Take Five With Melani Skybell

Meet Melani Skybell

While breakthrough ability may not be a word, according to Webster, Melani L. Skybell's musical talent certainly should compel the editors of today's New World Dictionary to consider adding it to the book.

Her repertoire includes traditional jazz numbers, sultry ballads, swing standards, bossa novas, pop classics, and her original jazz-pop compositions. With a new, unique sound of her own, Ms. Skybell's style stands apart from other entertainers and their treatment of those familiar favorites.

Melani L. Skybell is a vocalist and classically trained pianist, who began her musical journey at age 5. Her formal education includes classical piano and vocal performance at Boston University, and a jazz studies degree from University of Texas/Arlington. Her on stage experience blossomed when she joined an alternative pop/rock group, Innocent Bystander, who frequently backed up headliners, and became a regular act in Austin's Sixth Street Clubs. Either solo or with an ensemble, Melani has performed at all of the top venues in Dallas, and has a performance almost every night of the week. Some evenings there is a line to get into clubs to hear her play—not an easy task in a city dominated by country and pop.

In order to refine her jazz style, Melani's piano studies led her to the University of North Texas, UTA and prominent North Texas piano professors. She quickly built a reputation with her voice and style. Her solid performances and warm, inviting vocal delivery set her apart immediately. Melani rapidly became a first call vocalist amongst many of the area's jazz orchestras.

Melani's repertoire includes traditional jazz standards, sultry ballads, Latin rhythms, and her original jazz-pop compositions. She regularly entertained at Dallas' most popular nightspots, including years at the Four Seasons Resort, the Warwick-Melrose, The Mansion, the Dallas Petroleum Club and Perry's Steakhouse & Grille. In her early jazz years, Melani was the featured artist at a sold out performance at the Sammons Center program "Women in Jazz," and also appeared on several local television spots. Melani Skybell is in demand outside of Dallas, and has performed at events in Atlanta, Georgia, Kingston, Jamaica, and the Chautauqua Institute of New York, to name a few.

Melani combines her sensual style and compelling interpretations with respect for the tradition of classic jazz. Her first recording, "Through the Years," continues to sell overseas and locally, as does her second release, "My Heart Sings." VH1 bought the rights to one of her tracks, "Papa Loves Mambo" (on "My Heart Sings"), which was used for the soundtrack of their movie, "30 Days Until I'm Famous." Her 3rd CD, "Life Is the Song," received rave reviews, ..."Skybell's most intimate recording to date." Her 4th CD, "Just a Chase Away," features 8 of her original compositions. Melani wrote the music with soulful lyrics, polished production and arrangements. Yet, her sound is unforced and maintains that effortless style. This CD garnered stellar national reviews, a Japanese distribution deal, and her single, Days Like This, rose among the top 100 in Billboard Radio. Melani's originals have continued to sell to various media, including various popular TV series. Her 5th CD is a live recording, capturing her uplifting spirit and exceptional jazz band.

Melani Skybell is an independent artist who exudes the qualities and crossover appeal of major-label talent. As well as her versatile musicianship and extensive training, her class act combines her sense of effortless style and rich vocal nuances with a rare gracious charm. "Melani is truly an engaging singer/pianist -a unique talent, who projects such personal warmth, sincerity, and positive energy that audiences take an instant liking to her."

Instrument(s): Piano, voice.

When were you happiest? Performing on concert stages for large, listening and joyful festival audiences.

What is your greatest fear? Fears are wasteful emotions. But if had to pick one -fear of unexpected stage freight or not being prepared for a major performance.

What is your earliest memory? First piano lesson at five years old.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Self-judgment.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Narrow mindedness in acceptance of others' differences.

What is your most treasured possession? Stage gems (not necessarily real).

What would your superpower be? To fly.

Who would play you in the film of your life? Sara Jessica Parker if she can sing.

What is your most unappealing habit? Wanting to educate others, more than they care to know.

Which living person do you most admire, and why? Gandhi -lives and teaches the path of peace.

Which living person do you most despise, and why? The Cheney/Bush/Rove machine that got us into Irag, and pulled this country down further.

If you could go back in time, where would you go? Atlantis.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Consciousness, unconscious, .

Aside from a property, what is the most expensive things you have ever bought? Musical equipment -mainly keyboards.

Where would you like to live? Tropics, New Zealand, Hawaii.

What makes you depressed? Seeing the inhumanity and injustices around the globe.

What is your favorite smell? Fresh cut lemons, limes, fresh coconut oil.

What is your favorite book? Autobiography of a Yogi by Yogananda, or Neal Donald Walsh's first book, or Louise Hay's early books.

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why? My mom -not being better about keeping communications close.

Have you ever said "i love you" and not meant it? Maybe in much younger years.

Who would you like to invite to your dream dinner party? John Stewart (The Daily Show), Stephen Colbert (The Colbert Report).

When did you last cry, and why? Watching a sad movie about a family coming together after years of separation and illness.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life? Living closer to the ocean, with clean air, less city stress.

What keeps you awake at night? Which players to use for possible greater opportunities, or wondering how to continue pursuing the options, (as soloist or band leader, and overseas, or out of Texas, or not) and how to keep maintaining the drive and energy, or finally letting it all go its natural course -knowing when that is obvious.

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