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Shea Breaux Wells
There is a noticeable shift in the room when Shea begins to sing. Whether it is her rich voice, her compelling presence or her obvious devotion to the music, it is crystal clear that you are in for something special. Shea's love of jazz was born many years ago, while listening to her father's albums - Chris Conner, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and many others. She also became deeply enamored of the Motown sound - particularly the harmony groups. While in school, Shea studied music, and sang in an a capella septet, as well as appearing in musicals, such as "Guys and Dolls" and "Godspell". Her love of music continued through college where she sang in an alternative rock band. After they split, she began singing jazz in nightclubs around Los Angeles. She joined the Little Big Band, singing swing hits and harmonizing with two other singers, fleshing out a ten piece band. Shea was also involved in studio vocal work - singing on commercial specs, trance and trip hop projects, as well as children's albums. These varying influences of rock, jazz, swing, and more coalesced into a versatile quality in Shea's voice, presentation and also her songwriting skills. Shea relocated to the Bay Area to record an EP of original songs with Grammy Award winning producer, Michael Rosen. These songs went on to be featured on MTV's Road Rules - creating a soft spot in Shea's heart for the beloved royalty check! With a move up to Sonoma County, Shea has found a fantastic musical community. After appearing in the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, she came to know its Artistic Director, Jessica Felix. Jessica's deep reach into the varying echelons of jazz musicians, both locally and nationally, have led Shea into some wonderful musical relationships. With Jessica's introduction to pianist Noam Lemish, Shea was inspired to her 2006 release, 'Piece of the Light", a full-length album of mostly original songs, with a few cover versions thrown into the mix. Titled, "Piece of the Light' this album featured the legendary Robben Ford on guitar, as well as excellent jazz musicians such as Noam Lemish, David Ewell, Bill Ortiz and Alex Aspinall. "Piece of the Light" was arranged by Shea and co-produced with Oz Fritz, known for his work on Tom Waits' Grammy Award winning "Mule Variations". The Healdsburg Jazz Festival again exerted its influence with Jessica Felix's orchestration of another kind.
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Take Five With Shea Breaux Wells
by AAJ Staff
Meet Shea Breaux Wells: Shea Breaux Wells is a jazz singer with soul to boot, carving out an original sound that is uniquely her own. She is also a singer/songwriter whose songs pull the listener in with evocative imagery, a diverse emotional landscape, intriguing melodies and lush vocals. The rich and textured quality of Shea's voice appeals to the most discerning of listeners, while her songs grow finer and deeper with each listen. She is gracefully navigating the fine line ...
read moreShea Breaux Wells Trio at Shanghai 1930 in San Francisco
Source:
All About Jazz
Shea Breaux Wells blends her sultry jazz vocals with the expert interpretations of Noam Lemish on piano, and the innovative bass stylings of David Ewell. The Shea Breaux Wells Trio showcases edgy, emotion-soaked vocals enveloped in beautiful, soulful arrangements that awaken listeners to the depth and texture of jazz music. Come listen and experience the authentic side of jazz, as sung and played by musicians whose love for the genre is on sparkling display. When: Wednesday, April 12th from 7 ...
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Shea Breaux Wells Trio at Shanghai 1930 in San Francisco, Feb. 22nd
Source:
All About Jazz
Shea Breaux Wells blends her sultry jazz vocals with the expert interpretations of Noam Lemish on piano, and the innovative bass stylings of David Ewell. The Shea Breaux Wells Trio showcases edgy, emotion-soaked vocals enveloped in beautiful, soulful arrangements that awaken listeners to the depth and texture of jazz music. Come listen and experience the authentic side of jazz, as sung and played by musicians whose love for the genre is on sparkling display.
When: Wednesday, February 22nd from 7 ...
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Primary Instrument
Vocals
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
Shea helps students to find their optimal sound via placement and experimental sound production. By applying the optimal sound to any song, riff, or solo - a singer can then begin to realize her own particular identity. Shea has studied with Jane Peterson of the Boston Metropolitan Opera, G.G. Prosper in Los Angeles, and Raz Kennedy (Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra) in San Francisco. She currently works with students in the Sonoma County area in California.
Photos
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson