Album Notes

A native of South Louisiana, Joyce's musical influence came early and often because her grandfather (Freeman Fontenot) was a musician and one of the originators of zydeco music. Most of the family gatherings included music and song and the strong influence of blues, jazz, R&B, gospel, and the charismatic flavor of south Louisiana were all elements of her musical development. Also, her instrumental music eduction degree provided knowledge and training in other musical styles, including classical and jazz, which has allowed her to be more creative in writing and composing music.

Joyce grew up in a small town with limited resources to study music; however, it did not discourage her passion for music and playing in the Basile Middle/High School Band. She started playing clarinet in middle school, but grew very fond of the tenor saxophone in the 12th grade. Joyce later played the alto sax and flute in college, where she majored in instrumental music education and studied both classical and jazz at McNeese State University. She also sang in the McNeese Acapella and the Catholic Student Center church choir. Due to family responsibilities, she laid the instruments down for about 20 years; however, Joyce reignited her passion for music when she began singing and playing her alto and tenor saxophones and flute in churches, and eventually added the soprano sax. That led to other opportunities to play in solo acts, combos, and jazz/gospel bands that performed in several venues, and finally recording her first CD in 2010, with all of her original work. The first CD consists of eight instrumental selections on soprano and alto sax, flute and three vocal selections. Even with limited resources and finances, Joyce's faith in God to provide prevailed as she labored in writing and producing all of the music and lyrics. Her goal was the write in a smooth jazz/gospel style leaning toward more of a Praise and Worship gospel style of music to minister to your soul and help heal broken hearts.