Remembering Roz Corral: Doyenne Of The New York Jazz Vocal Scene

Melissa Stylianou

Roz was one of the most supportive members of the jazz community, in more ways than one. When I first moved to NYC from Toronto, Roz came out to hear me sing, and shortly afterwards she offered me a coveted spot in the series she curated at North Square Lounge. She was often at those shows as well, ready to set the stage with a warm and personal introduction before the set. She would listen intently, with that smile and sparkle in her eyes that let me know she was picking up what I was putting down. She shared what she appreciated in my singing and when she noticed improvement. She supported my choices and changes in approach and repertoire, but also let me know enthusiastically what she loved hearing me do most of all: singing standards with integrity. I took note, and also took "notes" when listening to this artist perform on her own. Roz commanded any room with a quiet confidence, and was always challenging herself. It was clear she valued clarity and depth in her delivery of a song. How many times had I heard that song, but only now was hearing the words, I asked myself after she graciously sat in on my gig at the 55 Bar. I feel blessed to have been in the embrace of the circle of musicians that Roz seemed to be the kind of reluctant center of; she could hold a room, but never stole the limelight. I am so glad I met and had the chance to learn from such wonderful woman. Thank you, Roz.

Claudia Acuna

I met Roz almost as soon as I arrived in this country and started going to jam sessions and to Barry Harris's workshops. My English was really poor, and Roz always had such kind words. Seeing her around was like seeing Mother Earth. Through the years, as I became known on the scene and was signed by labels, she always came to my gigs and gave me so much encouragement. She was a light, a blessed sun bringing happiness, kindness, and warmth. Now we have a star, an angel somewhere looking after all of us.

We will miss you, dear Roz. You were loved.

Louise Rogers

My friendship with Roz was a fairly new one that developed a few months before the pandemic shut New York City down. We both wondered why we had never connected before and why it took so long for us to become friends. We bonded quickly, enjoying talks about music, singers, songs, our musical endeavors, and life! I will share one conversation I had with Roz at one of her recent North Square gigs: She asked me "Why do you always come to hear me? Why don't you go to hear more young singers?" My answer was, "Roz, you tell a story I want to hear. You're therapy for my soul. You remind me that this is why we sing: we tell stories with the words, the melodies, and in the delivery. There are very few singers that can do this as well as you. You deliver a song with a deep connection to the lyrics. You've got the 'believability factor,' and I believe every word you sing. You make me feel. You put a lifetime of experiences in your notes." Her answer was, "You're just trying to tell me that I'm old..."  We laughed!

In this giant world of jazz, being surrounded by amazing musicians at every turn, Roz made me feel like I mattered. She told me that the work Jazz WaHi was doing was important. Her encouragement gave me hope, and reminded me that we are a musical community looking for inspiration, support, love, and kindness. All of which I got from Roz. I will hold our conversations lovingly in my soul and listen for her words and melodies as she soars.

Teri Roiger

My heart goes out to the music community as we all mourn the passing of our sweet friend, Roz Corral. I have had the pleasure of listening to Roz and her beautiful singing for many years, and more often during this past year than ever before. She exuded so much joy and humor in her music as she seemed to reach higher levels of artistry each time I heard her, throwing caution to the wind! She really knew how to entertain an audience without compromising her artistic magnificence, and she so loved to sing, Right up until the end, Roz was a stunning example of grace, resilience, and acceptance, and I have learned so much from her. I will always treasure the photograph I took of her singing with my husband, John Menegon, on bass, and the look on her face as he was finishing his solo on "Love Walked In." Her beautiful expression says everything. It was so endearing, how she would look at me in the audience, point to John, and say, "I love him!" or "You get to live with this?" Her outpouring of affection and honesty always put a smile on my face. Roz was truly one of a kind and I will miss seeing her in my West Village 'hood, and inviting her over for small New Year's Eve gatherings when we didn't have gigs. I know we will all miss her so very much, especially the NYC jazz vocal community and the many instrumentalists she had such a deep connection with.

Thank you, Roz, for sharing yourself with us and finding all those wonderfully obscure tunes! And for finding new ways to sing the standards, many of them obscure, drawing us in with every phrase, every word, and bringing us to a more meaningful understanding of the lyrics. You and your delightful storytelling will live on in our hearts always. May you now Rest in Peace as you Soar and Sing with the Angels!

John Menegon

Roz Corral was an exceptional musician, vocalist, and dear friend. She brought a profound truth to the stage, and I was able to converse with her on so many of the great and rare tunes she brought to the bandstand. Eventually we got to play some bass & voice duos, which was particularly enjoyable; we certainly trusted each other's musical choices, which inevitably led us to experience a joyous conversation. Roz was considered somewhat of a den mother to all the vocalists she came across, but to me, as a bassist, there was a deep connection that only happens on rare occasions. We will all miss her in every way, both personally and musically. Her voice still rings in our heads and will continue to do so for a very long time!

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