INTRODUCING
Love, In All Its Forms
A straight-ahead jazz meets trad-pop concept album exploring the power of love
in the many ways it appears.
Releasing October 8, 2024
The Story
musical michels christmas special (1990- 2019)
Our family was known throughout eastern North Carolina as “The Musical Michels.”
My Dad, “Doc,” recently retired after 50 years of owing an optometry practice. Each year he’d unite the community in sponsoring a holiday show on local TV. Hence, the Musical Michels Christmas Special was born. It ran for more than 20 years. Doc would hand out cassette tapes and CDs at his office to share our family’s love of music with the world. When I was 8 years old, I wrote in my journal, “my dream is to make a REAL album with my Dad one day.”
We just did it, Dad!!
This album is a tribute to the musical relationship between me and my father.
It’s also a tribute to family, and to love.
Like life, the journey is not linear. There are ups and downs. Yet through it all, there’s one constant: it’s up to us to choose love every time, over and over again. (And have fun doing it!!)
Be Love. Live Love. Grow Love. Give Love.
meet jenn
Jenn Quader is an American CEO, TEDx speaker, vocalist, writer, poet, and musical theatre enthusiast. Watch her recent TEDx Talk on YouTube.
Her personal mission is to empower the next generation of confident communicators through art that helps people of all ages connect with and deepen their understanding of their own inner light.
MUSICAL INFLUENCE
Jenn says: “I first learned to be a vocalist from my Mama, Jan Howard Hartley, and my sisters, Melissa Burke Michels and Emily Billings, who are gorgeous singers and taught me how to collaborate, perform, and sing harmonies by ear.
From there, I’ve repeatedly listened to the greatest vocalists of all time, including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Mavis Staples, Sara Gazarek, Billie Holliday, Barbara Streisand, Linda Eder, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Norah Jones, a million Broadway soundtracks, and many comedic queens like Bette Midler and Carol Channing.
I’m also inspired by music-makers like Lake Street Dive, Sammy Rae and the Friends, Lin Manuel-Miranda, and Jon Batiste, who understand how to bring a soul connection to music that is still wildly fun to listen to.
Training/
Background
Professionally trained: Voice, Acting, Dance North Carolina, New York City, Paris |
Master of Arts In Global Communications (Paris, France) American University of Paris Bachelor of Arts in Communications/PR (Greenville, North Carolina) East Carolina University |
National Tours of Broadway Musicals The Full Monty, NETworks Productions Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, Windwood Theatricals RENT (10th Anniversary Tour Management), NETworks Productions |
PR Agency CEO Acquired the PR Agency she worked for in 2018; focus is commercial real estate and finance. www.TheSmartAgency.com |
MEET DOC
Dr. Dennis Michels of North Carolina has a special gift of music, humor, and happiness that he has shared with his community all his life. Nobody has more style, flair, or warmth!
A pianist since age 7, he honed his skills while growing his optometry practice, serving as a church pianist, accompanist for local shows, weddings, concerts, bands, and more.
Now at age 79, Doc is still sharing his love of music with everyone he meets.
MUSICAL
INFLUENCE
Doc says: “Music has been my joy for more than 50 years. I’m inspired by great players like Oscar Peterson, among many others.
After working on this album, I’m thinking of legally changing my name to Jeff Babko. That dude can PLAY!! More seriously, it’s an honor to play with greats like these folks. I’ve been around musicians all my life, and the chance to play with world-class talent is always such a gift.
I look forward to sharing this special music with the people I love.”
Album Collaborators
Jeffrey Babko
Musical Director, Keyboard, Trombone
A 19+ year O.G. member of the Jimmy Kimmel Live house band, Jeff plays for Steve Martin and Martin Short’s Netflix special and tour, is the piano player from “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” and has played with the likes of TOTO, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Jason Mraz, Frank Ocean, Smokey Robinson, Alanis Morrisette, Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, and many more.
Zach Danziger
Drums
A massively respected drummer, Zach has recorded with acclaimed musicians such as Michel Camilo, Chuck Loeb, Randy Brecker, Leni Stern, Bob Mintzer, David Holmes, Jim Beard, Bill Evans, and Dave Fiuczynski and achieved success contributing to the scores of major motion pictures including Oceans Eleven, Oceans 12, and Iron Man, among others.
Sean Hurley
Bass
Arguably the most in-demand bassist in Hollywood, Sean is an amazing player and professional, having played with John Mayer, Ringo Starr, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Leonard Cohen, Idina Menzel, Katharine McPhee, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, and many more.
Sara Gazarek
Vocal Consultant
A GRAMMY®️winner and 3-time nominated jazz vocalist, Sara is now creating the first Vocal Jazz program at Eastman School of Music. She is a member of the amazing all-female vocal quartet säje, has collaborated with jazz legends Fred Hersch, Billy Childs, Kurt Elling, and more, and serves on the LA Chapter Board of Governors for the Recording Academy.
Early Accolades
“no one in jazz is doing this right now.
it’s unhinged!”
Sara Gazarek,
GRAMMY®️Award-Winning Vocalist (January 2024)
“playful and collaborative; jenn is so emotive with her singing.”
Jeffrey Babko,
Jimmy Kimmel Live Band
(November 2023)
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