Carmela Rappazzo

Biography

Carmela Rappazzo is an American jazz vocalist and composer known for her evocative interpretations and original songwriting. Born and raised in upstate New York, she grew up surrounded by music, as her father and several of his siblings were big band swing musicians. This early exposure to jazz and the Great American Songbook deeply influenced her musical sensibilities and set the foundation for her artistic journey[1][5].

Rappazzo began her professional career at age 19, performing with an old-school jazz orchestra and appearing at notable New York venues such as The Bushes and Ruskay's on the Upper West Side[6]. Over the years, she developed a distinctive style that blends classic jazz vocals with contemporary songwriting, often drawing inspiration from personal experiences and literary sources. Her discography includes seven albums, with her latest project, "Love and Other Difficulties," written and recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown in New Orleans, showcasing her continued evolution as an artist[4].

Now based in New Orleans, Rappazzo collaborates with prominent local musicians and remains active in the jazz scene, contributing to the city's rich musical tapestry. Her work is characterized by a strong melodic sensibility, lyrical depth, and a commitment to both honoring tradition and exploring new creative territories[2].

Fun Facts

• Rappazzo's seventh album, 'Love and Other Difficulties,' was conceived and recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown in New Orleans[4].
• She began singing professionally at age 19 with a jazz orchestra in New York City[6].
• Her family included eight professional big band musicians, deeply shaping her musical upbringing[1][5].
• Rappazzo is known for integrating literary themes into her songwriting, drawing inspiration from poetry and prose.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Family (Father and Uncles) - Her father and several uncles were big band swing musicians, providing early mentorship and musical exposure. (N/A (family influence)) [Childhood, formative years]

Key Collaborators

• Oscar Rossignoli - Pianist and musical director, supports Rappazzo in live performances and recordings. (Songbook projects, live shows) [Recent years]
• Mark Carroll - Performs with Rappazzo in concert series and collaborative projects. (Musicians at Home concert series) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Whispering (Whispering)
2. Elysian Fields (Whispering)
3. The Actor Prepares (Whispering)
4. Dying Stars (Whispering)
5. I Love You for Tonight (Whispering)
6. Fun Along the Way (Whispering)
7. All the Broken Hearted Artists (Whispering)
8. 13 Things (Whispering)
9. Everyday Person (Whispering)
10. Lily's Lullaby (Whispering)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz