Album Notes

From jazz to contemporary Christian, the silky sounds of Shelly Torres-West will warm your heart. Whether there are 20 or 200 in the crowd, you will feel like Shelly is singing directly to you. Listening to her CD’s will transport you to another place and time, taking you on a journey of memories, dreams, inspiration and prayer.

Shelly began singing jazz and pop at an early age. She studied voice at The University of Arkansas. Her journey took her to Chicago where she became a regular at well know clubs like the Back Room, Redford’s, and The Earl of Old Town among others. Shelly recorded her first album, “Take One,” live at the Back Room in Chicago with her band Wave. Next, her journey took her across the country to Los Angeles.

After some time of dealing with the demands, challenges and lifestyles of the music industry, Shelly decided to stop singing professionally and headed back across the country landing finally in Denton, Texas where she sang occasionally just for fun. For over 20 years, Shelly has earned her living as a Certified Rehab Technology Supplier evaluating, recommending, building and repairing seating systems and wheel chairs for severely disabled children.

In 1990, she walked into Harvest Metropolitan Community Church and rediscovered the voice that God had given her. Shelly began to sing contemporary Christian music in churches. Her skill at jazz led her to sing at fundraising events for churches and AIDS organizations. Now Shelly sings both Christian music and jazz for the joy it gives her and her listeners.

Shelly is a regular soloist at Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Dallas where she is a member of the Praise Team, Choir and Prayer Team. Shelly can also be heard singing with pianist Buddy Shanahan during happy hour on selected dates at The Hideaway in Dallas, Texas.

She was a member of The Women’s Chorus of Dallas when they recorded “Sing for the Cure” with the Turtle Creek Chorale and Maya Angelou as narrator. Shelly was the original female soloist on “Groundless Ground” and is in the trio for “Who Will Curl My Daughter’s Hair”. Currently, Shelly also sings with Resounding Harmony, a mixed chorus in Dallas.

Her available jazz CD’s include “Next Step” recorded live in Dallas, Texas in 2001 and a digital remix of her 1970’s album “Take One”. Her first Christian CD “My Heart To Yours” is also available now.