Melissa Kassel is a powerful, provocative, and wholly unique jazz vocalist. Nominated as Best Jazz Vocalist in Boston, she has received accolades from audiences and critics alike for her extraordinary vocal range and style. Her interpretations of jazz standards have inspired comparisons to Betty Carter and Sheila Jordan; at times, she also brings to mind the underrated Jeanne Lee. Kassel, however, never sounds like she is emulating any of her influences. She brings sensitivity and vulnerability to her performances, and while she can be abstract and cerebral, Melissa Kassel is someone who needs to be accepted on her own terms.

Born in New Jersey, Melissa moved to Boston and attended the New England Conservatory. An avid student of jazz, she has studied with many prominent jazz educators in Boston. In particular, her work with jazz legends Charlie Banacos and Joe Maneri led to her mastery of micro-tonal vocalization and improvisation. This, combined with her wide range, passion, and raw emotion makes her one of the foremost cutting edge jazz vocalists of this generation.

Her first album, the standards-oriented Live at the Acton Jazz Café was warmly received by music critics around the world.

“As a contributing writer of many years for Downbeat and Jazziz among other publications, I’ve heard countless debut albums from women singers that are safe, pleasant, and, well, forgettable. Melissa Kassel, glad to say, dares to be different and brings real imagination and passion to her close study of tone, intonation and phrasing on “Live at the Acton Jazz Café.”

– Frank-John Hadley

Kassel’s long-time collaboration with composer Tom Zicarelli has given rise to new original music that is distinctively hers. Their tight-knit ensemble includes preeminent journeymen Phil Grenadier, Gary Fieldman, and Bruce Gertz. A sampling of these songs is featured on her latest recording “Moments.”