The Spoleto Vocal Jazz Workshop

THE FACULTY:

Michele Hendricks, singer, is one of the most renowned jazz artists today. Her most recent CD entitled, A Little Bit of Ella was recently recorded in New York with Tommy Flanagan, piano, Peter Washington, bass, Lewis Nash, drums, David "Fathead" Newman, sax and flute, Brian Lynch, trumpet, Robin Eubanks, trombone and her father, the very famous singer, Jon Hendricks.

Over the past eighteen years Michele has been teaching privately in schools, conducting master classes and directing workshops in the United States, Europe and Japan. Her focuses are upon the art of improvisation and ensemble singing. But she insists on mastery of basic skills in: rhythm, repertoire, key selection, phrasing, developing chord charts, transposing, arranging and directing a singer's rhythm section. She is in demand as the major exponent of scat singing in the world of vocal jazz today.

Michele is adept at working with singers of all levels of proficiency, beginning to advanced. She serves on numerous juries for schools and competitions and currently is President of the Jury at the Crest Jazz Vocal Competition in France. She has taught at: The New School, New York City; The New School, NY; New York University, Jazzmobile, NY, Centre Polyphonique, Paris, Musiloisirs Plynotes, Paris and the Musickhochschüle, Graz, Germany. Her discography includes a dozen magnificent recordings. Indeed we are honored and very fortunate to have Michele return.

Renato Chicco, pianist and composer, has collaborated with some of jazz giants of the international scene. Among the most important: the Lionel Hampton Big Band, the Jerry Bergonzi Quartet for six years. He has been musical director and pianist for singer John Hendricks. Other significant engagements include tours with Woody Shaw, Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, Benny Golson, Freddie Hubbard and many others. He recently returned to reside in Verona, Italy after more than ten years in New York. Renato continues to work with many of the jazz masters of the world, including the wonderful Michele Hendricks. A generous and patient coach and composer - what every singer absolutely needs - we are delighted to welcome Renato in his return to Spoleto for the fifth time.