SWING INTO CHRISTMAS

Sarah D'Angelo

Vocalist/clarinetist Sarah D'Angelo is a relative new-comer to Detroit's jazz scene but she is quickly making new fans out of everyone who experiences her passionate and intelligent singing. Sarah's warm personality and bright smile light up the stage and make an instant connection with audiences. Sarah always includes in her performances a bit of her excellent clarinet playing, a talent and skill which makes her presentation even more special.

Sarah D'Angelo was born in western NY and began formal studies in music at a young age at the State University of New York; Fredonia. While pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Clarinet Performance and Music Education at West Virginia University (BM, '99), Sarah started singing as a soloist for various church congregations and special events throughout the Midwest.

Upon moving to Michigan in the fall of 2001 to pursue a Master's Degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of Michigan (MM, '03), Sarah crossed paths various jazz musicians that jump started Sarah's musical pursuits in a new direction. With composer and musician Chad Hughes (Sir Wick Productions) Sarah began to gain some attention as a vocalist. Sarah's "Thank You, Lord" on the debut CD Sir Wick; An Interpretation of A Universal Language has been reviewed as one of the best independent releases in 2008. Other Sir Wick recording include Portrait of Rafael with saxophonist Rafael Statin; and Christmas at Wick's (released in the fall of 2011).

Sarah is passionate about all things music and her grace and musicianship in all styles and genres continues to attract new fans. The inception for her love for Jazz, and the great American song book was started by her father, Curtis Barnes (Clarinet) and has continued through performances with Mike Magner (Piano) and for the past year or so with Paul Keller (Bass). Sarah's greatest jazz influences are Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Keith Jarrett.

Sarah D'Angelo's professional clarinet resume includes stints with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, and Livonia Symphony Orchestra. Her vocal work history includes appearances at various festivals throughout Michigan; including the Michigan Jazz Festival, and the Labor Day Jazz Weekend at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Sarah has a along association with the high-energy band NINE, as well as sings regularly with the Paul Keller Orchestra, Ensemble and Quartet, Paul Klinger's Easy Street Jazz Band and is the vocalist for the Craig Strain Orchestra. She also regularly works with various artists in the metro Detroit area, including Scott Gwinnell, Cliff Monear and Jerry McKenzie to name a few.

Paul Keller says,"Audiences adore Sarah and so do her bandmates. She possesses a natural and intuitative jazz feel, spot-on pitch control, a deep devotion to the study of her art, and a laid-back, friendly demeanor that makes working with her a genuine pleasure! Sarah's charming and intimate singing style resonate with her listeners and her beautiful clarinet playing is an extra added bonus!"