A live conversation with the leader of Fleur Seule, ‘La Rubia de La Salsa’ better known as ‘The Glamour Girl of Jazz’

As a singer, I’d believe that music is like the air I breathe, I would always need it to be alive. I’d remember from my youth that I was always trying to hear good music to comfort my soul and spirit. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or just to relax a bit’ there was something playing in the back.

I was at home posting on my Instagram when I saw Fleur Seule live. For this very first time, I decided to interview this amazing singer with such an outstanding style. Allyson Briggs sings in different languages and performs at wedding receptions, birthdays, and any other events. With her own kind of style, she created ‘La Rubia de La Salsa’ introducing spanish songs from some artist we —latins— have heard since we were born. Performing old salsa from artists including Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Tito Puente, and others.

Fleur Seule plays Swing Era hits, Jazz standards, Salsa classics and Ballroom selections that will transport you to the 1940s: The times of big bands and glamorous evenings of live music and dancing in clubs renowned for their entertainment, Hollywood profiles, and musical variety.

Allyson Briggs and this band has been keeping the classics alive in New York City, with sold-out crowds at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and a 5-year residency as the house band of Tavern on the Green.

Questions and Answers:

Let’s get to know each other;

Q: What can you tell us about yourself? (Who are you and what do you do?

A: Well, I am known in NYC as Fleur Seule, leader of a vintage jazz band in Manhattan. We create glamorous shows of Old Hollywood styles, from jazz, to swing, to classic salsa!

I’ve seen your IGTV so many times, I loved your music and your style it shows us —my generation— about old school music; so good it would never get too old. Been said;

Q: What’s your background?

How do you end up being an artist plus the leader of the band?

How you do what you do?

What’s your creative process to any show and outfit?

A: I always listened to this music at home when I was young, my parents played it. Sinatra, Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, etc. I came to NYC for college at NYU and started meeting musicians. I had a specific vision for what I wanted to create, so I did everything myself haha!

OMG, that’s empowerment! I’m glad you did. So, you believe that one of the things to follow your vision is to commit to yourself and dreams.

Q: What else do you think is integral to work as an artist? Maybe you could share some knowledge with the audience.

A: Something important as an artist is knowing who you are. You want to balance that with a client’s wishes (for example, a wedding) but in creating your identity you need to find what you are passionate about and excel at.

I’m dying to ask about your clothes and image;

Q: How do you end up with that idea?

Did you create it too?

What’s your biggest inspiration?

A: My vocal and outfit inspiration come from the Hollywood starlets – Women were so elegant and put together, it is so classy that I wanted to study their style and create my own looks with that vintage flair. Movie stars of the 40s balanced sexy with sophistication, again it is all about balance.

Q: What do you pursue in your career?

Could you describe to us any real-life situation that somehow inspired you?

A: In my music, I aim to inspire people to turn off the phones, connect with an experience, and allow me to take them back in time to simpler, happier days! The joy of the music of the 1940s in spite of WWII really inspired me – Music is an escape from reality when it becomes overwhelming.

Q: What is an artistic outlook on life?

A: I think artists, even more than before, have to use challenges and disappointments to fuel them, rather than let them stop us.

Q: What memorable responses have you had to your work?

What is your dream project?

A: I was honored to perform at Jazz at Lincoln Center with Michael Feinstein, which was an amazing experience. And at La Marqueta in el Barrio with my 13 piece salsa band – We had the highest turnout in the event’s history!

Q: In how many languages do you sing?

A: I sing in 7 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Yiddish.

Q: What is the strongest advice you could give to any female aspiring to be an artist like you are?

A: I would tell other female performers it is important to stick to your values and your artistic identity. You will have so many people along the way offer you a quick road to stardom if you follow their vision, but that is never worth it.