Results for "Mary Ellen Desmond"

Mary Ellen Desmond

A classically trained vocalist, Mary Ellen made her professional debut in 1988 by performing operatic arias at Philadelphia art openings. Simultaneously she was pursuing an interest in Country & Western music by singing with local bands of this genre for five years, until she settled in her niche within the jazz repertoire. Her father played guitar and banjo in society orchestras featuring popular and jazz standards during the 1940s and 1950s and as a child she grew up listening to this music around the house. She has been performing professionally as a jazz vocalist for over twenty years and considers herself very fortunate to be working with accomplished Philadelphia-based jazz musicians such as pianist Tom Lawton, bassist Lee Smith, tenor sax men Larry McKenna & Robert "Bootsie" Barnes, guitarist Michael Kennedy, and trumpeter John Swana. Originally from Westfield, NJ, Philadelphia has been her home for nearly thirty years

Mary Ellen Desmond: Comfort and Joy 2019 at the Church of St. Luke and the Epiphany

By VICTOR L. SCHERMER

Mary Ellen Desmond Comfort and Joy Church of St. Luke and the Epiphany Philadelphia, PA December 10, 2019 In the course of my years as a jazz reviewer in Philadelphia, it has always been a pleasure to hear Mary Ellen Desmond sing, and for the ...

Mary Ellen Desmond: Comfort and Joy at St. Luke's Church

By VICTOR L. SCHERMER

Mary Ellen Desmond Comfort and Joy Church of St.Luke and the Epiphany Philadelphia, PA December 16, 2018 Mary Ellen Desmond is one of the most treasured Philadelphia-based vocalists, and for the last fifteen years she has provided the inspiration for and fronted the same top of ...

Mary Ellen Desmond with the Victor North Quintet at Chris’ Jazz Café

By VICTOR L. SCHERMER

Mary Ellen Desmond with the Victor North Quintet Chris' Jazz Cafe Philadelphia, PA February 3, 2018 It was the Saturday night before the Superbowl kickoff, and the crowds were out and about in Philadelphia with a “Go Eagles" attitude. A full house crowded into Chris' Jazz Café to hear their vocalist ...

Abby Lee: Born to Sing

By VICTOR L. SCHERMER

The early development of jazz singers tells us a lot about them. Often, they struggle until they are finally recognized. Jimmy Scott was unknown for many years. Billie Holiday took whatever jobs she could get until she made her first recordings. Ella Fitzgerald's childhood was uprooted and traumatic, and music helped her find her way to ...

Mary Ellen Desmond: Comfort and Joy 2017

By VICTOR L. SCHERMER

Mary Ellen Desmond Church of St. Luke and the Epiphany Comfort and Joy Philadelphia, PA December 10, 2017 It's always a pleasure to hear Mary Ellen Desmond sing, and for the past fourteen years, her special musical offering has been the seasonal Comfort and Joy holiday concert which she ...

Mary Ellen Desmond at Paris Bistro and Jazz Café

By VICTOR L. SCHERMER

Mary Ellen Desmond Paris Bistro and Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA August 26, 2017 The Paris Bistro and Jazz Café is in Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood in the Northwest corner of Philadelphia that's like an upscale village all its own, with boutique stores and restaurants and the last stop on the ...

Mary Ellen Desmond: Comfort and Joy Concert 2016

By VICTOR L. SCHERMER

Mary Ellend Desmond Church of St. Luke and the Epiphany Comfort and Joy Philadelphia, PA December 11. 2016 Mary Ellen Desmond is one of the most highly regarded Philadelphia-based vocalists, and for the last thirteen years she has provided the inspiration and fronted a top of the line quartet ...