Album Notes

"Even as a child, I wanted my voice to sound radio-ready. I was obsessed with clean vocal sounds!" Singing was one of Kelle's first hobbies that helped her evolve into the dynamic performer she is today. Kelle was influenced by art & music educators in her life who were passionate about expression. She also grew up in a household where music was a main source of entertainment. "I can vividly remember my parents singing, "There's a hole in the bucket". They acted it out an everything! I think that's why I MUST have fun on stage" As an undergraduate, Kelle toured the southeast with the South Carolina State Jazz Band, performing shows for alumni, elementary school, high school and college audiences. Kelle was inducted into the SCSU Jazz Hall of fame after being awarded Vocalist of the Year four years consecutively. The city of Orangeburg, home to South Carolina State University, also offered many opportunities for her. She frequently performed with her band, The Presto Parti, during the annual Rose Festival. And after being personally invited by the mayor, Kelle and her band brought in the New Year with a concert at the Bluebird Theatre.

After college, Kelle relocated to southeast Tennessee. She served as lead singer for the Malemen Showband for 2 years singing at festivals, reunions, parties and weddings. With the Malemen, Kelle exlpored new genres to perform including beach, country, disco, funk and rock, all while exploring new places and meeting many good people. Kelle also recorded radio commercials for local polititions. Along with Butch Cornell, Queen McClain, Thomas Bumpas and David Anthony, Kelle helped popularize Melanie's Restaurant in Chattanooga. Mr. David Anthony (on keys) and she performed weekly, pulling in audiences with their jazzy duets and soulful renditions of hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. Educating is also a goal of Kelle. She taught elementary school in Hamilton County, but now serves as an Artist-In Residence for Allied Arts of Chattanooga. Kelle has also conducted church music programs in the Chattanooga area. With suitcase in hand, Kelle has traveled the Tennessee/ Alabama/ Georgia area planting herself on stages with groups in Knoxville like Groove Therapy. You may even find her now sitting in at Cha Cha's with Memphis' own, keyboard player Donald Brown. Her talents have taken her across the world. This year Kelle Jolly and her partner in love and music, Will Boyd, performed at the Muroran Jazz Cruise.They represented Knoxville as its sister city. They made new friends with many people, including Selena Jones, who gave a memorable performace at the festival. The Japanese audience of over 2000 held onto every note during their performace with the Sapporo Jazz School students. "It was amazing to see how Jazz has given a voice to people all around the world.", she says. Will and Kelle also sat in at the Day By Day Jazz Club owned by jazz singer, Suzie Kuroiwa of Sapporo, Japan. Kelle is available to perform.