Member Since: 1/6/2006
Band Website: helenexner.com
Band Members: I usually perform solo, but I love collaborating with other musicians. Right now my ensemble gigs are usually jazz, with a rhythm section.On my album, though, I incorporate other instruments, including cello, saxophone, and multiple tracks of myself singing backup vocals.
Influences: Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Diana Krall, Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk.Sweet Honey in the Rock, Lucinda Williams, Joni Mitchell, Carole King.James Taylor, Kurt Elling, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Zap Mama.Eliane Elias, Neko Case, Poncho Sanchez, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill.Bonnie Raitt, The Bad Plus, Billie Holliday, Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington.Bessie Smith, The Beatles, Vonda Shephard, Etta James, Alanis Morisette,
Sheryl Crow.
Sounds Like: "Helen’s songs are original compositions and are influenced by a range of styles from gospel to jazz to choral music. She’s a little Diana Krall, a little Carole King and a little Harry Chapin rolled into one." -- Mary Schmidt, Schmidt Communicates, LLC------------------------------------------------------
"Helen's debut disc contains music that will transport you away from the mundane, 'everything sounds the same' music you are exposed to every day. Some of the songs will lift you up while others will help you relax as they wind through feelings and emotions that we've all experienced at times in our lives. ... You owe it to yourself to give this disc a listen… not once…and more than just a few times. The more you listen, the more you will be affected by the sweetness, the sassy-ness, and charm of this recording."
--Brian Gruselle, keyboardist and pianist(www.briangruselle.com)
Type of Label: None