Gayle Bisesi

Gayle Bisesi is a true jazz soprano who brings a fresh, inspiring sensitivity and a playful edge to jazz music. She has been singing professionally for more than 20 years and has had the honor of sharing the stage with such musical greats as Patti Austin, New York Voices, Howard Levy, Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, Denis DiBlasio, Mark Whitfield, Conte Candoli, Hank Marr, Frank Mantooth and Kevin Mahogany. Her work with the MacArthur Jazz Band won her the coveted Downbeat award for Best Jazz Vocalist.

On the international circuit, her singing has taken her to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France and Canada, as well as New York City.

Bisesi did her undergraduate work at Elmhurst University where she earned her degree in vocal performance and music education in 1996. She sang with the renowned Elmhurst University Jazz Band.

She currently resides in the Chicago area while serving as the director of music admissions at Elmhurst. She also teaches vocal jazz and directs the vocal jazz ensemble Blue. Bisesi performs regularly at establishments such as the legendary Jazz Showcase, Chicago Cultural Center, Andy’s Jazz Club, Park West, Green Mill, Hot House, Pops for Champagne, Fitzgerald’s, Uncommon Ground and Beat Kitchen.

Specialties

• Jazz Improvisation
• Vocal Jazz Ensemble