Shirley Crabbe

About

Jazz vocalist Shirley Crabbe sings songs that speak to the heart. As a teenager, Shirley was inspired by a performance of Ella Fitzgerald singing the song “A Tisket, A Tasket” in an old Abbot and Costello movie. “I’ve always had a passion for singing, but when I heard Ella sing, I knew that “jazz singing” was what I really wanted to do.”
Following her passion, Shirley pursued her dreams first to Illinois to earn a Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University, and then back home to New York, to study Voice at the distinguished Manhattan School of Music (MSM). During the day she studied classical music uptown at MSM, but in the evening, she traveled downtown to sing jazz in the clubs. Shirley has performed at festivals, jazz clubs and concert series in New York City and it’s surrounding area. Her most recent appearance was at the Metropolitan Room. She has also performed at the world-famous jazz club Birdland, appeared as a soloist at Madison Square Garden in it’s renowned Paramount Theater, opened for the jazz icon Abby Lincoln, and has also performed with the celebrated jazz pianist Harold Mabern and bassist Jamil Nasser. In 2010, Shirley was one of the top 5 finalists at Jazzmobile’s “Best of the Best” Jazz Vocalist Competition held in New York City. In 2009, she was awarded Rockland County’s highest arts award: the County Executive Performing Artist Award. She is also the Stanton Bronze Medalist of the 2008 American Traditions Vocal Competition at the Savannah International Music Festival in Georgia. A versatile performer, Shirley has also appeared in various stage productions including Coming to the Mercy Seat at Shetler Studio’s Theater 54 in the role of the Poet and in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Elmwood Theater, where she performed the role of Armelia. She is a featured soloist on the jazz CD Africa by The Mystic Pilgrims. In September of 2011, she released her debut CD HOME.

Personnel

Piano: Piano
Bass: Bass
Drums: Drums

Influences

I am an admirer of Ella Fitzgerald, Ethel Waters and Kurt Elling

What to Expect

Typical Gig Duration: 45 - 75 minutes

Here is what they are saying:

"Crabbe's almost-Ella Fitzgerald vibe glows with sunshiney takes on "Lucky To Be Me," "You Taught My Heart To Sing" and, especially , Carole King's "So Far Away." -- Down Beat Magazine

"Crabbe sings with soulful aplomb, investing the lyric with a mournful and deeply knowing emotionality." -- Nick Bewsey - Jazz in Space

“Vocalist Shirley Crabbe has a big, wide-open optimistic style that's reminiscent of a young, excited Sarah Vaughan”.

"Crabbe's very attractive voice and her ability to convey the essence of a lyric make her a jazz vocalist you want to hear again and again. Her second CD can't come soon enough". -- Scott Albin - Jazz Times

..."warm, upbeat and on the money throughout. Tasty stuff well worth checking into". --Midwest Record

"It is refreshing to listen to a 'pure' standard-setting jazz singer who adamantly eschews the use of vocal histrionics to 'get over,' instead relying on the best writers, committed musicians, and her own pristine talent. Jazz music is richer to have a vocalist of such high caliber as Shirley Crabbe..."

You can also expect a professional presentation, with a well thought out musical set with each song particularly chosen for the occasion.

Stage/Setup Requirements:
PA - Negotiable
Piano - Negotiable

Additional Notes:
Please provide easy access to electrical outlets. An acoustic piano is preferred but not required. I usually include a rider in contracts that require travel and/or an overnight stay.

Set/Song/Sequence List:
My set list includes jazz arrangements of songs from the Great American Songbook - From Berlin - to Bernstein

Available for Your

Anniversary Party, Awards Night, Baby Shower, Bridal Shower, Casino, Casting Call, Christmas Party, Club/Nightclub, Competition, Concert Venue, Convention, Corporate Event, Cruise, Dinner Dance, Graduation, Grand Opening, Holiday Party, Hotel, Launch Party, Luncheon/Tea, Private Party, Restaurant, Seminar, Studio Session, Trade Show, Workshop

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