I've known Teri to be not just a hard worker but willing to go anywhere there was music just to sing.  She is tenacious and focused and in my personal opinion, destined for greatness.  Here is what I have discovered about Teri through her publicists and Personal Manager, Darla Tobin-Blake:

While Teri's voice training began as a child in her Grandmother's Church, her professional singing career launched at an early age when she was chosen to sing backgrounds for Jeffrey Osborn, the legendary Funk and R & B lead singer from L.T.D. and his own solo song writing career.   Teri added to her credits lending her background vocals to the world re-known United Kingdom rock group, "Yes."  The former beauty pageant queen decided one fateful day while singing "Our Love" by Natalie Cole, that music was her true passion and has kept her dream alive ever since.

Teri attended Howard University, a high research university in Washington D.C., where she honed in on her stage performance skills while studying classical voice.  While singing with the university's chorale, they were selected to perform in the National Mall for President Clinton's Inaugural Gala which afforded Teri the opportunity to accompany Diana Ross and Whitney Phipps.  During the occasion Teri discovered that she was also sharing the stage with Patti Labelle, Luther Vandross, Shai, and many other popularly acclaimed artists.

Teri has her brand sealed for all time as a studio artists and performer, and you can find her on the demos and background vocals of such artists as Joe, Chante Moore, Korea-based Uptown, Coco Lee, and Mica Paris.  Teri also appears on the James Tobin sophomore release entitled "Late Night" and co-wrote the title track.  These efforts has prepared Teri for her time, her moment to shine as a solo artists.

One of the most obvious catalyst has then the influence of male vocalists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Donny Hathaway, and Luther Vandross; her personal and signature voice is reminiscent of the sultry sounds that has the richness of Rhythm & Blues and those greatest of jazz singers of the past.  Those artists come to life when you hear Teri perform her independently released debut album entitled, "Love Infinity."

Love is Teri's message on her independently produced work.  From the story of romantic love on the tracks "I'm In Love" and "Touch the Sky;" to brotherly love on her lead single track "Free."  She punctuates every line with heart and soul, extending her message of love to every generation with each melodic phrase.  Prepare to be touched by her honesty as she expresses her unwavering admiration of her first true love...music.

For more of Teri, you can find her album "Love Infinity"is available on CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, and all digital outlets.  I encourage your support for the arts and thank you in advance for the purchase of Teri's works.  After all, she is an Arizona Culture member and locally grown artist.

What article would be complete without our standard questionnaire? We give you our interview with Teri Tobin...

AZC:

What motivated you to get started as a performer?

TT:

I have always loved music.  I would sing all of the radio and television commercials when I was growing up.  I drove my family crazy.  While on a road trip, my Grandmother asked me if I ever get tired of singing.  Of course, the answer was "No!"  Naturally they figured that they would put my good voice to good use in church.  I'm not really sure when I decided that I wanted this as a career.  It was just a natural progression after singing in local choirs in Los Angeles.  My first vocal coach was also plugged in to some agencies and it afforded me the opportunity to sing background for Jeffrey Osbourne.  From that point on, I knew that I wanted to do this professionally.

AZC:

What type of inspiration do you get to develop your music?

TT:

I'm inspired by a lot of things around me, but "Love Infinity" was created under the premise of wanting to bring back love songs and songs that have a positive message.  In some cases I drew from personal experiences, but mostly I am putting out what I want to come to me.  On the track "Someone," I speak about the qualities of what I want and need in a mate.  The lyrics in "Touch the Sky" are about what its like once you've found that "one."  I believe that if you put positiveness out there, it will come back.

AZC:

I couldn't agree more with your message and your method.  Tell me Teri, how would you categorize your music?

TT:

I'm not a fan of labels per se, but I describe my music as "Soul Music."  That is mainly due to the fact that I am a "Soul Singer"  by nature.  Even after studying classical music, I am still a soul singer with a classical foundation.

AZC:

So what's the funniest thing that has ever happened to you while being observed developing or performing a piece?

TT:

Some years back, I was invited to sing at a Baptism Reception by a close friend.  Stumped by the request, I wasn't quite sure what to sing.  She requested that I sing, "The Greatest Love of All" which was originally sung by George Benson for the 1977 Muhammad Ali biopic, "The Greatest."  Reluctantly I agreed.  During the ceremony, they placed all of the little children in a semi-circle around me and as I started to sing, "...show them all the beauty they posses inside..." this one little boy placed his hands over his ears and yells out, "This Sucks!!!"  The adults were embarrassed, but it was the funniest thing ever.  It was also a truly humbling experience.

AZC:

I can totally see the mood that the parents were trying to set, but out of the mouths of babes...  On a more serious note, would you share a secret about your music that identifies and brands your work?

TT:

There is no real secret.  I just stick to the same formula, and that is to just do music that feels good to me.  Its not about what is trendy or what is commercially accepted.  In every song you will also find emotion.  It goes back to the music feeling good.  If I don't feel it, I can't fake it.  So, for there to be emotion behind it, I have to passionate about whatever message I am trying to convey.

AZC:

What advice would you give someone who is just starting up in your profession?

TT:

When someone is just starting up in the business, they should think about what their goal(s) is/are.  Defining what their level of success is, I believe is a key factor.  Considering the fact that there are millions of talented people in the world, figuring out how you fit in will help to determine "How" and "What" skills need to be developed to attain your goal(s).

AZC:

What is the most difficult aspect of trying to make it in your profession?

TT:

The hardest part is the rejection we get when we feel that our project is the next hottest project out there.  It can be quite a blow to the psyche when club owners won't give you a chance because you don't have a big enough name (draw), or when promoters refuse you for the very same reason.  But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

AZC:

All I can see are a lot of people who will regret that it wasn't them who gave you the opportunity that catapults you over the threshold that defines you (and in turn defines them).  I'm optimistic and subscribe to your practice of projecting positive outward to receive positive inward.  I believe in you.  Conversely, what is your proudest achievement Teri?

TT:

I the past year there have been so many blessings its hard to choose one.  More recently, a proud moment for me was when my music began being broadcast on DirectTV. Performing at the Roxy in Hollywood was also a dream fulfilled.

AZC:

I know that people will need to track your performance schedule as this article becomes dated, but where and when can our readers see you perform and/or hear your works?

TT:

I have a few shows coming up:

• Modern Groove Assembly's final valley show will be on January 15, 2012
• Rock Paper Soul at the Onyx Room in Tucson, Az on February 14, 2012
• Billie's Black in Harlem, NY on February 18, 2012
• The Compound Grill in Phoenix, Az on March 27, 2012

AZC:

That's wonderful Teri.  We here at AZCulture support you and wish you all the success in the world.  Before you leave us, I have one last question.  Is there anything that you want to tell the world?

TT:

Support Independent Music!  If you like it, buy it!

You can hear Teri's single, "Free" from her "Love Infinity" CD by clicking on the link below.

To contact Teri, or to hear more of her work, visit her profile here: http://www.azculture.com/community/252-teri-tobin/profile

For more information on Teri Tobin please contact her Personal Manager:

Darl Tobin-Blakes

Personal Manager

Tobin Blakes Group

858-707-5824

www.tobinblakesgroup.com

info @tobinblakesgroup.com