Susan Krebs Musician - All About Jazz

Updated: June 19, 2025

Born: July 1

Susan Krebs, Jazz Gardener at Work

Over three decades, Los Angeles vocalist and songwriter Susan Krebs has created a captivating body of work, combining a free-ranging imagination with a supple sense of swing. Dubbed the Jazz Gardener, both for her lovingly tended musical bouquets and the inspiration she draws from cultivating her small plot of land, Krebs has sown a brilliant array of projects and recordings with a regular cast of L.A. jazz luminaries.

A restlessly creative artist, she's covered a lot of sonic territory over the years, and her latest album, 2025's Little Did I Dream, marks a return to her straight-ahead roots. Eschewing the kind of crafty conceptual frameworks that have defined most of her previous albums, she simply revels in interpreting a set of songs that provided pleasure and succor during the pandemic's chaotic hangover years.

"During lockdown, I listened to a variety of music spanning centuries and genres, while also revisiting my fat folder of 'Tunes to Work,'" she says. "The eventual tunes on Little Did I Dream eagerly called to me to be included!"

Krebs introduced herself with 1999's Jazz Gardener, an impressively poised debut album featuring the veteran front line of trumpeter Joe Romano and reed legend Gary Foster. She followed up with 2002's What Am I Here For? which confirmed her status as a song stylist whose supple phrasing and emotional acuity turn familiar standards into bespoke jazz vehicles. Both projects were created with her stellar ensemble, which includes her longtime drummer/producer Jerry Kalaf and pianist/arranger Rich Eames.

The collaboration continued to bloom with 2007's Jazz Aviary ~ A Celebration of Birds and the Universal Music We Share, a critically acclaimed ongoing multimedia concert and recording project with the Soaring Sextet. She returned to a quartet setting with 2012's Everything Must Change, featuring saxophonist Chuck Manning.

For the next five years, Krebs focused on the Susan Krebs Chamber Band, a group that applied its unusual instrumentation (piano, percussion, woodwinds, violin, vocal) to a wide-ranging repertoire. The sound was calibrated for the intimate space she cultivated in her ThemeScene salons, a concert series that became a beloved underground L.A. treasure in the years before the pandemic.

Post-pandemic she rechristened the concerts as the Salon on Buffalo Series, which is now in its 4th season (2025). Similarly, she's cultivated an intensely intimate body of material with Trio WoRK, featuring bassist Ken Wild, one of her longest running musical relationships, and virtuosic guitarist Tom Rizzo. The group released their eponymous debut album in 2018 and followed up with 2023's Dancing In the Dark.

Krebs' gift for uncovering new and unexpected layers of meaning in a lyric stems from her unusual creative path. A native of Baltimore, she grew up in a home filled with the sounds of Bach, Beethoven, Gilbert & Sullivan, Broadway musicals and the foundational American vocalists Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Graduating from Hollins University in Virginia with a degree in Drama and Dance, she moved to New York City in 1969 and studied acting with theater legend Uta Hagen. Appearing Off-Broadway in plays and musicals, she also worked in TV commercials and performed with the improvisational theater company War Babies.

Relocating to Los Angeles in 1976, Krebs continued to pursue acting, working in theater, animation, commercials, TV and film, such as Million Dollar Baby, 28 Days, Mad Men, and Shameless. A founding member of the all-women long-form Improvisational theater company, the WIMS, she also created and performed in her solo musical revue LUNAR I and appeared in the contemporary opera, A String of Pearls both in Los Angeles and at Carnegie Hall's Weill Theater.

Throughout all her dramatic activities, Krebs never lost sight of her primary passion for music, studying with the master jazz singers Sue Raney and Sheila Jordan and performing regularly as a vocalist. While it might seem like a leap from acting to singing, some four decades of experience in theatrical improvisation honed adjacent creative chops. "And I was always singing while I was a working actor,” she recalls. “I did occasional cabaret and musical theater work, but it was the WIMS who grew my music via our long-form improvisations – in which singing, percussion and free sonic work were a huge part – as we jammed on personal check-ins, dreams, politics and rituals. I am ever grateful for our 20-year collaboration and my WIM work continues to this day as a vocalist.”

In the mid-1990s, she experienced something of an epiphany during a four-month "late middle years" retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. An avid gardener and bird lover, Krebs came to see her relationship with music as a parallel creative pursuit. Rather than perfecting a polished project, music, like gardening, is an ongoing process "about the art of becoming – whether working with plants or music or with oneself – to dig down, to cultivate, to encourage growth, to thrive and flourish, and eventually to let go and begin the cycle anew," she says.

Performing regularly throughout Southern California, including venues such as L.A. County Museum of Art, Blue Whale, Jazz Bakery, Jazz Fresno, Vitello's, and The Grape, Krebs also hosts and performs regularly in her Salon on Buffalo series with The Local Outfit, comprised of musicians with whom she’s collaborated for nearly 30 years. Wherever she performs, Krebs looks to explore new creative ground. She’s always digging in the soil, planting seeds, and tending the songs that emerge from her fecund plot of land. It's a body of work unlike any other artist in jazz, cultivated with care, in communion with improvisers and arrangers who recognize a kindred spirit.

Susan's Recording Projects:

LITTLE DID I DREAM ~ Susan Krebs & The Local Outfit (July 1 2025)

DANCING IN THE DARK ~ Trio WoRK (2023)

DAYBREAK ~ Susan Krebs with Mixed Remotions (2021)

SPRING ~ Light Out of Darkness ~ Susan Krebs Chamber Band (2018)

Trio WoRK with ken Wild & tom Rizzo (2018)

SIMPLE GIFTS ~ Susan Krebs Chamber Band (2015)

Other Recordings:

EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE ~ The Susan Krebs Band (2012)

JAZZ AVIARY ~ Susan Krebs & The Soaring Sextet (2007)

WHAT AM I HERE FOR? ~ The Susan Krebs Group (2002)

JAZZ GARDENER ~ Susan Krebs (1999)

Show less

Shelly Manne, Alexis Cole & Susan Krebs

by Joe Dimino
January 23, 2022

We begin the 735th Episode of Neon Jazz with the talented jazz singer and actress Susan Krebs. Then it's on to her mentor, Sheila Jordan and wonderful young singer in Nicole Henry. Other artists ranging from Jackson Potter to David Finck keep releasing quality music and we are profiling them here at the show. Old school cats like Shelly Manne, Ike Quebec and Freddie Green round out this quality hour of jazz music. Enjoy the jazz, my friends.

Album Review

Susan Krebs: Daybreak

Read "Daybreak" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
October 20, 2021

Sometimes, simpler is better. Familiar chord progressions are like old friends. We think they have aged well, and however different the melody (or their appearance), they are relatable. We connect to and with them. After a spell of “dare to be different" time signatures that can be fun, or challenging, hearing someone who can play or sing well in plain vanilla four can be a relief. After all, most people walk around in two or four. Can 7.9 billion people ...

Bailey's Bundles

Seven Women 2018 – Part V

by C. Michael Bailey
May 9, 2018

An embarrassment of riches... Shirley Crabbe Bridges MaiSong Music 2018 Vocalist Shirley Crabbe's 2011 debut recording, Home (Self Produced), was very well received, with critic Edward Blanco noting that the singer has, ..."a warm approach to the music, her smooth vocals seem a perfect fit for voicing soft ballads." While true, Crabbe is equally capable of belting out up-tempo numbers in her near perfectly-balanced voice that once was thought lost. In ...

Album Review

The Susan Krebs Chamber Band: Simple Gifts

Read "Simple Gifts" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey

by C. Michael Bailey
April 9, 2015

..."some bluesy piano soloing, hoedown string work, and more." Dan Bilawsky in his AAJ review of Krebs' Simple Gifts Yes, I think nothing of drawing inspiration from my betters on the AAJ staff when stuck on a review. I had reviewed Everything Must Change (GreenGig Music, 2012), finding the release very fine. But Simple Gifts represents a stunning evolution that is different altogether. Here, Krebs dives into the heart of Americana in the same ...

Album Review

The Susan Krebs Chamber Band: Simple Gifts

Read "Simple Gifts" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
March 13, 2015

Vocalist Susan Krebs and her musical friends have been putting together thematically-programmed salon concerts in living rooms and small venues for a number of years. Out of that experience comes Simple Gifts, a salon sampler of sorts that gives the at-home listener a taste of the ideas and arrangements that came about through these performances. The first two pieces on the album--"Let's Call A Heart A Heart" and “Looking Back"--originally fell under the banner of Cardiology: Heart ...

Album Review

The Susan Krebs Band: Everything Must Change

Read "Everything Must Change" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey

by C. Michael Bailey
June 16, 2012

Baltimore native cum Angelino Susan Krebs is not exactly a wallflower. She has been hiding in plain sight for the past twenty years, being a Jill-of-all-trades in the entertainment arena. She has an impressive onstage (off-Broadway) and television presence in commercials and appearances on programmed cable that include Shameless and Mad Men. She has also made it to the big screen on Million Dollar Baby (2004) and 28 Days (2000). It would be remiss not to mention that she also ...

Album Review

The Susan Krebs Band: Everything Must Change

Read "Everything Must Change" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
June 3, 2012

Appraising a jazz singer, male or female, is never easy; there are so many variables to consider. First, of course, is the voice, which must be lucid and pleasing to the ears. Respect for a lyric is important, as is articulation, which is bound closely to emotion; too little can be seen as tedious, too much as contrived. This, apart from choice of material, blending of tempo and mood, and the size and composition of the singer's backup group. When ...

Recording

Susan Krebs Chamber Band Releases "Spring: Light Out Of Darkness" On Greengig Music

Source: Mouthpiece Music
March 25, 2018

Spring: Light Out of Darkness is Susan Krebs’ sixth album as a leader and the second CD project for the Susan Krebs Chamber Band. “Spring" is the follow-up to the Chamber Band’s 2015 acclaimed release, Simple Gifts, taking the chamber band concept even further on this new project. Chamber music is defined as “music composed for small instrumental ensembles and performed without a conductor. Traditionally intended for performance in a room or reception hall, often solely for the performers’ own ...
read more

Radio

Rockwired.Com's All New Jazzed and Blue Podcast Features The Susan Krebs Band and Their Latest Release "Everything Must Change"

Source: Rockwired Media LLC
February 19, 2012

The weekly online radio series Jazzed and Blue: Profiles in Blues and Jazz is back and is now available for download at Rockwired.com and features an exclusive interview with Susan Krebs of The Susan Krebs Band regarding their brand new release Everything Must Change. In the opening segment, Krebs discusses the inspiration behind the song selection for this new project, working with a stellar combo comprised of longtime collaborators Rich Eames and Jerry Kalaf and what she hopeslisteners will take ...
read more

REVIEW EXCERPTS for DAYBREAK (2021):

“The Latin read of “Stardust” is brilliant and she’s richly bohemian on “Who Knows Where The Time Goes”. California West Coast Cool’d voices and vibes.” ~ JazzWeekly by George Harris

“Susan Krebs delivers splendid vocals…she has an intriguing, expressive voice that enhances the gorgeous arrangements and superb musicality of Mixed Remotions. DAYBREAK is a warm and affective recording that should be in your collection of jazz vocalists.” ~ (Sounds of Timeless Jazz ~ Paula Edelstein)

REVIEW EXCERPTS for DAYBREAK (2021):

“The Latin read of “Stardust” is brilliant and she’s richly bohemian on “Who Knows Where The Time Goes”. California West Coast Cool’d voices and vibes.” ~ JazzWeekly by George Harris

“If it seems we can feel the longing for love and connection in every sensual, soulful and intimate phrase emoted by veteran vocalist Susan Krebs on her exquisitely conceived and arranged album Daybreak, it’s with good reason.” “It might not be necessary to list the entire crew but beyond Krebs’ always inviting vocals and pinpoint phrasing, the heartfelt connections she has with these guys is not only essential to the project but in many ways, Krebs’ emotional survival through the time of lockdown.” ~ (JW Vibe by Jonathan Widran)

A jazz vocalist that normally does intimate on the floor recordings gives into the pandemic with a band sized date recorded remotely and proving Hoagy and Frish can reside comfortably next to Sandy Denny and Grofe. A nice set for easing into the evening with, it's the right kind of jazz for the right kind of time. Easy going but not easy listening. ( MIDWEST RECORD = Chris Spector) “…

Starting off with “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood," a relaxed, mellow opener, Susan keeps things on the quieter side with the beautiful ballad "Inside A Silent Tear," before closing out her new album with the soaring vocals of "Who Knows Where The Time Goes?" and a reimagined version of the jazz standard "Stardust," in which Susan makes it all her own.” ~ (JP’s Music Blog by James Pasinski)

REVIEW EXCERPTS: SPRING ~ Light Out of Darkness = Susan Krebs Chamber Band (2018) "Vocalist Susan Krebs has carved a niche for herself as one of the premier singers in chamber jazz, a hybrid style characterized by classical influences, intimate recording quality, delicate musical interplay and poetic lyrical content. She’s a silky-toned performer with an intuitive melodic sense and a literary way with words, and she’s been instrumental in ushering chamber jazz into the 21st century. " ~ Brian Zimmerman/JAZZIZ Magazine

“Krebs is already well known for a bold soul and fearless creative muse, two characteristics she draws upon deeply as she recasts the songs of spring, emphasizing the season's reputation for renewal and regeneration… First rate music making, this.” ~ C.Michael Bailey/All About Jazz

“Krebs has an intriguing sound; where appropriate she can be wryly amusing or slyly knowing, and she is always highly musical… A very good album that will appeal not only to those who enjoy jazz singing, but also to a wider audience. ~ Warmly recommended.” ~ Bruce Crowther/Jazz Journal/UK

“Like a really great book, you won’t be able to stop listening until the last note – it’s spellbinding…Susan’s enchanting Chamber Band’s treasure of an album.” ~ Contemporary Fusion Reviews

Krebs’ strong, passionate voice bursts through the beauty of her latest release. Her chamber band takes jazz to a new level. ~ Bob Leggett/Indie Voice

Anyone soulful and spiritually intuitive enough to celebrate the season of renewal by juxtaposing a bluesy Ray Charles classic alongside fresh, inspired arrangements of pieces by Vivaldi and Stravinsky deserves our deepest love and attention… Working with her unique four piece jazz chamber band – Krebs mines the jazz, classical and Broadway realms to create a beautiful story. ~ JW Vibe/Jonathan Widran)

“Creative interpretations by vocalist Susan Krebs, as she surrounds herself in a pastoral garden with Rich Eames, Rob Lockart, Scott Breadman and Luis Mascaro. Her voice has a cheerful, parloresque wisp to it… Highly recommended for the music, vocals and mood.” ~ George Harris/JazzWeekly.com (Ringer of the Week)

"trio WoRK" CD Review Excerpts: “Together, this band of three creates a unique listening experience with creative arrangements, awesome musicianship and a vocalist who’s unafraid to jump off any musical precipice without a parachute.” (Dee Dee McNeil/Musical Memoirs)

"Pure lightness and freewheeling magic in each re-imagining.” (Jonathan Widran/JW Vibe) "This is about as elegant as music gets…" (Making A Scene)

REVIEW EXCERPTS: "Simple Gifts" = Susan Krebs Chamber Band (2015) Potent, fecund, and essential… 5 STARS ~ C. Michael Bailey/All About Jazz An album to ponder vignette by vignette. ~ Carlo Wolff/DOWNBEAT

A new Jazz paradigm… fresh and beautiful. ~ Robert Nicosia/Music Man Blog Virtuosic spontaneity, tempered and 'cooked' by riveting lead vocalist. ~ C.J. Bond/Jazz Music Blog

Like food cooked over a slow Bohemian fire, Simple Gifts is savory and satisfying... Honed in small venues and living rooms, Simple Gifts is an album to ponder vignette by vignette. ~ Carlo Wolff / DownBeat

Krebs' recording is that potent, fecund, and essential… an extension and a perfection of that effort to push jazz boundaries into alternate areas… I do not anticipate hearing a more satisfying or original recording the rest of this year. ***** 5 Stars ~ C. Michael Bailey/All About Jazz

Virtuosic spontaneity, tempered and 'cooked' by riveting lead vocalist Susan Krebs… she eschews no vocal challenge: demonstrating enviable pitch range, extraordinary intonation, and a finely tuned sense of vocal dynamics…There is no escaping the magic embedded in these “simple gifts”, as Krebs makes her songs personal, authentic and unforgettable. ~ C.J. Bond/Jazz Music Blog

Inventive arrangements and concepts…there’s magic to be heard.~ Dan Bilawsky/All About Jazz The Susan Krebs Chamber Band takes the classic Chamber Music concept, infuses wonderful modern day musical thinking and performing and suddenly it becomes a new Jazz paradigm…. ~ Robert Nicosia/Music Man Blog Krebs and her band sound like no one else in today’s jazz world… ~ John Sanders/Jazz Music Archives

REVIEW Excerpts for JAZZ AVIARY (2007 - Ongoing concert): In JAZZ AVIARY, Krebs has created a rare and mesmerizing creative experience. (Don Heckman/Int'l Review of Music) Irresistible offerings from a formidable jazz artist. (All Music Guide) Krebs' interpretive passion, intelligence, and love for the project can be heard throughout. (JAZZ IMPROV MAGAZINE)

Blessedly free of affectation, Krebs rivals Karrin Allyson and Diana Krall in her ability to climb inside a lyric and make it seem she's lived there her entire life......a series of delicate yet masterfully constructed origami creatures ~ (JAZZ TIMES)

Show less