Born: November 16 Primary Instrument: Vocal
HOLLI ROSS has been called a “voice of experience” by the late jazz critic, Stu Troup from New York Newsday. Her vocal ensemble experience is well documented on recordings with the Washington DC-based quartet Mad Romance, and the NY- based quintet 5 Steps Beyond. Holli's work with these groups included high-level festival and concert appearances, such as a 5 Steps Beyond concert with Peter Nero and the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra in 1996.
In pursuing her own solo career, Holli has performed at top jazz clubs and concerts nationwide, from New Orleans' Snug Harbor to California's Monterey Jazz Festival and New York's Blue Note. Holli has toured Europe and recorded with the well-known German vibraphonist Wolfgang Lackerschmidt; she has also written lyrics to several of his compositions. She has recorded with organist Jack MacDuff and appeared with the great trumpeter Claudio Roditi, Vibrophonist, Hendrik Merkins, and guitarist, Bucky Pizzarelli. Her discography also includes appearances on the NY-based “New Singers, New Songs” recording project.
Holli received her degree from Mannes College of Music (performance in bassoon) and studied musical theater with Hal Holden at the Herbert Bergdorf Studio in New York. Early in her New York career, she studied with the great jazz saxophonist Warne Marsh and worked with singing giant Jon Hendricks. As a published songwriter for ASCAP and GEMA, Holli has penned lyrics to compositions by Miles Davis, Roger Kellaway, Harold Danko, Bill Mays, Mal Waldron, Claudio Roditi, Ivan Lins and Roberto Menescal. Her songs have been recorded by Mark Murphy, Meredith D'Ambrosio, Janis Siegel, String of Pearls and 5 Steps Beyond. In 2001 Holli lyricized a composition by the late Sarah Vaughan that was performed at a special tribute by Carmen Bradford and the Count Basie Band, and later aired on National Public Radio. Holli teaches extensively in the New York area, most notably at Hofstra University, Mannes College of Music, and Montclair State University.
“...Ross’ voice suggests a star sapphire: deep, indigo-hued and immaculately pure, yet shot through with a captivating smokiness..” Christopher Loudon - Jazz Times
“...Holli Ross has just released her first solo effort, You'll See, and it is a winner.” Joe Lang - Jersey Jazz
“...You'll See is a serious jazz vocal album from a singer who knows how to present a song with a measure of elegance...a top-tier jazz vocalist.” Edward Blanco - All About Jazz
“...a captivating and inventive display of everything good about straight ahead vocal jazz with an all star line up.” Brent Black - Digital Jazz News
“...exceptional solo release...slow, gorgeous takes...She injects a certain sexuality...” Chris Nickson - Allmusic Guide
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PRESS QUOTES
Jon Hendricks: As a lyricist, Holli speaks from the heart and she does it well with relevance and quick wit.
Bill Kirchner: … a captivating voice and keen intelligence…she’ll grab your heart.
Daryl Sherman: Any day that Holli sings is a Holli-day.
Stuart Troup says: A standout in and out of a crowd. The voice of experience. A standout jazz vocalist.
Curt Davis says: … .. .a classy jazz singer
Cadence Magazine: …. a true jazz singer
Gems (Perdisc, 1996)
Brazilian Jewels (Perldisc, 1998)
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Primary Instrument:
Vocal
Location:
Maplewood, NJ
Willing to teach:
Intermediate to advanced students
Credentials/Background:
Adjunct Professor of Applied Jazz Vocal Studies at Hofstra University
Adjunct Professor of Applied Jazz Vocal Studies and Musical Director of Jazz
Vocal Ensemble at Montclair State University
Jazz Vocal Collective substitute professor at Princeton University
Private instruction, voice coaching. Email for hours and rates:
HSWRoss@verizon.net
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, private practitioner.
Speech & Hearing Associates
ENT & Allergy Associates
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Vocal Health: What Every Singer Should Know
