Rachelle Ferrell defies categorization—part R&B, part soul, part jazz vocalist and part instrumentalist. She’d have it no other way as she does things her own way, carving out a loyal following who appreciates her individuality and commitment to her integrity. Blessed with a six-octave range and heaps of talent, Ferrell delivered a blistering performance that created the electric atmosphere of a Chautauqua revival meeting.

Opening with a jazz improv that welcomed the audience, Ferrell wasted little time in displaying amazing vocal contortions complete with her trademark octave-leaping runs, foghorn low notes and siren-like highs. Using her voice as a jazz-riffing instrument, she is connected to her music in a way few vocalists can even dare.  Her set covered her multi-genre career, from her bluesy feminist nod to sisterhood (“Sista”) to the jazzy cover of a classic standard (“My Funny Valentine”) to funky satisfying R&B (“With Open Arms”).

Ferrell moved to piano for a sultry rendition of “I Forgive You” and, announcing a new CD after a ten-year hiatus, sang a beautiful “Love Is All Around.” Throughout the set, she engaged her audience and bandmates in humorous dialogue, but when she sings, it’s all about incredible control of breath, pitch and volume. I’ve never seen such an impeccable display, and her performance left me exuberant and giddy. After she closed with her R&B/soul hits “Sentimental” and a fan request for the romantic “Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This,” I left feeling both emotions.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
November 6, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org