Local Musical Icon: Ginger Commodore

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Ginger Commodore is one of the premier jazz vocalists in the Midwest. How lucky are we that she is based in Minneapolis? We talked to Ms. Commodore about her musical influences, the wide range of her performance genres and advice for young singers. Please check out her extensive calendar of upcoming shows – you won’t be disappointed.

Q:  How did you first discover your love for singing and performing?

A:  I discovered that I had the ability to sing varieties of music other than R&B that I heard all day long on the radio. I began to branch out - once I started performing for folks, and they seemed to really like it, I pretty much didn’t turn down any opportunity. Singing with the 3-time Grammy Award winning Sounds of Blackness, I began to sing on stages all over the United States.

Q:  Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

A:  Growing up, I started singing the music of Aretha Franklin. I could sing as high as she could, and as low as she could, and with her same kind of passion. It carried me through many years. As I branched into other genres, I modeled the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Chaka Kahn, Natalie Cole, and more recently Roberta Flack, Rachelle Ferrell, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cynthia Erivo and Samara Joy.

Q:  You’ve performed in so many different genres - jazz, R&B, gospel, musical theater - how do you navigate between them?

A:  It’s easy. My style is rooted in telling a story and that the same story can be portrayed in many different ways. The music behind the songs also makes it easy to work within the different styles.

Q:  Are there any songs or pieces you never tire of performing?

A:  I love singing. So far, I haven't tired of singing. There are a couple of tunes that I tire of performing (I won’t name them) because they so often requested - I still need to include them in my sets.

Q:  The Twin Cities has such a rich music scene - what has it meant for you to be part of it?

A:  I’m not sure where I’d be without it. The Twin Cities has provided such a wealth of opportunities to learn and grow and develop. I’ve worked and learned from the most talented artists around. I have been able to meet and perform with so many of the musicians and singers that I have learned from and admired. I’ve performed on all of the major artistic stages in the Twin Cities. The experiences here are irreplaceable. 

Q:  You’ve worked with some incredible local artists. What do you enjoy most about collaborating?

A:  Collaborating with others and producing my own shows keeps me learning and growing.  It is so important to keep growing.

Q:  What do you see as your next endeavor?

A:  I think songwriting will be my next endeavor…we’ll see. I’d also like to do a new recording project.

Q:  What advice would you give to young singers just starting out?

A:  Study, learn and be the best at what you do. Find opportunities to sit in with singers/musicians who are out there gigging, once you’ve asked if they are comfortable with you participating.

Q:  Where might we see you performing in the next few months?

A:  I have a pretty healthy schedule through the end of the year:

Saturday, September 20, 7pm, I will perform with the Jazz Women All Stars, celebrating the 40th year anniversary of The Dakota. The club was birthed at Bandana Square, St. Paul, then carried on the legacy, moving downtown Minneapolis. The lineup includes myself, Connie Evingson, Patty Peterson (founder of JWAS), Sheila Early, Joan Griffith, Mary Louise Knutson, and Sue Orfield.

Sunday, September 21, 7pm, I will be with Lori Dokken and another group of extremely talented musicians/singers as we perform a show titled “Women on the Moon” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. This show highlights music from the 60s and includes singers Judi Vinar, Joyann Parker, Patty Peterson and Rachel Holder.

Thursday, September 25, 7pm, I’ll be part of a tribute show titled “Ladies of Soul” highlighting the music of Gladys Knight, Patty LaBelle and Chaka Kahn at The Dakota. I'll be joined by Patricia Lacy (Sounds of Blackness, Luther Vandross) and Jamecia Bennett (Sounds of Blackness, Daughters of Legacy).

Monday, October 13, 7pm, I’ll be performing with my longtime homebase group, Moore By Four, under the direction of Sanford Moore, at The Dakota with Ashley Commodore, Connie Evingson and Dennis Spears. We specialize in music from the Cotton Club era. Musicians are Sanford Moore, Jay Young and Steve Jennings.

Thursday, November 20, 7pm, I’ll be performing a show at the Danish American Center. This show includes music from several genres, including R&B, Jazz, Soul and Gospel.

Sunday, December 14 (two shows) 2pm & 7pm at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. I’ll perform with Lori Dokken, Rachel Holder, Judi Vinar and Joyann Parker. “The Simple Feeling of Christmas” (Like Friends & Family Singing in the Kitchen…).

Saturday, December 20 (two shows 1pm & 7:30pm) at Chanhassen Dinner. For this annual Holiday show “Christmas With a Whole Lotta Soul,” joining me will be singers Ashley Commodore, Chreese Jones, Geoff Jones and Kijana Gant. Musicians will include Brian Ziemniak, Brandon Commodore, Geoff LeCrone, and Peter Whitman.

Follow my calendar for new shows that will be added. Come and see me perform!