About Janelle
Tampa, Florida native JANELLE ,
is one of the finest singers around today, period.
When Janelle steps out, she puts
herself in the limelight and when singing back-up,
she makes other vocalists look good! This is a classic
display of vocal mastery with soul and passion exuding
throughout. Looking for a class act? Look no further!
Janelle has a strong pop and jazz
influenced style of singing and places a fresh, original
feel to her interpretations."As far as musical
influences go, I'd have to say JONI MITCHELL, CHAKA
KAHN, ELLA, and ARETHA as
well as Portland jazz artist, NANCY KING..and
Boston's REBECCA PARRIS.....Anyone
who has chops, can tell a soulful story and yet still
retain an intimacy with the listener impresses me." said
Janelle. "It isn't about looks or fashion, or
some temporary "sound" that's popular. It's
about the story. Will the audience be emotionally
transported? That's what it's all about for me, and
that's my goal as a singer."
Most recently a backup singer with NATALIE
COLE, Janelle has traveled
the world in a variety of singing roles, accompanying
talent as diverse as Atlantic Record's metal
band, "CRIMSON GLORY"(opening
act for OZZY OSBOURNE'S Euro tour
in '88), DONNY OSMOND on
his "Soldier Of Love"
tour, '89 to '91,
to "THE NEW MAMAS AND THE PAPAS" world
tour '97 to '00.
One of her dreams came true when she was presented
with the opportunity to tour with Ms. Cole in 2000.
"Seeing how diligently Natalie works to evolve
as a singer over the years, inspired me to take this
chance and step out for myself."
Says Janelle from her home in Sherman Oaks, California.
"My first CD entitled "DON'T MAKE
ME LAUGH" is an expression of this new
direction for me. I'm singing songs that make me remember
why I became a singer in the first place...Emotion!"
| Here
are some photos of the Natalie Cole band on
the road. Click on the photos to enlarge the
photos. A window will open via your browser. |
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Janelle was
offered a chance to sing background vocals for
Natalie Cole on her World Tour 2000. |
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Natalie Cole "sitting
in"
with blues band.
Istanbul '00 |
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Natalie's Back
up singers
The "Rosie show" Performance '01
Janelle, Michael Mishaw, and Catte Adams |
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After show shot
with Natalie
Japan Blue Note '02 |
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On stage at
Hollywood Bowl '02
Natalie Cole |
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From left to
right:
Stepdaughter Harper Swenson, Natalie, and Janelle's
Husband Robin Swenson. Taken at'02. |
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Sushi in Osaka
'02 with the Natalie Band
From left to right:
Terry Trotter, Johnny Friday, Janelle, Ray Fuller,
Michael Mishaw, and Kenny Wild. |
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