Marie-Claire Giraud Talks Her Single ‘Caravan’, Favourite Instruments And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: Ana Gibert
Marie-Claire Giraud is a soprano, jazz singer, musical theater singer, songwriter, composer, playwright, and actor. Her single ‘CARAVAN’ is out now and we wanted to learn more:
When did you begin songwriting?
I began songwriting when I was quite young and my songs first started out as poems which I then turned into songs.
What is your earliest musical memory?
My earliest musical memory is I sang before I spoke and the song I sang was, “ What’s New Pussycat?”by Tom Jones.
Your jazz single, “CARAVAN’ by Duke Ellington is out now. What was the inspiration/story behind choosing to record the track?
CARAVAN is one of my favorite songs and my favorite Duke Ellington song. Whenever I heard the song I always imagined the operatic part of my voice as the sound of the wind in the desert and with the added instruments of the African drums and Cora with piano, drums, trumpet and upright bass gives the sensation and experience of a journey through the desert in Africa. It has always been my dream for Idris Elba to remix CARAVAN.
Where did you record the single and who produced it? Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
CARAVAN was recorded at Plaid Dog Recording and produced by myself and Mike Davidson. The recording session was one of the best experiences I have had in the studio with experienced musicians who heard and executed my vision to perfection.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
I used the additional instruments of the African drums and Kora to give the sound and feeling of crossing the desert in Africa in CARAVAN.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
– a) happiest- CARAVAN
– b) angriest- Frank’s Song ( Outlander)- original song
– c) most reflective- Change Partners
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
The two things I hope to achieve once I leave the stage is sharing the fantasy of my vision of The Great American Songbook with my audience and talking my audience on a journey that takes them away from their everyday worries.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
My favorite is my Shute Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone because it has great sound with the classic look of the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I was born on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean and five words that describe Dominica are 1. Green 2. Lush 3. Natural 4. Healing 5. Rejuvenative
How do you look after your voice?
I look after my voice by getting plenty of rest, eating a well balanced diet, as little dairy as possible esp when singing opera.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
If I was given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that would be Jane Austen’s, Persuasion because Jane Austen’s is one of my favorite novelist and Persuasion is a novel about given a second chance.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
My musical influences are Ella Fitzgerald, Leontyne Price, Marian Anderson, Louis Armstrong, Ludwig van Beethoven, Shirley Verrett, Hildegard of Bingen.
My recommendations are all the above mentioned.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?
I do not have any dates planned to perform in the UK/Europe yet.
Do you have any future music releases planned for 2025?
My jazz EP is out now and I will be performing that.
What makes Marie Claire Giraud happy and what makes you unhappy?
Performing, rehearsing and creating makes me happy. Unkindness to others makes me unhappy.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Ana Gibert
Marie-Claire Giraud’s single ‘CARAVAN’ is out now.
For more information visit her official website here: https://marie-clairegiraud.com/
