Born: December 28, 1977 Primary Instrument: Vocal
STYLE: jazz, pop, folk.
Kelsey Jillette sings jazz and jazz-infused folk, funk and world music. Rooted in the classic jazz tradition, Jillette's taste ranges from Latin traditional to country, folk-pop to funk, hard swing to mellow groove. Whether singing in English, Spanish or Portuguese, her sound is intimate and soulful. “The Kelsey Jillette Group is not simply a backing band for a talented vocalist,” (JAZZ.COM) but a gifted and generous group of players who seek to reach aficionados and new listeners alike.
Born in Washington, D.C., Kelsey Jillette holds degrees in Theater Arts (Brown University) and Jazz Performance (New School University). Based in NYC, she leads The Kelsey Jillette Group, an organ quintet, and fronts the 10-piece Big Bang Big Band, a classic dance orchestra. Her most recent record, The Water is Wide released on Consolidated Artists Productions (CAP 1016) in January of 2009.
“What a pleasure it is to hear the talented jazz vocalist Kelsey Jillette...an intriguing voice...breathy, yet has a deepness at the same time...a cool emphatic manner that compels you to listen to every word. The Kelsey Jillette Group is the real deal. You need to give them a listen.” ” Walter Kolosky (reviewing Turn out the Stars) JAZZ.COM
“[Jillette] owns some well-honed pipes and the emotive powers to use them effectively...Together, vocalist and musicians creatively transform historic material into an engaging modern mode. This is what playing the standards should be all about.” ” Walter Kolosky (reviewing Hot House/What is This Thing Called Love?), JAZZ.COM
“With a musical landscape chock full of female singers, the thing that gets your interest is some special quality...Whatever it is, Kelsey Jillette has this elusive quality that makes one's ears perk up and take notice.” ” Mark Kirby, WWW.MUSICDISH.COM (Associate Writer)
“The vocalist Kelsey Jillette...is one of the best in the business today. Totally soulful and rich in taste. She is a major talent! You ought to hear her. You have to. I hope you do.” ” Tim Price (performer, author, educator), TIMPRICEJAZZ.COM
