New Artist Spotlight - Teresa Wade

New Artist Spotlight: Teresa Wade

By Gary Voorhies

Teresa Wade is a self-described mass of contradictions. Part beauty pageant queen and part tomboy as she counts fishing trips with her father and horse shows among her greatest childhood memories.

Wade grew up in Stone Mountain, Ga., where she studied classical piano for 12 years and often performed in church. She aspired to be a multi-instrumentalist like one of her heroes, Barbara Mandrell, and eventually added guitar to her arsenal.

Her other influences include Norah Jones, Keith Urban and unfortunately, her dream duet partner, Ray Charles, passed away last year. "I'm not sure who could ever compare to that one," she said. "But Billy Joel might be a duet partner consideration. There's just something about those piano men that I absolutely love."

Wade has written for BMG Music Publishing, Charlie Daniels Music Publishing and collaborated with hit tunesmiths including Tony Colton and Rivers Rutherford.

She lives with intensity, puts dreams and disappointments into lyrics and uses her songs to share her interpretations of life. Her music is a clear-eyed perspective on the struggles and triumphs that make up life's journey.

Wade wrote her debut single, "I'm All Over That," with Steve Dean and Will Nance. The single is featured on her forthcoming Klimbing Kudzu Records album, The Real Thing.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT TIME PERIOD OR ERA WOULD YOU VISIT AND WHY?

"I love the South, and would like to go back to the historically romantic Gone With The Wind era, when women wore hoop skirts, horses provided transportation, life was a lot simpler, and chivalry prevailed."

DO YOU HAVE A LUCKY CHARM?

"I don't exactly have a lucky charm, but I have a few tiny trinkets in a little red satin bag that were given to me by some very special people. They remind me of their friendship and belief in me, and sometimes that little reminder is the little 'push' I need to 'go the extra mile.'"

WHAT INSTRUMENT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD PLAY?

"When I was a kid, I wanted to be like Barbara Mandrell, one of my heroes, and play many instruments. But if I had to decide on just one to add, it would have to be the Saxophone."

WHAT KIND OF ALBUM, OTHER THAN COUNTRY, WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE?

"I have many musical tastes and interests, but I think it would be fun to make a record of classics, big band style, with a big orchestra, wear a glamorous evening dress, like in the days of Sinatra and the Rat Pack."

WHAT MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WOULD YOU RELIVE IF YOU COULD?

"I would go back to the last time I went fishing with my Dad before he passed away in 2000. Fishing was our time together; I was his 'tomboy,' but also his 'little star.'"

November 22, 2005