Vocalist, Educator,Journalist, Performer, Jazz, Blues, Americana
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Articles by Roseanna Vitro
Alexis Cole: Teaching & Learning
Alexis Cole represents a new generation of jazz artists and entrepreneurs forced by a worldwide pandemic to help themselves and their community. The new world order is living and performing in a virtual reality. The discipline once required to learn songs and practice improvisation has now been aimed at learning video technology and alternative modes of expression, and Cole—a committed vocalist with heart and skills that match her talent—is feeling the burn.
Lorraine Feather: Au Courant Dorothy Parker of Jazz Lyrics
Lorraine Feather Lorraine Feather Lorraine Feather Mysterious, mischievous and whimsical, Lorraine Feather was “hip” before she knew what the term meant. A singer/songwriter born into one of the royal families of jazz; her mother Jane was a big band singer and her father, Leonard Feather, was a jazz journalist, lyricist and composer of renown. Imagine your godmother was Billie Holiday and your mom’s best friend was Peggy Lee.
A Conversation with Vocal Legend Annie Ross
Dave Lambert, Annie Ross, and Jon Hendricks in their prime (photo: Ted Williams) Annie Ross When Annie Ross penned lyrics to a Wardell Gray blues solo 60 years ago, she had no idea she had created a classic. “Twisted” is a slippery, winding tale she crafted in one night, becoming a cornerstone of the vocalese genre. Readings by Mark Murphy and, notably, Joni Mitchell, have cemented its place in jazz history.
Veronica Swift: The Real Deal
Veronica Swift’s raw talent was derived from the perfect blend of nature and nurture. She’s the daughter of pianist Hod O’Brien and jazz vocalist Stephanie Nakasian. Veronica was drenched in good jazz from birth and she’s a natural, a beautiful young woman with heart and soul and drive, whose tenure at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music deeply enhanced her skills.
Roseanna Vitro, live in concert on July 29th
© 2019 eMinor Incorporated All third party trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. ReverbNation is not affiliated with those trademark owners.
Janis Siegel: Answering the Calling of Vocal Jazz
Janis Siegel At first glimpse, this petite songbird easily blends into almost any scene comfortably, always aware of her surroundings, quietly observing. You wouldn’t know you’re chatting with one of the most recognizable voices in vocal jazz/pop history. She sings with laser precision when softly purring a classic ballad. When it’s time to rock in her upper register or swing out, she blows your mind, then casually slips into scatting a bass line or solo, always offering thoughtful improvisation.
Nancy King: Master in the Language of Jazz
Nancy King is a rare songbird among jazz singers. Not many vocalists can say they’ve earned high praise from Jon Hendricks, Ray Brown and Herb Ellis (to name a few). She’s comfortable singing in any key, improvising with scat syllables or lyrics, spinning as many choruses as her fertile imagination allows. Nancy’s signature sound is vulnerable, husky and warm. She slides seamlessly in octave jumps up and down, with a drummer’s mastery of polyrhythms.
Ann Hampton Callaway: Honoring the Song
Ann Hampton Callaway Ann Hampton Callaway Ann Hampton Callaway resides in a class by herself. She is a rare vocalist with extraordinary wit, tone and range, an artist in complete command of her instrument. She is a composer, and a pianist, and a natural performer. Her stage presence is matched by few. To my ears, Ann has never sounded better than she does right now.
Tony Bennett: His Life in Art & Song
Tony Bennett in performance on November 4, 2011 at Academy of Music in Philadelphia “You can’t teach it [jazz singing]. There’s nobody who can teach you how to sing jazz. Either you know how to sing jazz, or you don’t.” – Tony Bennett There are artists whose impact on the planet is incalculable. Tony Bennett is one of them. Born Anthony Benedetto in 1928, a child of Astoria, Queens, Tony Bennett had his first number one song in 1951, “Because Of You” on the Columbia label.
Al Jarreau: An American Original
Al Jarreau is a master of rhythms from around the world. His bag of sounds and improvisations is informed by a host of influences—the music of the church and Africa and Brazil, for example—administered with a taste of funk. He can take you on a magic carpet ride, high above the maddening static of tweets, cell phones and digital overload. (Though he’s not above referencing those sounds when he sings.) He thrills me with his spontaneous creativity and his humor, humanity and love.
Roseanna Vitro & Kenny Werner Duo, live in concert on December 15th
© 2018 eMinor Incorporated All third party trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. ReverbNation is not affiliated with those trademark owners.
Roseanna Vitro & Kenny Werner Duo, live in concert on December 14th
© 2018 eMinor Incorporated All third party trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. ReverbNation is not affiliated with those trademark owners.
Roseanna Vitro: Telling the truth with the best barbecue sauce
Grammy nominated vocalist, educator, columnist and musical activist Roseanna Vitro has just released her 14th album ‘Tell Me the Truth’. She has interviewed Al Jarreau, Jon Hendricks and Catherine Russell, to name a few and sung with Oscar Peterson. Her new album is firmly rooted in the heart and soul of the Southern musical traditions, flavoured with a little bit of everything you need and Roseanna’s passion shines through every track.
Jon Hendricks: Poet Laureate, Godfather of Jazz Vocalese
Richard CondeJon Hendricks If there was ever a more swinging bebop singer than Jon Hendricks, I don’t know who it was. He was clearly born to scat sing, easily maneuvering through difficult twists and turns in Charlie Parker solos, swinging through Count Basie’s book and singing Duke Ellington’s music with integrity and spirit. At 93, he’s still ready to meet life’s struggles as an artist, with a twinkle in his eye.
Catherine Russell: Queen of the Armstrong Blues
Sandrine LeeCatherine Russell Sitting in the audience of a Catherine Russell concert, one can’t imagine that this charismatic pro was once a shy child who only hoped to reach the heights of her distinguished parents (bassist Carline Ray and pianist Luis Russell). That’s how far she has come.
Roseanna Vitro & Kenny Werner Duo, live in concert on June 19th
© 2018 eMinor Incorporated All third party trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. ReverbNation is not affiliated with those trademark owners.
Chris McNulty: Voice of Beauty and Truth
“Back then I think no fear, chutzpah and blind courage got me through …” – Chris McNulty “Voices in Jazz” returns this month after a two month hiatus due to Hurricane Sandy’s upheaval of the East Coast this past October (2012). I can’t think of another singer more deserving to put my pen back to work than vocal musician and friend, Ms. Chris McNulty.
Ann Hampton Callaway: Honoring the Song
Ann Hampton Callaway resides in a class by herself. She is a rare vocalist with extraordinary wit, tone and range, an artist in complete command of her instrument. She is a composer, and a pianist, and a natural performer. Her stage presence is matched by few. To my ears, Ann has never sounded better than she does right now. For years now she has been fulfilling the potential and promise so many of us witnessed during her salad days on the New York club circuit.
Jazzmeia Horn: Going Where the Spirit Leads
Jazzmeia Horn (photo by Jacob Blickenstaff/Concord Music Group) Jazzmeia Horn takes jazz singing seriously. As a winner of the 2013 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Jazz Competition, followed by a victory lap at the 2015 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition, Ms. Horn announced her arrival in a big way. Her career saw the kind of ignition young artists dream about. Honoring her Texas gospel roots, Jazzmeia presents a voice and identity onstage that embodies true conviction.
A Conversation with Vocal Legend Annie Ross
When Annie Ross penned lyrics to a Wardell Gray blues solo 60 years ago, she had no idea she had created a classic. “Twisted” is a slippery, winding tale she crafted in one night, becoming a cornerstone of the vocalese genre. Readings by Mark Murphy and, notably, Joni Mitchell, have cemented its place in jazz history. The spirited London-born singer/actress has always had a knack for entertainment and performance since age 4, culminating with the iconic ensemble Lambert, Hendricks and Ross.
American Composer: The Wit & Wisdom of Dave Frishberg
Dave Frishberg My introduction to Dave Frishberg came in the late ’70s when I first heard Irene Kral and Alan Broadbent’s recording of “You Are There,” with lyrics by Dave Frishberg and music by Johnny Mandel. Soon thereafter, I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with Dave in New York. I was quite taken by him; he was a superior musician and poet. The title track on my first album was “Listen Here,” one of his most beautiful ballads.
Roseanna Vitro and Clarity, live in concert on September 7th
© 2018 eMinor Incorporated All third party trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. ReverbNation is not affiliated with those trademark owners.
Roseanna Vitro and Clarity, live in concert on April 4th
© 2018 eMinor Incorporated All third party trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. ReverbNation is not affiliated with those trademark owners.
Mark Murphy: Repertoire & Relaxation
Mark Murphy turns 80 years young this year. He is famous for his soaring instrument and his distinctive vocal improvisations, with melody and lyrics. He was a recipient of DownBeat’s reader’s jazz poll for Best Male Vocalist in 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2001. Notably Mark has received six Grammy nominations for Best Vocal Jazz Performance. Among his best known nominated recordings are Stolen Moments (Muse Records), September Ballads (Milestone Records) and Song for the Geese (RCA Records).
Lorraine Feather: Au Courant Dorothy Parker of Jazz Lyrics
Mysterious, mischievous and whimsical, Lorraine Feather was “hip” before she knew what the term meant. A singer/songwriter born into one of the royal families of jazz; her mother Jane was a big band singer and her father, Leonard Feather, was a jazz journalist, lyricist and composer of renown. Imagine your godmother was Billie Holiday and your mom’s best friend was Peggy Lee.
Dena DeRose: Beauty in Subtlety and Swing
Dena DeRose Dena DeRose is a musicians’ musician. She moved from Binghamton, New York to New York City in 1991, honing her craft and making fans everywhere she’s performed. At the age of 21, she was diagnosed with arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, which forced her to stop playing piano for almost two years. The good news for jazz fans is the illness pushed Dena to develop her lovely singing voice.
Bob Dorough: Bebop Crusader & Original Hipster
Jimmy KatzBob Dorough Bob Dorough is as unique as the original Arkansas diamond. His lyrics are clever and his melodies are full of twists, turns and modulations, leading your ears on a roller coaster ride through several keys. There’s no better example than one of his most famous compositions, “Nothing Like You Has Ever Been Seen Before,” recorded with Miles Davis on The Sorcerer, lyrics by Fran Landesman. Bob’s voice is intense and hushed. Imagine a breathy Edward G.
An Interview With Cécile McLorin Salvant
Since the passing of vocal icons Carmen McRae, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, fans have wondered, will we ever see this level of talent again? A rightful question. Yet, as a vocal instructor and judge for the Thelonious Monk and Sarah Vaughan competitions, I’ve learned to have complete faith in the future of jazz singing. In a short time, Cécile McLorin Salvant has affirmed that promise.
Sheila Jordan: Vocal Shaman
Sheila Jordan (photo: Peter Clampitt) Sheila Jordan is a one-of-a-kind artist who possesses the power to captivate audiences, inviting all to join her on a magical mystery tour of jazz history. She is a native of Detroit, where she flowered from rich soil, and she wears the bloom of her youth proudly. The sounds of her upbringing serve as a springboard for her creativity and continue to inform all that she sings – even her interpretations of works by modern-day composers.
René Marie: Voice of a Renegade
Rene Marie I am constantly interested in how my favorite artists became who they are today. What experiences shaped their destiny to create an artist who inspires us? René Marie is a self-taught singer with a passion for life and music. I loved interviewing René and I feel there is much to learn from this special artist. Motéma Music released two René Marie Albums this past year: Voice of My Beautiful Country and Black Lace Freudian Slip.
Gretchen Parlato: The Art of Inspiration
Ken FrancklingGretchen Parlato Gretchen Parlato’s career ignited after winning the Thelonious Monk Vocal Jazz Competition in 2004. This honor was a game changer in vocal jazz for honoring a singer’s musicianship and connection with the band versus a big voiced performer in front of the band. Gretchen’s touring schedule these days is one which any young or old jazz singer would be thrilled to call their own. Vocally, Gretchen possesses a sexy, breathy sound with excellent pitch.
Bob Stoloff: Scat!
Phil FarnsworthVocalists Joey Blake, Bob Stoloff and Bobby McFerrin sharing the stage I have been in love with great singers since I was a little girl in Arkansas. When I learn the history and experiences that shaped my favorite artists and teachers, I gain knowledge for my own artistry and teaching. Bob Stoloff is at the top of my list as a vocal improvisation teacher.
Rhiannon: Total Improvisation
Rhiannon Rhiannon is a unique and extraordinary vocalist, performance artist, composer and master teacher whose musical vision embraces jazz, a cappella, improvisation, world music and storytelling. Rhiannon has a brand new recording just released titled Spontaneous. I felt this would be the perfect time to interview this gifted artist and mentor.
Tony Bennett: His Life in Art & Song
Ben JohnsonTony Bennett in performance on November 4, 2011 at Academy of Music in Philadelphia “You can’t teach it [jazz singing]. There’s nobody who can teach you how to sing jazz. Either you know how to sing jazz, or you don’t.” – Tony Bennett There are artists whose impact on the planet is incalculable. Tony Bennett is one of them. Born Anthony Benedetto in 1928, a child of Astoria, Queens, Tony Bennett had his first number one song in 1951, “Because Of You” on the Columbia label.
Fred Hersch: Wisdom for Singers
Fred Hersch and Roseanna Vitro Fred Hersch is a Grammy-nominated pianist and composer (he’s been cited five times), who loves the company of singers. He provides support and evinces authority as he exchanges ideas with the brightest improvisers on the world stage today. I first met Fred in 1979, when I moved to New York from Houston, Texas. At that time I routinely asked musicians, “Who are the best pianists to work with?” Fred’s name topped almost all the lists.
An Introduction to Scat Singing
Scat singing is vocal improvisation with wordless syllables, combining improvised melodies, motifs and rhythmic patterns using the voice as an instrument, not unlike a trumpet or saxophone. Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan improvised with intelligence, passion and wit, yet they never lost sight of their lyrics. Jazz ambassador Armstrong, with a voice of gravel and sunshine, is widely known as the cat who first scatted “ooh bop sha bam” after his sheet music hit the studio floor.
Roseanna Vitro & Kenny Werner Duo, live in concert on January 14th
© 2018 eMinor Incorporated All third party trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. ReverbNation is not affiliated with those trademark owners.
Nancy King: Master in the Language of Jazz
Nancy King Nancy King is a rare songbird among jazz singers. Not many vocalists can say they’ve earned high praise from Jon Hendricks, Ray Brown and Herb Ellis (to name a few). She’s comfortable singing in any key, improvising with scat syllables or lyrics, spinning as many choruses as her fertile imagination allows. Nancy’s signature sound is vulnerable, husky and warm. She slides seamlessly in octave jumps up and down, with a drummer’s mastery of polyrhythms.
Roseanna Vitro & Kenny Werner Duo, live in concert on November 3rd
© 2018 eMinor Incorporated All third party trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. ReverbNation is not affiliated with those trademark owners.
Al Jarreau: An American Original
Tony AdamoAl Jarreau (photo by Tony Adamo) Al Jarreau is a master of rhythms from around the world. His bag of sounds and improvisations is informed by a host of influences—the music of the church and Africa and Brazil, for example—administered with a taste of funk. He can take you on a magic carpet ride, high above the maddening static of tweets, cell phones and digital overload.
Roseanna Vitro & Kenny Werner Duo, live in concert on July 11th
© 2018 eMinor Incorporated All third party trademarks are the property of the respective trademark owners. ReverbNation is not affiliated with those trademark owners.
American Composer: The Wit & Wisdom of Dave Frishberg
Dave Frishberg My introduction to Dave Frishberg came in the late ’70s when I first heard Irene Kral and Alan Broadbent’s recording of “You Are There,” with lyrics by Dave Frishberg and music by Johnny Mandel. Soon thereafter, I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with Dave in New York. I was quite taken by him; he was a superior musician and poet. The title track on my first album was “Listen Here,” one of his most beautiful ballads.
Sheila Jordan: Vocal Shaman
Sheila Jordan (photo: Peter Clampitt) Sheila Jordan is a one-of-a-kind artist who possesses the power to captivate audiences, inviting all to join her on a magical mystery tour of jazz history. She is a native of Detroit, where she flowered from rich soil, and she wears the bloom of her youth proudly. The sounds of her upbringing serve as a springboard for her creativity and continue to inform all that she sings – even her interpretations of works by modern-day composers.
Mark Murphy: Repertoire & Relaxation
Mark Murphy Jean-Pierre Leduc and Mark Murphy Mark Murphy turns 80 years young this year. He is famous for his soaring instrument and his distinctive vocal improvisations, with melody and lyrics. He was a recipient of the Best Male Vocalist honor in DownBeat‘s reader’s poll for 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2001. Notably Mark has received six Grammy nominations for Best Vocal Jazz Performance.
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