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Joanna Pascale
Since emerging onto Philadelphia's jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia's premiere jazz venues, as well as regular appearances with Philadelphia's most respected jazz musicians.
Joanna began her musical education as a listener to the music in her household. "I grew up listening to old vinyl albums of Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, and Nat King Cole," recalls Pascale, "I learned these songs as if they were a part of my generation's popular music."
Joanna's love for jazz voice eventually took her to Philadelphia's Performing Arts High School, and then to Temple University, where she studied music with such instructors as Terell Stafford and Bruce Barth. While still a student in high school, Joanna began to develop her unique repertoire.
"When I started going to jam sessions, vocalists would always do the same couple of songs," stated Pascale, "it would amaze me that gems like 'Serenade in Blue' or 'Once in a While', for example, would fall through the cracks. I made it my mission to learn these under performed standards, and to search for other songs that need to be remembered."
What really sets Joanna apart from other vocalists, though, is not her repertoire, but her musicianship. Despite her young age, Joanna brings a depth of artistry to her music that rivals that of many singers who have been in the business for decades. The Philadelphia Metro raved, "Don't let her age fool you, Joanna Pascale is a highly sophisticated singer."
Joanna has also gained the admiration of Philadelphia's most prominent musicians. "Joanna has her own style," stated legendary saxophonist Robert "Bootsie" Barnes, "She has been influenced as have all young 'song birds', but once you hear Joanna you'll know it's her. Copycats don't last, but Joanna will be around for a long time." University of the Arts jazz faculty member Chris Farr stated, "Joanna is a great storyteller. Along with her excellent musicianship, she shows great respect for the lyrics. She swings like crazy, and it's a pleasure to listen her."
Joanna's latest album, When Lights Are Low, showcases her approach to the timeless standards of American music.
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Joanna Pascale at Chris' Jazz Cafe
![Read "Joanna Pascale at Chris' Jazz Cafe" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/a_small/ac42535ef14bdc2213677e34689ae802.jpg)
by Victor L. Schermer
Joanna Pascale Chris' Jazz Cafe Philadelphia, PA November 10, 2018 The content of this show came as a complete surprise to this reviewer. I expected vocalist Joanna Pascale, who is by now a Philadelphia legend, to sing a typical set of standards from the Great American Songbook. Instead, she blew everyone away with a set of Italian tunes that I usually hear in the background at a little coffee shop called Anthony's in South Philadelphia! ...
read moreJoanna Pascale: To Tell a Story in Song
![Read "Joanna Pascale: To Tell a Story in Song" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/joannapascale100x100.jpg)
by Victor L. Schermer
Among jazz vocalists, there are two main categories: those who belt out a tune with flourish, ornamentation, punctuation, and improvising known as scat." Ella Fitzgerald is the prime representative of that approach. Then there are those who omit the superfluous, carefully crafting every word and note, bringing out the underlying emotions. Think of Billie Holiday. Joanna Pascale is a vocalist who has honed the latter approach into a way of literally being with the song in an I-Thou relationship. An ...
read moreHis Master’s Voice: Joanna Pascale & Thana Alexa
![Read "His Master’s Voice: Joanna Pascale & Thana Alexa" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/joannapascale_wildflower_cmb.png)
by C. Michael Bailey
Ahab beckons from the side of the whale..." I have had the pleasure to work with a most benevolent Publisher in Michael Ricci for 20 years. His editorial hand has always been liberal and indulging. It is a very rare thing that he would ask me to listen to something that has been ringing his bell. So rare, that when it happens, my ears perk up and I stand at attention. Michael's taste has always been exceptional ...
read moreJoanna Pascale: Through My Eyes
![Read "Through My Eyes" reviewed by Greg Camphire](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/2008/joannapascale.jpg)
by Greg Camphire
Philadelphia native Joanna Pascale ably represents her soulful hometown on Through My Eyes, demonstrating why she's a favorite of some of the city's finest musicians, including preeminent drummer Mickey Roker--an expert on swing if there ever was one. Pascale has obviously done her homework, and spent some quality time in the woodshed. Sidestepping what could be another tired retread of the Great American Songbook by yet another generic vocalist, Pascale shows she's got the taste and skills to pull off ...
read moreJoanna Pascale Quintet at Loews Hotel in Philadelphia
![Read "Joanna Pascale Quintet at Loews Hotel in Philadelphia" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
by Victor L. Schermer
Joanna Pascale Loews Hotel Philadelphia, PA August 2006
It isn't often one gets to hear a top of the line jazz vocalist at a hotel cocktail lounge and restaurant (the great Mabel Mercer comes to mind as one of those rarities), but we've lucked out. Joanna Pascale, one of the best young jazz vocalists, has landed herself a regular weekly gig at the Loews Hotel, at 12th and Market Streets right by the Pennsylvania ...
read moreJoanna Pascale: When Lights are Low
![Read "Joanna Pascale: When Lights are Low" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/old/styles/jpascale2004.jpg)
by Victor L. Schermer
Joanna Pascale When Lights are Low CAP 2004
The quintessential instrument of jazz, perhaps all of music, is the female voice. While jazz has many personae and voices" (I think of John Coltrane's preacher" inflections, Miles Davis' contemplative, moody, and earthy speaking through the horn," Bill Evans' dreamy, complex, ethereal muse," etc.), the female voice most fully embodies the dialectic of blues and ecstasy, the resiliency, and the inner spiritual core of the jazz ...
read moreJazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Joanna Pascale's birthday today!
Since emerging onto Philadelphia's jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia's premiere jazz venues, as well ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Joanna Pascale's birthday today!
Since emerging onto Philadelphia's jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia's premiere jazz venues, as well ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Joanna Pascale's birthday today!
Since emerging onto Philadelphia's jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia's premiere jazz venues, as well ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Joanna Pascale's birthday today!
Since emerging onto Philadelphia's jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia's premiere jazz venues, as well ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Joanna Pascale's birthday today!
Since emerging onto Philadelphia\'s jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia\'s premiere jazz venues... Read more. ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Joanna Pascale's birthday today!
Since emerging onto Philadelphia\'s jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia\'s premiere jazz venues... Read more. ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Joanna Pascale's birthday today!
Since emerging onto Philadelphia\'s jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia\'s premiere jazz venues... Read more. ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Joanna Pascale's birthday today!
Since emerging onto Philadelphia's jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia's premiere jazz venues... Read more. ...
read more
Vocalist Joanna Pascale Embraces Deep Emotional Connections with Lesser Known Repertoire on "Wildflower"
![Vocalist Joanna Pascale Embraces Deep Emotional Connections with Lesser Known Repertoire on "Wildflower"](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/fc2375b2-efdc-4b91-87d4-5704b9bf0ce3.png)
Source:
All About Jazz
Vocalist Joanna Pascale Embraces Deep Emotional Connections with Lesser Known Repertoire on Wildflower – Available May 5 Produced by Pianist Orrin Evans and Featuring Christian McBride, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Gregoire Maret, Bilal, Cyrus Chestnut and more “Wildflowers grow under the most unlikely circumstances,” says vocalist Joanna Pascale. “You find them in the most unlikely places. From the beginning, that’s how my journey has been.” Whether referring to the lesser-known repertoire to which she’s drawn or to the singer herself, nurtured in ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Joanna Pascale](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/8c1e03f6bcbfd07d050a64fcb829efb7.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Joanna Pascale's birthday today! Since emerging onto Philadelphia\'s jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia\'s premiere jazz venues... Read more. ...
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Primary Instrument
Vocals
Location
Philadelphia
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Credentials/Background
Currently jazz vocal faculty at Temple University