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FEDERATION OF AMERICAN MUSICIANS, SINGERS AND PERFORMING ARTISTS, INCORPORATED (FAMSPA), USA
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Visit the website of the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment, published by the Federation of American Musicians, Singers and Performing Artists. Read about the listees and purchase your copies at http://www.worldwhoswhoinjazzcabaretmusicandentertainment.com/

 

SHOWBIZ TIME MAGAZINE. April-May Issue P.12                                                   Cover of the Magazine     Table of Contents     
Artists Biographies: Honoring the best in the business

   Ellen Robinson; a pioneer for our time.

On My Way to YouEllenBorn on the 9th of July, 1949 in New Rochelle, New York. vocalist, composer, musician, choral director, educator, Ellen Robinson learned to play piano at age nine, taught herself guitar at age 11, sang in her high school chorus and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College in New York. After college, Ellen taught music to children in Connecticut, sang leading roles in community theater, and performed in folk clubs in New York City. In the 1970’s she moved to California. Her musical journey led her through many genres: rock, Blue Grass, an Andrew Sisters type trio called The Spoolie Sisters, Cabaret venues, and a women’s a cappella sextet entitled Vocolot. It was when Ellen began singing jazz that she knew she had truly come home to the musical style that could encompass all of her talents. Straight-from-the-heart vocals come from this adventuresome singer. Ellen is known for her ability to sing with a vocal palette that has a  wide variety of colors in both her choice of material and also the range of emotions she covers in a performance.

 The joy she brings to her performance is made abundantly evident in the spontaneous interplay  with her excellent band mates. The songs range from swing to jazzy pop to the hushed intensity of her ballads, and the tunes she writes – all quirky rhythms and catchy melodies – are like the lady herself: upbeat and always in motion. Her CD “Mercy! Ellen Robinson Live” released in 2006, captures those one-of-a-kind performances in a compilation of songs selected from concerts performed since her last CD “On My Way To You” released in 2001. She produced both of these recordings on her own EMR MUSIC label with Bud Spangler.

In addition to her own jazz dates and recording projects, Ellen is the Director of the Anything Goes Chorus, a community chorus she founded, and three women’s vocal ensembles: Girlfriendz, Swingshift Singers and Treble Makers. Ellen has worked with literally thousands of students throughout her life and continues to be a gifted and dedicated vocal coach. Press quotes:  “Her willingness to bare her soul through each song is courageous…a ride through the joy, the pain, the celebration of life. It’s all here.” Melanie Berzon, San Francisco, CA. “Phenomenal vocals and well crafted songs.” Joe Kelley, Fairfield, CT.“She’s got the right ideas and the voice to make them happen.” Jerry Atkins, Texarkana TX. “Ellen Robinson is blessed with great pipes.” Jazz Improv Magazine.

“To compare Ellen Robinson’s vocal timbre to that of Irene Kral may be the ultimate compliment to Ms. Robinson.” George Fendel, Portland ,OR. Education: Undergraduate: Bachelor of Music, Music Education Major, Piano and Voice Minor–Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY and Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY. Graduate: C.W. Post, Greenvale, NY Hofstra University, Garden City, NY, State University, Stony Brook, NY, Bank Street College of Education, New York, NY. Vocal Training: Madeline Eastman, Raz Kennedy, Kitty Margolis, Mark Murphy, Jane Sharp, David Stroud, Faith Winthrop.Website: www.ellenrobinson.com