Singer Linda Berry releases her solo debut single, “Floating Bridge,” this month. Originally from Virginia, Berry arrived in San Diego circa 1989, building up a music career that has seen her nominated for a San Diego Music Award for her work with the January Berry Band, and more recently, lead her own Linda Berry Band, featuring guitarist Joe Norwood, bassist Jodie Hill, harmonica player Billy Watson, drummer Frank Lazzaro, and violinist Robert Rotzler.
“We play blues rock, including funky stuff and songs with a country feel,” she said. However, “Floating Bridge” is a solo project. “I did not use my regular band, except for Joe Norwood, because I wanted standup bass, fiddle, hand drums, and harp for the sound I was looking for. Nobody in our band plays those instruments,” she said. The song was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Scott Blinn at Hacienda On The Hill Studio.
“Rearranging and recording ‘Floating Bridge’ holds deep personal significance for me, as it bridges two distinct parts of my life: my country roots growing up in Virginia and the many years I spent married to a Middle Easterner,” Berry said. “Written by Sleepy John Estes in 1937, the song reflects on a near-drowning experience that became a turning point in his life, a moment of reflection and transformation without a clear resolution. Similarly, I find myself at a pivotal moment, embarking on my first solo music project, as well as managing my own band. By blending the song’s themes with my unique perspective, I aim to honor its original essence while infusing it with the cultural and emotional layers that define my journey.”
It’s been quite a journey. A keen music fan since childhood, Berry “never lost the love of music or singing (through the years), but I went on to have a family, earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, and to teach ESL at UCSD for the next 21 years. After Covid and being laid off from UCSD, I discovered my passion for teaching elementary school Special Ed and have been doing that for the last 3 years.”
In between raising a son and teaching, Berry joined a small group of local musicians who had living room jam sessions to get her singing fix. “It was there that my friends began urging me to go to local open mics and try to sing in front of an audience, which was a horrifying thought to me! I did indeed do that many times and ended up being hired by a local blues band, Smokin’ Jr. My other ‘non-musician’ friends were shocked because they had no idea I even sang. I joked and said, ‘I sent my only son to university and so I joined a band. Isn’t that what everyone does?’”
Smokin’ Jr. Band eventually ran its course. “I spent the next 6 or so years with the January Berry Band, earning an SDMA nomination and releasing two albums featuring a combination of originals and covers. Feeling ready to front my own band at that point, I formed the Linda Berry Band.”
Berry considers “Floating Bridge” to be the beginning of the next part of her musical journey. “I plan on continuing to develop new music, writing originals and using the idea of a blues/Middle Eastern sound in songs, as well as playing some rhythm guitar in my band,” she said.
What’s Berry’s favorite thing about being a musician? “There’s a few things. Definitely the people I have met,” she said. “People from all walks of life. Then there’s the kindness, support, and guidance from other musicians, as well as being able to express myself in a creative and fun way.” Berry considers one more. “Realizing a childhood dream of singing onstage,” she said.
Don’t miss out! Discover the full magazine of this issue#10!
Don’t miss out! Discover the full magazine of this issue#10!
