Soccer Moms Don’t Sing Jazz!
At least I had never heard one until I heard Mellonie Irvine. And she does it with ease and grace. From the opening line of her new CD’s title track, “You’ve Changed,” her delivery is smooth and sweet and reminiscent of her influences Billie Holiday, Diana Ross and Barbara Streisand. As a 15 year resident of Solvang Mellonie has been treating the locals with her talents for several years now, performing at popular places in the Valley including The Vineyard House, The Meadows and Firestone Brewery.
Mellonie said she got the bug for singing when she found out her dad had been an Italian big Band leader back in the 50s. “When I found this out it gave me the confidence I needed. I knew there was an artist in me all along but I just didn’t know my medium. It has been a huge leap for me as a single Mom to get up and sing my heart out with musicians of a caliber I never thought I could work with.”
Talented people find their way to other talented people and Mellonie has “fallen in” with some pretty amazing musicians. On Drums Kevin Winard keeps the beat steady and always interesting. He also provides direction for Mellonie in the studio as her producer. Kevin has worked with such popular artists as Sergio Mendes and Doc Severinson (The tonight Show). On keys, is Christian Jacobs, bringing a smooth crisp sound to Mellonie’s sweet laid back style. Mr. Jacobs is well known in Jazz circles for his work with greats like Flora Purim and the late Maynard Ferguson. On sax is a musician that grew up with Jazz, Red Halloway. Red has shared the stage with many of the performers that created the jazz idiom. Giants like Billie Holiday, Sunny Rollins and Lional Hampton. Rounding out Mellonie’s band is Carl Saunders and Matt Calingub. Mr. Saunders has also spent his time playing in bands of legends like Stan Kenton. Carl’s trumpet style is unique and always supportive. Complimenting Mellonie’s melodic phrasing, lastly but not leastly is Matt Calingub on sax. Amongst Matt’s accolades are no less than 2 grammy nominatioins. Needless to say Mellonie has done O.K. for herself when it comes to bands!
Forty-nine years and five kids later Mellonie is ready to share her talent with the rest of the world. And that’s literally. With the Internet anyone can go to Mellonie’s web site at www.mellonieirvine.com and hear her sing. For those of us that like the real thing we caught her at her CD release party Monday night, March 26 at the Soho Restuarant and Music Café in Santa Barbara. ”. The party started when Mellonie took the stage.