Ora Reed
ORA REED
Café Set’s Musical Chou
Like a gossamer butterfly drifting on the breeze across oceans and continents, Ora Catherine Reed has emerged from her golden chrysalis with a debut album of jazz standards on an independent Japanese label. The release is entitled, This One’s For You.
“This is a work of love. It would not have happened if friends hadn’t encouraged me. They took me to the well-known Kampo Studios (in Kyoto) and thus the CD is called “This One’s For You,” Reed stated.
The compact disc has something for everyone—16 tracks in all, and each one conjures up memories of tinkling glasses, smoke-filled clubs and cozy thoughts.
• “On a Clear Day” is a track that is upbeat and nightclub sexy. This husky voice is filled with feeling.
• “It Had to be You” harkens back to a time when love was uncomplicated.
• “Poor Butterfly”
• “I Wish You Love”
• “Mississippi Song” was written by Jim Weatherly, an Ole Miss alum
• “Your Majesty” a testament to her faith
• “Kawa No Nagare No Yoni” a popular Japanese song by Misora Hibari
• “Fly Me to the Moon”
• “My Funny Valentine”
• “Wave”
• “Somebody Bigger Than You and I”
• “Love Letters”
• “Bye Bye Blackbird”
• “Autumn Leaves”
• “We Are Survivors” was penned by Ms. Reed as a paean to those who have survived cancer, which she, herself, has endured.
• “Here’s to Life”
Ora Reed is a “person of interest and an interesting person.” She is well- traveled and much beloved by her family, friends and associates. Currently performing in Tokyo, Japan, Ora is just as likely to pop up in Rio de Janeiro and do a few tunes in Portuguese on one of those warm Brazilian purple nights, as she is to turn up in Paris.
Ora Reed was born in Greenville, Mississippi, but grew up in Lexington, Mississippi, reared by a mother who recognized Ora’s potential very early. Piano lessons began at the age of three, just about the time Reed conquered her “ABC’s.” Every summer from the age of five—it was piano, clarinet and violin lessons at Jackson State University, which not surprisingly, is her alma mater. According to Reed, “I always knew deep down inside that I could sing like some of the people I would often accompany…a little voice was screaming to get out.” Nothing like starting at the top, her first professional gig was at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada with the Bruce Westcott Band.
Reed moved to Baltimore and began singing in very chic supper clubs in Maryland. Ora was aptly dubbed a “café society singer” by then-columnist, Jimmy Colimore of the Baltimore Sun. A singer by night and an Entertainment Critic by day for an ABC-TV affiliate—her plate stayed full. And when she wasn’t singing or critiquing—Ora was throwing fabulous, catered soirees for the crème de la crème of Baltimore’s elite—power brokers, restaurateurs, sports figures, and members of the “horsy set.”
When Reed left Baltimore to return to Mississippi to nurse her ailing mother—it created a social vacuum. After her beloved mother, Annie passed away—Ora spent quality time with family and friends. Never very far from music, she has enjoyed positions as Administrative Assistant to a State Senator, Presidential Campaign Coordinator, Concert Promotions Manager, Administrative Assistant to the President of the National Baptist Convention, and PR Consultant to Mission Mississippi, a Christian organization that promotes racial and denominational reconciliation.
Having grown up in a family that attended, and actively participated in a Baptist Church, religion has always been at the core of her everyday life. In every country that she has visited, sharing her talent is always tops her list. Because of her faith, adversities, triumphs, and loss have all been met with a feeling of serenity.
During a holiday in Brazil, fate stepped in; Reed realized the importance of music in her life. Remembering the comments of her favorite uncle (Rev. C. L. Clark) who once said "music is your God-given talent", she lovingly embraced her upcoming musical journey. Performances in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Carnegie Hall have all left appreciative audiences with profound respect for her musicality and heartfelt warmth from her vocal styling. “No matter what continent you are on, or country you are in—music is truly a universal language. I am so aware of this when I share in a church service where no English is spoken. Tears stream down the faces of people in the sanctuary, and you realize your musical message is felt, you’ve touched someone’s heart,” Ora says.
Highlights of her southern experiences have included singing in churches, especially First Baptist Church of Jackson, where she is a member of the Sanctuary Choir, performances with the Mississippi Symphony Orhestra, an appearance at the Southern Governor's Association, and the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New Orleans.
It appears that God has been in her corner. A three-time cancer survivor, which she attributes to her long-time faith in God, Ora now shares with other survivors and has included the only self-penned tune on her CD, "We Are Survivors." Despite all of this, Reed is upbeat, and this debut CD is the culmination of her love of musical harmony and spirit.
Positions in education, politics, entertainment and organized religion have all played an important role in preparing Ora for her most recent accolade. An appointment by Governor Haley Barbour named her Cultural Ambassador for the State of Mississippi. This only broadens her worldwide stage, as she continues to share her talents and tout the cultural virtues of her beloved Mississippi!
Additional Information:
Café Circuit History
Awaji Island: Westin Hotel
Baltimore: Eager House, Chiaparelli’s, Café Des Artistes
Dubai, UAE: Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Kuala Lumpur: Prince Hotel
Las Vegas: Caesar’s Palace
Los Angeles: Attaman’s
New Orleans: Menafees, Feelings Café, Ritz Carlton Hotel
Rio de Janeiro: People Bar, Club 1, Alo Alo
Sendai: Royal Park Hotel
Tokyo: LePapillon de Paris, Westin Hotel, Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
Past Tours & Concerts
Accompanist for 10-city German tour with Grace Bumbry
Carnegie Hall with Grace Bumbry Vocal Ensemble
Mississippi Symphony Pops Orchestra
Niagara Symphony Orchestra
For Interviews: culture@orareed.com