Carla later continued her jazz studies in West Texas, singing with the Texas Tech University Jazz Ensemble I, under direction of Alan Shinn. With the University band, she had the opportunity to perform with and open for jazz notables, such as Tuck and Patti, the Yellowjackets, Louie Bellson, and Tony Campizi. In 1993 she was awarded “best vocal performance” by IAGE. Carla is featured on the Texas Tech University Jazz Ensemble’s CD, Seein' The Light... Hearin' The Hub-Tones (Sea Breeze Records, 1997).
In July of 1994, Heart Music announced the release of Helmbrecht’s debut CD, One for My Baby, which showcases a collection of traditional jazz standards (and a few non-traditional ones). She was joined by a host of world-class musicians such as Clay Jenkins (trumpet), Kim Richmond (alto sax, clarinet), Chris Seiter (trombone), and Frank Mantooth (piano and arranger). One for My Baby moved to a prominent position on Gavin's Jazz Chart.
Following the release of her debut CD, Carla relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area. She began performing with the Black Market Jazz Orchestra and was featured on their 1998 CD, Season's Greetings. She has been a featured performer at events, such as the KXJZ Sacramento Jazz Concert Series, the cabaret production “Sassy Divas”, the Song Fest Tribute to Carol Coates, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and the San Jose Jazz Festival.
In January 2001, Heart Music released Carla’s Be Cool Be Kind, featuring Ernie Watts (saxophone), Joe LaBarbara (drums), Tom Warrington (bass), Peter Horvath (piano and arranger), Clay Jenkins (trumpet), Michael Spiro (percussion), and Larry Koonse (guitar). Be Cool Be Kind debuted as “the most added jazz record on radio in the nation”, and reached #8 on Gavin Jazz radio. The album received three Grammy nominations: Carla for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album, and Peter Horvath for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist.
Her most recent recording, Here's to Love - with Akio Sasajima, was released in Japan, March 2004. This recording features Akio (guitar), Harvey S. (bass), and Peter Horvath (piano).
Carla can also be heard singing on recent television shows, such as The Young & The Restless (ABC) and The District (Fox), as well as a recent ShowTime movie, Sixteen Candles. The major motion picture, Smile (2005) features a recording by Carla entitled "Vanishing Romance".
Official website: www.carlahelmbrecht.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/carlahelmbrecht
Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Carla Helmbrecht Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singing in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me
Say "Night-ie night" and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me
While I'm alone and blue as can be
Stars fading, but I linger on, dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear
Just saying this
Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me
Stars fading, but I linger on, dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear
Just saying this
Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me
Carla Helmbrecht's song "Dream a Little Dream of Me" is a romantic and dreamy tune that expresses the desire for love and connection. The opening verse sets the stage with the image of twinkling stars and the whisper of night breezes, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility. The birds singing in the sycamore tree add to the idyllic scene, and the lyrics encourage the listener to "Dream a little dream" - to indulge in the joy of imagining a better world, one where love is real and all is well.
The next verse is more personal, directly addressing a loved one. The singer asks to be held and kissed, to feel the warmth of companionship in a lonely world. The sense of longing is palpable in lines like "While I'm alone and blue as can be" - the singer is yearning for something more than what they currently have. However, there is hope in the idea of dreaming - that perhaps in one's dreams, they can find solace and happiness.
The refrain repeats the message of dreaming, with an added emphasis on sweet dreams and leaving worries behind. The final verse echoes the earlier sentiment of craving affection, with the singer longing to linger until dawn. In the end, the message is clear - dream a little dream of me, and let love and hope fill your heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Stars shining bright above you
The bright stars are above you, shining beautifully.
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
The gentle night breeze appears to whisper sweet love messages to you.
Birds singing in the sycamore tree
The melodious singing of the birds perched on a sycamore tree fills the air.
Dream a little dream of me
Think of me and envisage a better future in your dreams.
Say "Night-ie night" and kiss me
Bid me goodnight with a hug and a kiss.
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me
Embrace me tightly and assure me of your longing for me.
While I'm alone and blue as can be
I am lonely and very sad.
Dream a little dream of me
Envision a brighter future with me in your dreams.
Stars fading, but I linger on, dear
The stars are fading, but I am still awake, my love.
Still craving your kiss
I still desire your kiss desperately.
I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear
I yearn to be with you until daybreak.
Just saying this
I am communicating my true feelings with you.
Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Wish you sweet dreams until the sunlight finds you.
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
May your dreams be so pleasant that they make all your troubles go away.
But in your dreams whatever they be
Regardless of the content of your dreams.
Dream a little dream of me
Please dream of me and fantacize a better future.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Fabian Andre, Gus Kahn, Wilbur Schwandt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind