The Rachel Azbell Quintet

The Rachel Azbell Quintet is composed of all female jazz musicians based in Ohio. For this show, Rachel will be joined by Katie Carson, trumpet; Abhilasha Chebolu, guitar; Jailynn Lake-Noel, bass; and Mary Manos, drums. This show is a celebration of songs made famous by female jazz musicians, like Nancy Wilson’s classic “Guess Who I Saw Today” and Sarah Vaughan’s hit “Sassy’s Blues,” and songs composed by women, such as “Willow Weep for Me” and “Sunny Side of the Street.”

Promising young jazz vocalist, Rachel Azbell seeks to put her own stamp on the standards while paying homage to the inspiring women that have come before her. Her classic, sultry tone is particularly inspired by jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson. Initially a classically trained pianist, Rachel fell in love with jazz at the age of 16 through her grandmother, who was a pianist and saxophonist. She is now a professional vocalist and a leader in vocal jazz education, creating and teaching classes, camps and lessons to vocalists in the central Ohio area.

Originally from Lancaster, OH, Rachel is currently residing in Denton, TX, where she is working towards a master’s of music in jazz studies at the esteemed University of North Texas, under the direction of Jennifer Barnes and Rosana Eckert. She currently serves as a teaching fellow for the vocal jazz area, where she instructs private lessons and courses in jazz studies and directs West End Vocal Jazz Ensemble, which was a recipient of a 2021 Downbeat Student Jazz Award. To learn more about Rachel’s upcoming performances, listen to her music or learn more about voice lessons, please visit her website at rachelazbell.com.