Born: October 6, 1978 Primary Instrument: Vocal
Crowned “Little Ellla” by the great Curtis Fuller, and guilty of inspiring people to sing because of God-given creativity, Singer/Songwriter/Composer Mavis ‘SWAN’ Poole is stirring up the music scene as we know it. She possesses an unrivaled brilliance of shattering barriers with her rich and smoky sound, undauntedly amalgamating jazz, R&B, soul, funk and hip hop. Swan is a sassy, soulful, fiery SongBird (which is the literal translation of MAVIS) whose music promises to stand the test of time.
“Bull City’s” finest was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, where she attended the very prestigious North Carolina Central University. Recording artist Lenora Zenzalai Helm, and jazz icons Ira Wiggins and Arnold George were just a few of her mentors as an undergraduate student. From there, she went on to study with such greats as Kurt Elling, Dee Daniels, Dr. Billy Taylor, Hubert Laws, Nancy King, Joey Calderazzo, Carmen Lundy, Branford Marsalis, George Cables, and gospel superstar Shirley Caesar in the 1999 Special Olympics. These experiences helped her find her unique sound and style. Swan has also worked on several occasions with dance legend Diane McIntyre and the American Dance Festival.
Unsettled with a BA in Music Ed., and a BM is Jazz Vocal Studies, Swan is seeking her MA at Queens College, where she studies with Antonio Hart, Michael Mossman, and Miles Griffith.
Swan is the recipient of many noteworthy awards, including Port Townsend Centrum Jazz Festival participant, Betty Carter Jazz Ahead, Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship nominee, Sister’s In Jazz (IAJE), and was honored as “Indy’s 2007 Jazz Vocalist to watch”. She is also a member of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc.
Her band ‘Soul Understated’ (co-led with drummer Jeremy BEAN Clemons), is an entity where Swan displays her composition competence, as well as in her individual project ‘Soul Elegance’. Within these bands, Swan is sharing the stage with some of New York’s finest musicians, including Joshua David, Kevin Louis, Ben Tyree, Lakecia Benjamin, Stacy Dillard, and many more.
Swan’s debut album “Soul-Tree” is now available @ www.cdbaby.com/cd/MavisSWANPoole .
You are warmly invited to enjoy the ride with a trailblazing and truly remarkable swan of vocalists, Ms. Mavis SWAN Poole.
Awards:
Swan is the recipient of many noteworthy awards, including Port Townsend Centrum Jazz Festival participant, Betty Carter Jazz Ahead (2007), Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship nominee, Sister’s In Jazz (IAJE), honored as “Indy’s 2007 Jazz Vocalist to watch", and recently, IndieMusicUniverse.com's Featured Artist of the Week (2009)Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
Primary Instrument:
Vocal
Location:
Brooklyn, NY
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Music Education, B.A.
Jazz Vocal Studies, B.M.
*Hours/rates to be discussed
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Anyone can Sing!
Vocal lessons/clinics encouraging singers to reach their potential with proper
breathing and vocal technique. Classically train vocalists to sing with ease due to
poor breathing skills.
