Melani Skybell

By all available levels of measurement, Melani Skybell is a female vocalist possessing talent that should be at the forefront of vocal jazz. She has a range, sensuality and subtlety about herself that speaks volumes about her ability to hold an audience captive. Her latest CD is mesmerizing, while containing a tonal quality that is amazingly inviting. From one track to the next Melani's music connects on all cylinders and keeps the style of jazz known as vocalese worth the effort of istening. By any stretch, Melani Skybell is a great addition to any music collection and she should be one of the main focal points pointing to superb qualitative vocal jazz.(by Sheldon T. Nunn, Jazzreview)

Melani Skybel is a classically trained pianist who always dreamed of singing. Four albums into that dream, she's shown herself to be a superb vocalist possessed of a warm and inviting tone with a bit of sass to it - sort of a Nancy Wilson feline tang. "Just A Chase Away" showcases not just her voice, but also Skybell's excellent songwriting skills. (by Dan McClenagh,All About Jazz)

Though this is our first listen to Ms. Skybell's work, I'm highly impressed- and if you love well-sung, well-played jazz, with strong hints of the blues woven in, I'd say that has something to do with the fact that all (but 3) of the tracks are originals. Her keyboard touch is light, but not without soul, and her vocals are strong on every piece. While listening, I tried to catch her influence...was it Joni Mitchell? Or Ell? Or, who? In the end, it's clear that Melani is, quite simply - Melani! The CD, and the shining music on it will remain a favorite of yours, as well as mine for decades to come, no doubt...she's able to convey a feeling of true joy to the listener, in both the playing and the vocals. As depressing as the world can seem these days, "just A Chase Away" is a sure-fire prescription for making all that evil just "scat" away...an absolute must for anyone who loves talent combined with a spirit and verve. I give this CD a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, in the immediate! (by Rotcod Zzaj, at Improvijazzation Nation)

A simply entertaining and magical musical experience that's "just A Chase Away," Melani Skybell scupts a masterpiece of a recording that is certain to be noticed. You can file this one under "exquisite jazz vocals." (by Edward Blanco at Ejazz News)

- Jazzreview, All about Jazz, Ejazz News,