentin recorded. I was studying classical flute at the time, so memorizing music was what I was trained to do at 11 years old. I always knew one day I would play and record Brubeck.
Mark Hammond plays guitar on “Blue Rondo a la Turk on Kaylene Peoples My Man. (Photographed by Arun Nevader)
Still exploring music, I liked the current popular artists (Swingout Sister, Michael Jackson, Basia, Earth, Wind & Fire, etc.), but whenever I saw a Streisand musical, I could feel this seed growing inside of me. I wanted to be like her, but with my own style! Now, because I was a musician and in band, as well as orchestras and honor bands, section leader, and a whole lotta related musical activities for a budding prodigy, singing really wasn’t something I focused on. My older sister was the “singer” in the family, and boy, could she sing. A lyric soprano, she sounded like an angel. I always felt that was her lane, and mine was formal orchestral and classical music. But as I explained on my “The Singer” page, I kept getting asked to sing whenever somebody heard me. I finally made the decision to do just that. And all I wanted to do was communicate through song, tell a story, stir people’s emotions the way Barbra Streisand did in Funny Girl . . . and yes . . . in Yentl, too. I even recorded “A Piece of Sky” and held that long note at the end. The song was important to me because I was still feeling the sting of recently losing my father. So when I recorded this song, it was a deeply powerful experience. As a side note, my talent in the Miss California Young Miss Pageant was singing “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” And yes, I won that pageant! It was always my talent that made me a worthy adversary in most competitions. So you see, Streisand’s essence has been present at a lot of my defining moments!
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Fast forward to 2011, when I stepped foot in Westlake Recording Studio. My first day of recording, I discovered Barbra Streisand was literally in the studio next to mine. I couldn’t believe it! It was a sign. I mean really, what are the odds of that happening other than God was showing me that I was on the right path.
“Mon Homme” . . . My Language Coach, Bunny Brunel
I had hired bassist Bunny Brunel to play bass on the tune, “Nature Boy.” After the quartet had finished recording, and I’d had a chance to listen to the rough mix, I asked Bunny to come on board and rerecord an additional eight songs, including “Spain,” a tune he played bass while touring with Chick Corea and Al Jarreau. But “Mon Homme” was critical for my album. It was really the final piece to bring it full circle. I speak French, but needed the authentic accent. I didn’t want to sound American. Bunny agreed to help me and coached me through the song when I recorded my vocal. The result was a perfect, authentically French accent.
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“Mon Homme” is translated as my man, and it was a huge hit with my friends and colleagues in France! But why did I decide to sing “My Man” in French? Well, the song originated in France, becoming a hit for Mistinguett, and it became popular in English in the 1920s with the 1921 recording by Fanny Brice! Brice also sang the song during one of the sound sequences of the 1928 film, My Man. So that version had to be on my album too. It is the second track featuring Mark Hammond playing guitar in the style of Joe Pass with Bunny Brunel playing the upright bass on the final verse and chorus.
KAYLENE PEOPLES – My Man: “I want to cry. I want to laugh. I want to sing!”
“Barbra Streisand’s Funny Girl is the reason I became a singer. Having always been a fan of her movies, I was in constant awe of her ability to capture my emotions every single time she sang a song, any song. She still brings me to tears and has me in stitches more often than not. One day, I rented Funny Girl, and something life-altering happened to me. In the closing scene of the movie, her love interest Nicki Arnstein says a final goodbye to backstage Streisand’s character, fanny Brice. Fanny stoically accepts her fate and pretends that everything is all right, even though it’s not. Brice goes onstage, choking back tears (she’s barely able to articulate the words).
Barbra Streisand as the character Fanny Brice performs the song My Man in the closing scene of Funny Girl.
‘Oh my man I love him so, he’ll never know . . .’ Streisand blew me out of the water with that two-minute song! I still remember the performance – I was so deeply affected by it. There were no vocal acrobatics, pretense, or bravado—just old-fashioned singing with a beautiful arrangement, and a rare visceral quality to Streisand’s voice that literally seared my soul.”
Kaylene Peoples, Quoted from the My Man Booklet, Page 2.
My Man . . . “a massive undertaking.”
Kaylene Peoples, My Man CD Insert Booklet Cover with Guest Performances by Bunny Brunel , Bobby Lyle, Hubert Laws, and Featuring Mark Hammond
Over 30 people were involved in the making of My Man, an album that took almost four years to complete. There have been highs and lows during this process. Whenever you’re doing a project of this magnitude, setbacks are to be expected. The biggest low was when I couldn’t finish My Man in time to be on the Queen Latifah Show to perform “Take Five” live with my band and give out the album to the entire audience. I met with the producers of the show who absolutely loved my version of “Take Five.” The caveat was I had to finish the album first. I was met with so many stalls and setbacks, causing me to delay my release date, forcing me to miss out on one of the biggest opportunities of my career. I would have been seen by millions on national TV. The Queen Latifah Show was canceled when I had just one song left to complete. This news knocked the wind right out of my sails. However, there is always a positive side. After the show canceled, I was able to get Bunny Brunel, Bobby Lyle, and Hubert Laws as celebrity guest performers on the album, and that definitely made up for my missed opportunity.
Hubert Laws, Bobby Lyle, Bunny Brunel, Mark Hammond, Cory Mason perform “Giant Steps” during the Kaylene Peoples MY MAN recording session at Westlake Studios and The Mouse House recording studios (Images Photographed by Arun Nevader)
SPECIAL THANKS: I’d like to acknowledge the following people:
Del Atkins for helping to make our recording sessions run smoothly. Thank you Del, for your reliability, your musicianship, and your dedication to excellence; Mark Hammond for your unfailing support and honoring me with your virtuosity; Verdell Adams for believing in my project and for your support; Leon Bisquera, Bunny Brunel, and Tony Moore for breathing life into “Nature Boy.” I’d like to thank you, Rich Mouser (The Mouse House) for your sonic genius, your support, and the long hours, as I changed my mind constantly about my mixes. Thank you for caring so much about My Man; and Jeff Fox (2nd Engineer) for all of your help in the studio; Victor Alfaro for providing and setting up the video monitors and extra mics; Gerald Thompson for getting me a killer deal at Westlake Studios at the start of this project; Robert Barnes for all your assistance. Thank you Eveline Morel for your help during the recording of this album; Arun Nevader for flying in from Berkeley for my sessions and photographing the process from beginning to completion; my mom Lee for always being there as a constant source of emotional support; my father James who inspired and nurtured my artistic yearnings. And I especially want to thank all the musicians that I ever listened to, saw in concert, and loved throughout my life. You helped shape my musical choices. And last but not least I want to thank all the incredibly talented musicians who performed on My Man!
Quoted from Kaylene Peoples from the My Man CD Booklet . . .
“My Man is all about inspirations and God-given talent. It’s delivering a performance that’s authentic and transparent; and doing it to your highest excitement. No fear. No reproach. No judgment! That is what I want to achieve with this album… an exposing experience that lets you peak into my world for 64 minutes, the duration of this CD.
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My Man is dedicated to YOU. My wish is that you will be as inspired as I have been! I guess it’s no coincidence that on my first day of recording, while at Westlake Studios, studio D, I discovered Barbra Streisand was recording in the room next to mine. I took that as a sign that my title My Man was meant to be!” —Kaylene Peoples
Enjoy the Highlights of Kaylene Peoples My Man.
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- Mark Hammond
- Vernell Brown, Jr
- Bobby Lyle “Time Traveler” Session
Learn more about My Man by visiting the discography page for the complete list of credits.
Trailblazing Music, Modeling, Filmmaking, and Advocacy
Kaylene Peoples is an extraordinary talent whose remarkable journey encompasses a myriad of artistic pursuits, including music, modeling, filmmaking, and advocacy. With an impressive array of achievements and a relentless commitment to her craft, she has become a true renaissance woman, leaving an indelible mark on multiple industries.
Kaylene Peoples, Runway Model circa 90s
From a young age, Kaylene showcased her exceptional musical abilities, captivating audiences with her versatile talents as a flutist, pianist, and vocalist. Her dedication to honing her skills led her to study with esteemed teachers such as Walter Scharf, Henry Mancini, David Raksin, and Sheridan Stokes, each playing a crucial role in nurturing her talent and guiding her artistic development. Kaylene’s foray into the world of composition and arrangement flourished during her time at UCLA, where she pursued a Master’s program in film scoring with Walter Scharf. She later composed and conducted a remarkable 10-Act ballet called APOCALIPTICA. The ballet’s month-long run at Santa Monica College showcased her visionary storytelling abilities through music, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and creative vision.
In addition to her accomplishments in music, Kaylene’s modeling career deserves equal recognition. Her professional modeling engagements have seen her grace the runways, magazine spreads, advertisements, and commercials, captivating audiences with her natural beauty, poise, and grace. Notably, she became the first person of color to win the Miss Anaheim America title, a groundbreaking achievement that shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations. Kaylene’s journey in beauty pageants continued with her being crowned Miss California Young Miss and Miss Golden State, further establishing her presence in the world of beauty and talent competitions. Her accomplishments in these pageants highlighted her remarkable abilities and garnered widespread attention and acclaim.
“I had a series of firsts: The first Black American to win Miss Anaheim America and compete in the Miss California America Pageant; the first of two women (and the first Black) to earn a degree in composition at UCLA; the first to stream documentary-style videos in an online magazine; and the first to curate an international female composer’s competition, sponsored by my company Bella Composers, called Artemis Women Powered Music for AWIAFF for two consecutive editions. It’s never easy being the first. Pioneers always have to overcome so many obstacles and invent ways to make it happen. We have no choice but to be the ONLY choice in every possible circumstance.” – Kaylene Peoples
From an early age, Kaylene Peoples’s musical journey showcased her incredible versatility and mastery of multiple instruments. Excelling in flute and piano, she seamlessly transitioned into a vocal powerhouse with a remarkable five-octave range. Her electric performances and expressive interpretations have captivated audiences worldwide. As a composer, Kaylene has created an extensive body of work that spans various genres and styles. In addition to her ballet, Kaylene has written neo-classical works that have garnered critical acclaim. Her compositions display a fusion of classical sophistication with modern sensibilities, captivating listeners with their rich harmonies and evocative melodies. Her ability to craft breathtaking compositions has earned her a reputation as one of the most prolific arrangers and orchestrators in her field.
Kaylene Peoples singing “Stormy Weather,” for the MY MAN recording session. Collage of Tony Moore on drums, and Ryo Okumura’s hands on the Piano at the Mouse House studio in Altadena, CA (Images Photographed by Arun Nevader)
As a recording artist, Kaylene’s achievements are equally impressive. Her latest release, ROMANTIC BOSSA-NOVA, has received international attention, captivating listeners around the globe. This enchanting album became a sensation, earning the esteemed title “Album of the Week” on Smooth FM Portugal, a renowned radio show with a significant listenership, including Brazil and Canada. Its dreamy melodies, lush arrangements, and Kaylene’s soulful performances have struck a chord with audiences, transporting them to a world of romance and musical bliss. One of the standout tracks is the mesmerizing single “Corcovado,” featuring the virtuosic Bunny Brunel. This captivating collaboration garnered significant attention, particularly in Brazil, where it received radio airplay. The fusion of Kaylene’s expressive vocals and Bunny Brunel’s masterful bass playing created a truly captivating musical experience that resonated with listeners. Another achievement from this album is “Dindi” (Alt), which has taken residence at the prestigious Chordify. Her album, “MY MAN,” received the Akademia Award for the track “Giant Steps,” which featured the esteemed musicians Bunny Brunel, Bobby Lyle, and Hubert Laws. Kaylene Peoples was also deemed “Best Contemporary Female Artist” by Auriculares Hifi for MY MAN, with 5 stars each for production and vocal performance. MY MAN’s recognition solidified her status as an exceptional artist and highlighted her ability to create groundbreaking music that transcends genres. And early in her career, Kaylene’s single “Do You Remember” from her CD, ALL JAZZED UP!, topped all the Indie charts! Another track from the same album is “Once I Loved,” and is regularly played on podcasts, playlists, and radio.
Kaylene’s musical talents have also made an impact in the world of film. Her arrangements have been featured in notable movies, including the enchanting romance film SERENDIPITY and the iconic comedy AMERICAN PIE 2. Her music has lent depth and emotional resonance to countless cinematic experiences, showcasing her ability to craft soundscapes that complement and enhance the storytelling onscreen. In recognition of her immense contributions to the world of music, Kaylene Peoples has garnered numerous accolades and awards.
Kaylene Peoples multi-award-winning feature film “Redemption” 2002
Kaylene delved into the realm of filmmaking, directing, writing, and scoring her own film titled REDEMPTION. This cinematic endeavor showcased her multi-faceted talents, as she seamlessly blended her musical prowess with her creative vision as a filmmaker. REDEMPTION garnered accolades and awards, including Best First-Time Director at HUFFY, Best Picture at the Goldie Film Awards, and the Grand Prize Jury Award at the Florida Film Festival.
Kaylene’s diverse talents and contributions have earned her recognition as a renaissance woman. She has been featured in renowned publications such as FORMIDABLE WOMAN’S Magazine and APPAREL NEWS, both of which have celebrated her as a true embodiment of a renaissance woman. Her ability to excel across various fields, from music to modeling, filmmaking, and advocacy, has solidified her status as a true trailblazer and a source of inspiration for many. (Other notable endeavors include: Agenda Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit – an accelerated film program/job placement for those kids aging out of the foster care system from 2006-2011; Agenda Loft, a turnkey runway venue and event venue that launched designer’s careers, an art exhibiting space, and more located in the Loft District in DTLA from 2010-2012.)
As the founder of AGENDA, Kaylene revolutionized the media landscape by creating the first online magazine to stream documentary-style videos. AGENDA’s success propelled it into the realm of print publications, with special editions and collector’s issues that have become highly sought-after by readers. Kaylene’s other publications, released through KL Publishing Group, have showcased her commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices and narratives.
In conclusion, Kaylene Peoples’s remarkable journey as a renaissance woman in the realms of music, modeling, filmmaking, and advocacy has left an indelible mark on multiple industries. Her exceptional talent, groundbreaking ventures, and unwavering dedication to empowerment have made her an icon and a source of inspiration for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike. As she continues to push boundaries, uplift underrepresented voices, and create meaningful work, Kaylene Peoples’s impact on the world of arts, culture, and media will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.