Born: May 16, 1969 Primary Instrument: Vocal
Award winning jazz vocalist Ellen Winters “is a rare find,” according to San Fransisco producer Phil Schroeder. Apparently, readers of Milwaukee's Arts and Entertainment paper, The Shepherd Express, agree with Schroeder. In the 2004 & 2005 “Best of Milwaukee” reader's choice awards, Ellen walked away with “BEST JAZZ ARTIST” honors and runner up status in 2004 as “Best Female Vocalist”-a category that includes all genres. Her debut CD release “Pure Imagination” also garnered top honors in 2004 as the “BEST LOCAL CD.” The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) and its musician-based membership has also nominated Ellen as “Female Vocalist of the Year” in 2005 & 2006.
Ellen's exuberance and vivacity make her one of the most sought after vocalists in the Midwest and she has been featured outside of the Midwest at Danny's Skylight Cabaret in New York. Ellen returns to New York City in September of 2006 to release her 2nd CD, “Secret of Life,” at Rose's Turn in Greenwich Village.
As a jazz vocalist, her instrumental peers often describe Ellen as “the musician's vocalist.” Not the typical “chick singer” Ellen composes, arranges, and collaborates with local writers to keep herself at the top of her game. Ellen is a regular at local Milwaukee jazz clubs like Caroline's Jazz Club, the Wind Rose, Barclay Gallery and The Grove Restaurant, with her own trio or quartet. Visit Ellen's website for up to date information on that performance and the release of her 2nd CD “The Secret of Life.”
