Charmin Michelle

Performing at the Artists QuarterThis is what the Minneapolis Star/Tribune had to say about this charismatic chanteuse whose conversational style recalls the late Billie Holiday and other legendary ladies of jazz. And, yet, her music is free of tiresome camp and easy nostalgia. She's a savvy songstress and, while putting her own imprint on a melody, is always respectful of those who first inhabited it.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Charmin moved to Minnesota while still a child and has called it home ever since. Though based in Minneapolis, she is no stranger to life on the road and began touring internationally in 1986. She has performed at jazz festivals throughout Europe with pianists Mulgrew Miller and Kirk Lightsey, and saxophonists Harry Allen and Grant Stewart, among others. The late Brother Jack McDuff, one of her biggest fans, was instrumental in launching her career abroad. He said, "She's really different. I call her 'Chow Mein.' With her trio, less is more. And they're right in the pocket."

On her last tour to Spain, she recorded with the aforementioned Allen and Stewart, as well as saxophonist Scott Hamilton, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and Barcelonan musicians Ignasi Terraza, and the Toni Sola Quartet.

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