Well known, highly respected and widely acknowledged as one of Australia's finest performers, Melbourne based vocalist LINDA CABLE was reaching the point in an extensive singing career – on stage, in the recording studio and TV – where her capabilities as a performer were at a peak , when disaster struck.
Grappling with a medical problem, Linda had a simple procedure that ultimately damaged her voice muscles. She had difficulty talking – let alone singing – and was in pain. There was torn muscle in her throat and nerve paralysis for some three years.
Nerve damage healed in 14 months, but it took 4 years for torn muscle and tendons on the left side to recover. The muscles had atrophied from lack of use.
Time, patience determination and a skilled osteopath nursed Linda's throat muscles back to strength
As an accomplished singer Linda knew rehab and exercises would get her back to her performing ability but she didn't know how long it would take. Flare ups occurred and it was a case of trial and error . She thought she'd never sing again. She was talking and singing with the emphasis on the use of right hand side throat muscles as she put it "like having stereo speakers with one not working".
Linda recently went back into the spotlight after those physically and emotionally draining years and thrilled a packed audience at Melbourne's Paris Cat Jazz Club.
"The impact on my career has been both negative and positive" Linda says. "Negative because being creative is my life and I live it with passion but was shot down at my peak. Positive because once I knew my voice was possibly recovering it 's given me time to compile a completely different repertoire and programme- a change in performance style that engages more with my musical peers and audiences alike. I have different energy and musicianship. I want the audience to feel what I produce".
LINDA CABLE PERFORMS AT MELBOURNE'S PARIS CAT 28 MARCH AND SYDNEY'S FOUNDRY 616 4TH APRIL
