I have performed with a with a wide variety of the finest musicians: Laura Caviani, Chris Lomheim, Phil Aaron, Rick Carlson, Joel Shapira, Kristin Sponcia, Brian Ziemniak, Dan Musselman, Jay Epstein, Doug Haining, Steve Pikal, Reuben Haugen, Pete Whitman, Jason McLean, Jocko MacNelly, Greg Schutte, Kelly Rossum, Graydon Peterson, Merle Knudson, Mac Santiago, Reynold Philipsek, Gary Anderson, Beth Anderson, Dave Graf, Nathan Norman, Tom Pieper, Mary Louise Knutson, Donna Wilson, Kristi Kruse, Jon Schneider, Zacc Harris, Matt Peterson, and many more!!!
Influences
Think Julie London meets Diana Krall...with a pinch of Ella, Keely Smith, Jacqui Naylor and Peggy Lee.
Sounds Like
"Local songbird Lee Engele swings through the tunes with the greatest of ease, taking her listeners along for an evocative ride." -Andrea Canter, Jazz Police.
Sometimes it seems there are as many jazz singers as songs in the jazz canon. So why is Lee Engele one of the fastest rising stars on the Twin Cities jazz scene? To stand out in this ever-growing crowd of vocalists, a singer must bring more than good pitch and pleasing intonation to the bandstand - the jazz vocalist must further project that energizing "swing feel" that drives the melody and a personal commitment to the lyrics, to telling compelling stories through song. The jazz singer must be part musician, part dramatist, part choreographer. This is Twin Cities jazz artist Lee Engele, a singer who demonstrates contagious energy, personal charm, and that love for lyrics every time she takes the stage.
From her dramatic work in Community Theater and touring with the last edition of the Serendipity Singers to solo performances on stages throughout the Twin Cities and beyond, Lee's career has been as diverse as her repertoire. And that diverse experience informs her work at every turn, be it out in front of a big band or alongside a swinging piano trio. Her long resume includes work as a DJ and club manager; hosting karaoke; earning a Master's Degree in Organization Leadership; a seven-year tenure with the Just Friends Big Band; holding the vocal chair for the Somewhat Dixieland Band; providing voice-overs; guest spots on KBEM Jazz 88 Radio; and solo appearances at such Twin Cities venues as the Artists Quarter, Dakota Jazz Club, Dakota County Music Cafe, Rossi's Blue Star Room, and The Minnesota Zephyr Cabaret.
Lee's trademark "jazz with an attitude" describes the modern twists she brings to jazz standards, no doubt reflecting her years in theater as well as her finely honed vocal skills. Her three-octave range, confident stage presence and sultry sound ("rich chocolate low notes," said a fan) have made her a sought-after-performer for festivals and gala events such as the Grand Marais Jazz Festival, The Twin Cities Jazz Festivals, and art gallery events. In addition to her vocal talents, Lee has an uncanny ability to put together unique combinations of musicians who often have not played together before, but under Lee's leadership, become exciting musical collaborations. Her consummate artistry as singer and bandleader also led to her selection as a participant in the prestigious Yale Cabaret Conference in 2008.
Lee's current repertoire is as diverse as her career: "I love the standards, especially swing," she says, but she has also expanded her songbook, adding show tunes and modern songwriters' compositions. And she swings through these songs with the greatest of ease, taking her listeners along for an evocative ride.
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Sage Wine Bar.. I love that place. Wish I could be there. Maybe in September. How have you been? Have a great time in Mendota Heights and especially at the Cabaret conference, sounds really cool! Keep in touch. Love, K
Such a pleasure meeting you last night! I'll keep my eye out on your page to catch one of your upcoming performances! My 2nd day of class was about 20 times better than the 1st - thank goodness! Glad yours went well :) See you soon!
Hi Lee! Sorry that it has taken me months to get back to you.. Long story! Just have been going through a rough patch. How are you? I hope to visit Minnesota this summer, when, is unclear. Will be in touch. Love, K
Thank you for your friendly comment. Me too, I love your music. Be welcome in my band! :) I wish you a wonderful weekend. Keeping in contact. see you Lamine
Merci pour votre Merveilleuse Voix ainsi que pour votre Elegante Musique !! Thank you for have answered to my invitation Be Welcome to my FriendshipSpace”!! It is a pleasure you are among my friends! I wish you All the Best
Hi Lee! Wow, you are still working so hard. That's a good thing, hope that I don't sound like Martha. What's new in your world? Hope your Labor Day weekend was relaxing! You just keep on swinging, hope we can hang out before the year is through. Love, K
Hi Lee! Let me know about "Baby Get Lost". Hope you get a chance to rest. Great to hear you are playing so many gigs! Keep up the great work! Love, Kathleen
You sound really great Lee! We dig your version of Fever. That's a tune that we love to play live. Swing by and check out our live recording. Greetings from The Gavin Petrie Trio. Peace and good vibes.
Hi Lee! Have a great time at the Dakota! Wow, you are busy, that's very cool! I hope to hear you live one of these days... Wishing you a wonderful summertime! Love, K
