The Woman with the Devil in her name !
Liz Mandeville Sings Jazz
Liz Mandeville's life is words and music. Liz had wild childhood! Mom was an actress. Her Broadway LP's blared alongside pop radio hits. Dad was into roots music, but he also brought home the Dave Brubeck, Herb Alpert and Ramsey Lewis records. Every year they took the kids out of school and hit the back roads, destination New Orleans! Jazz, Blues, Dixieland and Cajun music heard on those forays through the south all influenced Liz.
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A natural mimic, Liz imitated every artist she heard. Her favorite singers were Pearl Bailey, Peggy Lee and Louie Armstrong. She loved Nat King Cole and Ray Charles . She sang in all the school musicals, usually in the character roles. She memorized whole scores and all the parts just for fun.
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After leaving home Liz moved to Chicago. Her Columbia College BA ('96) was mentored by Music Dept. Head and Jazz Legend, William Russo. She learned theory from Jazz Master Orbert Davis. She studied voice for eight years with Operatic Baritone, Doug Susu-Mago, giving her a classical foundation that allows Liz to use her voice like an athlete. She put herself through school by singing in Chicago Blues venues at night and taking classes during the day. Like Ernestine Anderson, Liz brings the soul of the blues to her jazz repertoire. Like Ella and Sassy, she loves to improvise, scat and play with melodies.
Following graduation, Liz landed a record deal with Blues Label, Earwig Music. Here Liz developed her songwriting skills and led her own band. Years of touring, writing and recording honed Liz's musical skills, and polished her stage craft. She's at home singing in an intimate nightclub, on stage in a packed Theater or headlining a festival.
Liz was severely injured, following a head-on collision in 2016. Doctors warned that she'd never sing again. Undaunted she refused the pain meds and set about healing with acupuncture, yoga and music.
"That car crash was a blessing!" Says Liz. "The concussion made screens off-limits, so I listened to the radio. I rediscovered my love of Jazz. Me not sing? No, no! They can't take that away from me!"
Liz was discovered by producer Daryl Nitz who performs one of Liz's originals in his Cabaret Act. Nitz has featured her in shows honoring Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. Their Burt Bacharach collaboration sold out The Skokie Theater. Their Ella Fitzgerald show sold out the City Winery. They're currently working on a Bond Girls Tribute show.
Liz works with a variety of musicians, trio and combo settings. She performs all over the world. She's inspired by singers like Ernestine Anderson, Julie London, Doris Day and of course, Ella, Dinah and Sassy, but Liz has her own style. Years of professional honing have warmed her lush nearly four octave voice and sharpened her witty stage patter. She loves to swing and scat but her ballads will melt your heart.
Liz Singing at the Purple Room in Palm Springs, CA
Liz Singing The Look Of Love from her sold out tribute to Burt Bacharach