Originally launched a few years ago as the Twin Cities chapter of the Jazz Vocal Coalition, Jazz Vocalists of Minnesota reorganized in 2007 when the parent organization dissolved. With a membership of about 30 vocalists, jazz educators and advocates, JzVMn provides networking, education and mentoring for veteran and novice singers as well as performance and learning opportunities for the general public to promote appreciation of the vocal side of America’s indigenous art form. Over the past three years, the JzVMn has sponsored several workshops on the history, styles, business and art of jazz singing. Each year, the group holds several “Singers Jam” sessions as well as a few showcases, most recently at the 2009 Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Other showcase events have been held at the Dakota, Dakota County Steakhouse, Artists Quarter, Times, and Sage Wine Bar. The JzVMn’s first compilation recording, Vocallage, was released two years ago, providing a good introduction to the vocal talents of thirteen Twin Cities’ artists. The CD will be available at the upcoming Showcase at Camp Bar.

 

Vocalists scheduled to perform at the November 5th showcase include: 

• Thomas Bruce has long roots in vocal jazz, brother of the late Roberta Davis and uncle of Moore by Four’s Yolanda Bruce. But he came to singing himself relatively recently, released the acclaimed Limerence in 2005, and now is ready to release his second CD. Over the past few years, Tommy has graced the stages of Sophia’s, the Dakota, the Palm Court, Three Fish and more with his soothing tenor and eclectic repertoire.
• Lee Engele ("Jazz with an Attitude") is a singer who demonstrates contagious energy, personal charm, and that love for lyrics every time she takes the stage. From her dramatic work in Theater to solo performances on stages throughout the Twin Cities and beyond, Lee's career has been as diverse as her repertoire. Whether out in front of a big band or alongside a swinging piano trio, her confident stage presence and sultry sound have made her a sought-after-performer. A soloist at such venues as the Artists Quarter, Dakota Jazz Club, Minnesota Zephyr Cabaret, and the Twin Cities Jazz Festivals, Lee also works as a Disc Jockey, has performed in radio and voice-overs, and participated in the prestigious Yale Cabaret Conference in 2008. She currently serves the jazz community as the President of the Twin Cities Jazz Society.
• Rhonda Laurie began her career as a cabaret singer in New York nightclubs.  She has studied with several renowned vocal coaches, including jazz legend Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton.  She has performed at Rossi's Blue Star, Sophia's, the Times Bar and Cafe, and Dakota, had a weekly gig at Cavé Vin, and currently appears with Sidewalk Café in various venues around the area. Her first full-length recording, with Peter Schimke, Chris Bates, Jay Epstein and Irv Williams, is due out in early 2010. Rhonda served JVM as President for two years.
• Teresa Manzella began her musical training at age 10, majored in music at Boston University, and studied voice with Roberta Swedien. Since 1991, she has been singing around the Twin Cities at night clubs, corporate functions, wedding ceremonies and receptions, country club events, and outdoor concert series. Teresa has sung with big bands, variety groups, and small combos, and has had the honor of singing with the great Alice Babs. She released a CD, Torch Swingin’, several years ago, which received favorable critical reviews from around the country and the world. When she’s not singin’ and swingin’, Teresa keeps busy as a freelance professional editor.
  

  Teresa Manzella
• Vicky Mountain’s eclectic past runs the stylistic gamut from warming up for the Hollies, Tim Weisberg, Scarlet Rivera and others to co-writing and performing original jazz operas to concerts from Winnipeg to South America to nightclub and church performances with duos to big bands. Currently she performs with her own group and as a freelance singer, and teaches jazz voice at the MacPhail Center for Music.  Her CDs (Birds Of A Feather, Don't Go To Strangers, and the new Sincerely Yours) feature her original lyrics.
• Karen Quiroz has long been a lover of Jazz standards and is now making them her own. While her training has mainly been in classical and choral music, the many years she spent listening to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Joao Gilberto are evident. She loves the wild beauty of Portuguese, the joy of improvisation, and discovering the bluest notes where you least except them. Recently she has gigged at the Hat Trick Lounge. Karen is grateful to her teachers Vicky Mountain, Bruce Henry, Sheila Jordan, and especially Jay Clayton for keeping the lights on in the woodshed.
• Mary Ann Sullivan is surrounded by music. She is married to local sax great Doug Haining, and their two sons are excellent musicians as well, pursuing careers in the field. Maryann herself studied music in college, and played flute and sax in the Augsburg Jazz program. Lately, she’s proven herself to be a fine singer on various stages in the Twin Cities, including Fireside Pizza and the Sage Wine Bar. Jazz fans may recognize Mary Ann as the voice of the former “Jazz Connections” on MPR and now, “Corner Jazz” on KBEM.

 

And perhaps another singer or two will be on the bandstand!  

Camp Bar is located at 490 Robert Street North in downtown St. Paul; (651) 292-1844. For monthly gig listings for Jazz Vocalists of Minnesota, visit the Twin Cities page of Jazz Police. Additional information about the JzVMn is available at www.jzvmn.org