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How do we present ourselves authentically to an audience through the vehicle of a jazz tune or standard? How do we find our voice and let it flow freely in the songs we choose? How does our phrasing impact the authenticity of a song’s delivery? How does our repertoire either expand or limit our freedom of expression? And how can we flex our creative muscles more often when singing standards?These are some of the questions that will be explored together as we work on unlocking our own authentic voices.
Song choice plays a major role in how comfortable we feel with a song. Expanding our repertoire often serves as the main entry point to feeling more comfortable and honest in delivering lyrics.
Jazz phrasing is the art of navigating a melody in a personal way. Moving away from the phrasing of great singers in the tradition, with confidence, allows you to add your own unique touch to a song. Whether in large or small increments, this can make a big difference in the authenticity of your delivery.
Vision is something Marianne Solivan considers deeply. She encourages singers to think about how they want the moment of singing to unfold. What instrumentation, tempo, groove, and energy should the song have? These elements help singers step into the song in their own way. While many aspects of jazz tradition repeat, your choices and vision—whether large or small—will significantly affect how the song feels to you and resonates with the audience. Making decisions about how you want a musical moment to unfold is incredibly important, and too often, singers leave that to the band. Marianne believes singers should take more control of these decisions. When singers do, they create the opportunity to experience singing jazz on a much deeper level.
During the session, Marianne will guide participants through ideas and options, working with an accompanist. Singers should come prepared to sing one or two songs they know well, in their key, and with a copy for the accompanist. Marianne will also introduce a few new songs for the group to learn.
Marianne Solivan
is a celebrated jazz vocalist known for her dynamic range, expressive delivery, and fearless improvisation. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene, performing at prestigious venues like the Blue Note, Dizzy’s, Smoke, and Birdland in New York City.
Solivan’s passion for music began early, leading her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Performance and Music Education from Berklee College of Music, followed by a Master’s in Jazz Studies from The New England Conservatory. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence have made her a sought-after performer, collaborating with jazz greats such as Christian McBride, Lewis Nash, and Peter Bernstein.
She has released several acclaimed albums, including Prisoner of Love and Spark, showcasing her unique interpretations of jazz standards and her innovative storytelling approach. In addition to her performance career, Solivan is a dedicated music educator, teaching at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music, where she mentors young vocalists and leads them in exploring their unique talents. Featured in major jazz publications like JazzTimes, Jazziz, and DownBeat, Solivan is praised for her ability to blend tenderness with strength in her voice. Despite her achievements, she remains humble and continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, always rooted in the jazz tradition.
With her powerful voice, boundless creativity, and dedication to music education, Marianne Solivan is poised to leave a lasting impact on the jazz world.
Cost: $75 Advance/$90 Day Of
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
California Jazz Conservatory (Jazzschool at CJC), 2087 Addison Street,Berkeley,CA,United States
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