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Bobbe Shore and First Call -  Jazz, Standards, Swing and Blues

Vocalist, Composer and Lyricist Bobbe Shore has performed throughout the DC metro area, sharing her passion and love of Jazz, Standards, Swing, and Blues with those who are familiar with the genre, while winning over new audiences with every performance.  One quality which sets Bobbe apart vocally, is the honest and pure emotional vulnerability she projects into her interpretation of the classic “torch song”. Yet, in an instant, she can belt out the gutsiest of Blues, turning a phrase that will (for the moment) take you with her, as she disappears into a blues infused, smokey patch of night. These days, she’ll dance you down the familiar streets of “America‘s Songbook”, while introducing you to a few new paths, on their way to being well-worn, with her original tunes, proving that America’s Songbook is a constantly evolving “work-in-progress”.

Her group, “First Call” features collaborations with the finest of DC’s jazz community including Wade Beach, Robert Redd and Harry Appelman( piano), Steve Novosel, Glenn Dewey and Scott Giambusso (bass), Frank Russo, Al Young and Dominic Smith  (drums),  along with Ricky Parrell and Ron Diehl (sax), and guitarists Gerry Kunkel and Kent Ashcraft among others.  Together, they incorporate their individual strengths (quality solos, innovative voicings, and a mutual respect) to provide a unique and memorable musical experience which is enjoyed by the jazz initiated, as well as the novice…and one which passes way too quickly, leaving the audience to wonder, “Where did the time go”?!!!  Because before the audience has even realized it, “Bobbe Shore and First Call” has taken them on a journey, and has entertained them…right through to “last call”!

Contact Info for Bobbe Shore:  bobbeshore@aol.com (primary) or bobbeshore.com

BIOS: 

Bobbe Shore, Vocals

Bobbe majored in vocal performance/education at The College of New Jersey and has studied with respected New Jersey/New York vocal coach Robert Edwin. Her early career credits include musical theatre (“Carousel”, “Gigi”, “Rocky Horror Picture Show”) and variety band engagements. Always challenging her range and willing to experiment musically, Bobbe has expanded her repertoire to include jazz, standards, swing and blues. She has performed in many top venues in the DC area, as well as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Capitalizing on her vocal versatility, her engaging stage presence and her interpretive style, her group, “First Call” (which can vary from two to five pieces, or more), brings together some of DC’s premiere jazz musicians, to deliver a uniquely entertaining and memorable musical experience (be it background or center stage!)

Wade Beach, Piano

Wade‘s performance experience includes working with jazz artists Eddie Harris, Gary Bartz, and Keeter Betts, among others. Venues include The Kennedy Center’s Kool Jazz Festival and the Wolftrap Jazz Festival, as well as Norway’s Jazz Cruise. As a member of the Air Force Band, and the Airmen of Note, Wade has performed for three presidents and with jazz greats Tommy Newsome, Joe Williams, and Arturo Sandoval. Wade has shared his wealth of experience and knowledge, serving as a faculty member in Jazz History, Jazz Improvisation, and Individual Studies, at The Landon School, Charlie Byrd House of Music and George Mason University, currently as Professor of Jazz Studies.

Steve Novosel, Bass

Steve has toured the world and recorded with some of Jazz’s greats including Milt Jackson, Shirley Horne, David “Fathead” Newman, Red Norvo, Donny Hathaway, Sonny Rollins, Mose Allison, Betty Carter, Rosemary Clooney and Billy Eckstine. He has taught at Howard University and UDC, sharing his gift with many “next generations”. His quiet approach is overshadowed only by his unique interpretation of the music and the depth of his creativity. 

Frank Russo, Drums 

Artist/Educator for Bosphorus Cymbals, MD Drums and The Vic Firth Education Team, Frank is also a faculty member at Towson State University. He has performed with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Michael Feinstein, Keter Betts, Joe Byrd and Chuck Redd. He has toured overseas at international Jazz Festivals (Asia, Europe, Canada, Mexico, etc.). Following a distinguished career with the prestigious Naval Academy Band, his recordings for Summit Records have gained praise from Downbeat, JazzTimes & Modern Drummer.

Ricky Parrell, Sax/Flute

Master Sgt. Ricky Parrell is an alto saxophonist with the Air Force Concert Band and The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Wash, DC.  He graduated from GMU in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Music Education degree, with a minor in  Jazz Studies.  He followed that with a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from University of North Texas in 2008.  Comfortable in all performance styles, Ricky has appeared at such venues as The Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center and The Eisemann Center in Dallas and Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts in Vienna, VA.  Before joining the Air Force, he maintained a private studio of over 50 sax, flute, and clarinet students.