Ellynne Rey - Jazz Vocalist

Connecticut-based jazz vocalist Ellynne Rey has been described by several music critics as someone who deserves a much higher profile. She flies under the radar with her warm authenticity, subtle delivery, and her crystalline mezzo voice, delighting and enchanting listeners. She has a uniquely personal way of story-telling that draws you in and holds your attention. Ellynne's approach to singing is organic and expressive. She gravitated to jazz because of its exquisite melodies, rich harmonic language, and rhythms. That is what still draws her to the music. The complex beauty and the attitude of jazz have always spoken to her. As a child, she heard Diz, Bird, Billie Holiday, and Stan Getz on her dad’s turntable. Her dad, a jazz fan, had no idea that he was sowing the seeds that would later bear fruit. Drawn to drawing, painting, and multiple forms of artistic expression, including leading an all original rock band, Ellynne became enamored by classic jazz vocalists like Ella and Sarah, and decided to study the art of jazz singing. Other influences were Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, Shirley Horn, Chet Baker, and Nnenna Freelon, whose recordings she heard while working in a secondhand CD store. Ellynne found a Swedish jazz singer living in Brooklyn and that started her on a path to study jazz with a variety of vocal teachers and instrumentalists. Studying jazz piano (as a vocalist) helped to develop her ears, and inspire her to write her own music. She is also a fine lyricist, inspired by Tin Pan Alley and songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Bob Dorough. She enjoys collaborating with composers, and has cowritten songs with several different musicians which can be found on various recordings.

If you'd like to contact Ellynne to book her for gigs, or for private vocal coaching sessions, send inquiries to: EllynneRey@gmail.com

Here is what the critics have said:

"...Not only does she make it work [singing with just guitar and bass] she makes it magical. It just goes to show if you have the voice and the material you don't need all that lavish production." Jack Goodstein, Seattle PI

"The singer works the crowd with her witty lyricism, upbeat vibe, and joyous overtones. She also uses wonderful diction to complement her silky vocal cords and acute dynamic sense... Ellynne's style and delivery loom as a high point." Glenn Astarita, AllAboutJazz

"Ellynne's clear articulation, soulful phrasing, and heart-felt lyrics are the cornerstone of this successful project." Carmel DeSoto, Jazzpolice.com 

"Ellynne deserves a much higher profile. In an era of singer/songwriters, she offers a soulfully pop familiarity in a sincerely jazz context, very original and very appealing." Andrea Canter, Jazzpolice.com 

Ellynne is a gifted lyricist, composer, and performer. She composes with a sophisticated understanding of harmony and can rejuvenate songs written decades before she was born. She brings artistry, individuality and taste to everything she does.

Check out her latest CD of jazz standards: "A Little Bit Of Moonlight" Not all “standard” standards but also unique approaches and arrangements, the CD features bassist Paul Beaudry, pianist Bennett Paster, guitarist Gene Bertoncini, percussionist Daniel Sadownick, and drummer Tony Jefferson.

Available on CDBaby, iTunes, and Amazon.