There are many ‘good’ singers but very few special ones…Ellen has a fantastic voice, she kicks butt as an arranger and pianist, has wonderful taste in repertoire..she’s my personal nomination for talent deserving of wider recognition.
All About Jazz
“Really fine vocal/instrumental jazz…Ellen Starr’s singing is just lovely–no frills or b.s., very hornlike, intonation right on, and each song’s feeling is beautifully conveyed. Her piano playing is excellent…really this is terrific–I’m just knocked out!”
Marvin Stamm
Jazz Trumpeter
I love it! Your voice is beautiful, your piano is high on the ‘taste meter,’ and I like the arrangements.
John di Martino
Jazz Pianist, Arranger & Composer
Ellen Starr is truly a great musician. This CD will rank among the jazz greats: Her singing is sublime, with a huge range and a rainbow of colors, she is the perfect performer for the repertoire she has chosen. Her arrangements are original and startling, and her pianistic skills complete a picture of one the 21st century’s great performers. The backup band is more than first rate. This is an album to play again and again.
John Corigliano
Pulitzer Prize-winning Composer
Prof. of Composition, Julliard School of Music
It’s a rare thing to experience a jazz pianist who sings so beautifully, and a singer who really plays the piano, all embodied in one person. That’s Ellen Starr.
Stanley Cowell
Jazz Pianist, Composer, & Educator at Rutger’s
As a vocalist, Ellen Starr sounds like Carmen McRae and Diana Krall combined. She’s a virtuoso singer with a huge range and perfect pitch. She’s got low tones with the sultriness of Nina Simone. As a pianist, Starr reminds me of the amazing Kenny Baron. And, as an arranger, she’s as skillful and imaginative as Bill Evans. What a versatile talent! For devotees of great jazz, this is the real deal.
Isabell Chapuis
Prof of Flute (Retired), School of Music, San Jose Sate University
Studio Musician