Rachelle Ferrell

Pianist/vocalist Rachelle Ferrell is one of the most prodigiously talented voices on today’s R&B/soul scene. While she got her start as a pianist and songwriter in the urban contemporary genre, she is primarily known as a jazz singer, notably for her astonishing six+octave vocal range.

“…filled with seductive scatting and impressive acrobatics, the six-octave singer showcased her vast range” -jazzchicago.net

“…sinfully sensuous” -Jazz Times
 

 
Ferrell got started in music at an early age, but didn’t turn to the piano until her mid-teens. Her father purchased one with the provision that Ferrell pursue professional ambitions. Within six months she had her first gig. At 18, she enrolled in the Berklee School of Music in Boston to study composition and arranging. She graduated in a year and took a job teaching music with Dizzy Gillespie for the New Jersey Council on the Arts. Through the 1980s and into the early ’90s, she shared the stage with some of the top names in jazz, including Gillespie, Quincy Jones, George Benson and George Duke. After a stint singing backup for Vanessa Williams, Ferrell recorded her first solo record in 1990. Since then Ferrell has made her mark not only as a straight ahead jazz singer and pianist, but as a crossover artist who’s equally at home with urban contemporary pop, gospel, classical music and jazz.

“…she truly has a one of a kind set of pipes.” -All About Jazz

• Ferrell’s vocal prowess on display

• From last night’s second show

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