As the singer and songwriter behind the theme song of Ally McBeal, Vonda Shepard was heard by millions of people weekly for five seasons starting in 1997. She also appeared in dozens of Ally episodes otherwise – playing herself in the final piano bar scene – and scored original music for plenty of episodes. Ultimately, this led to high-profile collaborations with Sting, Al Green and Jon Bon Jovi, to name a few artists. Even though the show remains internationally-syndicated, Ally McBeal is only a small part of Vonda’s career.
Vonda’s first major exposure to the masses was a duet with Dan Hill called “Can’t We Try”; that song went on to be Billboard Magazine’s number one adult contemporary song in 1987. Prior to that, she played keyboards and sang with Rickie Lee Jones. She also toured with Al Jarreau, who she worked with for four years. Towards the end of her Al Jarreau tenure, Vonda released her first major label album. Her second full-length for Reprise Records would include an early version of “Searchin’ My Soul,” the aforementioned Ally McBeal theme song. Prior to the release of her third album, which came out independently, Vonda toured as part of Jackson Browne’s band.
In her post-Ally years, Vonda has done high-profile tours alongside The Indigo Girls, Sugarland, and the Motown veterans known as The Funk Brothers. She has recorded consistently, much of which with husband Mitchell Froom, a producer who has worked with Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow and Pearl Jam. Her 2015 release Rookie was not only self-released but also fan-funded, courtesy of a successful Kickstarter campaign. Beyond the typical routines of touring and recording, Vonda acted in Randy Newman’s Faust last year, which had a run in New York City.
Vonda comes back to New York with a headlining gig at Le Poisson Rouge (158 Bleecker St.) on Nov. 21. In support of this appearance, Vonda kindly did some Q&A for Downtown, and was an absolute delight. The talented New York-based Julia Haltigan will be on support for this show.
When I interviewed you about 15 years ago, you were promoting a Westbury Music Fair gig and not yet sure of when the “Ally finale” would be. Career-wise, how does where you’re at now compare to where you’d hoped you be at?
Vonda Shepard: I remember those gigs! Spinning round and round — very disorienting, but the audience was great. Well, to be honest, though I loved the Ally days, and even though my career is not as thriving, I do have a very strong underground base who show up to my gigs with an enthusiasm that is potent. They also tend to embrace anything I choose to do, so I’m not as locked into playing “Tell Him,” but can play songs from my own albums, It’s Good, Eve, By 7:30, the new one, Rookie. So I’m very happy, artistically…and that is very important.
How would you describe the Rookie album to a long-time fan of yours who hasn’t yet heard it?
V: Rookie has deep soul elements, where I’m throwing myself out there vocally in a very intense, unabashed way that people may find exciting. There are a few robust tunes like “Rookie” and “Turn It Up” to wake you up, and there are also a few “vintage Vonda” tunes — heart wrenching ballads, wistful, very visual lyrics on a few songs. The production is not slick, but much more raw, with the band playing real instruments, and I take on a “soul mama” character when singing all of the background vocals.
Is it true that the title track of your latest album was inspired by the NBA playoffs?
V: Yes, it is absolutely true. I watched the playoffs with my family last year and could relate to what it feels like to be an athlete. There is a parallel to a touring artist’s life and that of an athlete. It takes a tremendous amount of stamina and strength to do this for a living. Also, I feel like I still have a lot to give, say, sing — that I’m still on top of my game, and am here to PLAY! (laughs) “I’m at home… I’m in the zone. Can’t be thrown… cheer right now, ‘cause I’m gonna win.”
Did you enjoy the crowd-funding experience through Kickstarter for Rookie? Or are you more likely to do things yourself if and when you make another studio album?
V: I found the whole Kickstarter experience very exciting. Fans, friends and family really came through so that I could make a new record, and that was incredibly moving to me. I’m not the most adept at social networking, but this forced me to be more involved in that world, and what I found was this wonderful, supportive group of people pulling for me. I would absolutely do it again, as for me, this really is doing it myself. We raised about $36,000, and that just paid for the recording, artwork, manufacturing, etc. The money included a tiny bit of promotion, which is very expensive, so it’s essential that I crowdfund the next album as well, and hopefully people will want to hear another album from me at some point.
Speaking of albums, have you ever listened to the Soul Coughing album [Ruby Vroom] that is named after your step-daughter?
V: Yes, I have. They’re a cool band…
Was the experience of acting in Faust enjoyable for you? Do you hope to do more acting in the future?
V: I LOVED doing Faust with Randy Newman! I studied acting for many years in my youth, but once I began touring, I realized how much more exciting music was for me. However, when I did Faust, I noticed that I do have the ability to act, and sure, I’d consider it again! The high point for me was singing “Feels Like Home” with Randy. It was the most “at home” I felt throughout the evening, however dancing and vamping around on “Life Has Been Good To Me” was also a blast.
In living in New York for the play, did you wind up with a favorite restaurant and/or coffee spot in town?
V: We were only in New York for a short time, as this wasn’t a regular show, just a revival at Encores! Off, but I do love restaurants! How did you know? There was a place called Market Table, I believe? Downtown. I met my dear friend, Renee for a late dinner after rehearsal, and tried to go back at a normal dinner hour another day, but couldn’t get in… so I guess it’s a pretty happening spot. [Editor’s Note: Market Table is located at 54 Carmine St.]
What do you remember about your first gig in New York City?
V: My first gig in New York City was probably with Rickie Lee Jones in the ’80s. I used to be in her band, playing keyboards, singing and dancing. I was born in New York, so although I only spent my “formative year and a half” there (laughs). It is home to me in many ways. New Yorkers, by the way, are a fantastic audience. In the ’80s and now, still. I LOVE playing there.
What do you like to do when you’re not busy touring or recording?
V: I like to go to the farmer’s market and buy great, local, organic food and cook it. I also like gardening a bit. And reading is one of the best times I have all day, whether it’s the paper in the morning or a great book at night. I love walking on the beach, as well.
Finally, Vonda, any last words for the kids?
V: The kids? Stay off of the video games! Get outside! If you’re into music, play some gigs — it’s the best way to be discovered, still. Oh, and keep an e-mail list from the start, if you want a career in the music world. And eat lots of leafy green vegetables! And be nice to your parents! And be positive!
-by Darren Paltrowitz
