Home » Jazz Musicians » Joanna Pascale

Joanna Pascale

Since emerging onto Philadelphia's jazz scene, vocalist Joanna Pascale has established herself as a compelling and skilled vocalist. At just 24 years old Joanna already has a working repertoire of over 400 songs. She brings a strong emotional element as well as a solid sense of swing to her uncommonly large catalogue of jazz standards. Joanna has regular gigs as a leader at some of Philadelphia's premiere jazz venues, as well as regular appearances with Philadelphia's most respected jazz musicians.

Joanna began her musical education as a listener to the music in her household. "I grew up listening to old vinyl albums of Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, and Nat King Cole," recalls Pascale, "I learned these songs as if they were a part of my generation's popular music."

Joanna's love for jazz voice eventually took her to Philadelphia's Performing Arts High School, and then to Temple University, where she studied music with such instructors as Terell Stafford and Bruce Barth. While still a student in high school, Joanna began to develop her unique repertoire.

"When I started going to jam sessions, vocalists would always do the same couple of songs," stated Pascale, "it would amaze me that gems like 'Serenade in Blue' or 'Once in a While', for example, would fall through the cracks. I made it my mission to learn these under performed standards, and to search for other songs that need to be remembered."

What really sets Joanna apart from other vocalists, though, is not her repertoire, but her musicianship. Despite her young age, Joanna brings a depth of artistry to her music that rivals that of many singers who have been in the business for decades. The Philadelphia Metro raved, "Don't let her age fool you, Joanna Pascale is a highly sophisticated singer."

Joanna has also gained the admiration of Philadelphia's most prominent musicians. "Joanna has her own style," stated legendary saxophonist Robert "Bootsie" Barnes, "She has been influenced as have all young 'song birds', but once you hear Joanna you'll know it's her. Copycats don't last, but Joanna will be around for a long time." University of the Arts jazz faculty member Chris Farr stated, "Joanna is a great storyteller. Along with her excellent musicianship, she shows great respect for the lyrics. She swings like crazy, and it's a pleasure to listen her."

Joanna's latest album, When Lights Are Low, showcases her approach to the timeless standards of American music.

Joanna Pascale at Chris' Jazz Cafe

by Victor L. Schermer
November 13, 2018

Joanna Pascale Chris' Jazz Cafe Philadelphia, PA November 10, 2018 The content of this show came as a complete surprise to this reviewer. I expected vocalist Joanna Pascale, who is by now a Philadelphia legend, to sing a typical set of standards from the Great American Songbook. Instead, she blew everyone away with a set of Italian tunes that I usually hear in the background at a little coffee shop called Anthony's in South Philadelphia! ...

Interview

Joanna Pascale: To Tell a Story in Song

by Victor L. Schermer
May 20, 2015

Among jazz vocalists, there are two main categories: those who belt out a tune with flourish, ornamentation, punctuation, and improvising known as “scat." Ella Fitzgerald is the prime representative of that approach. Then there are those who omit the superfluous, carefully crafting every word and note, bringing out the underlying emotions. Think of Billie Holiday. Joanna Pascale is a vocalist who has honed the latter approach into a way of literally being with the song in an I-Thou relationship. An ...

Bailey's Bundles

His Master’s Voice: Joanna Pascale & Thana Alexa

by C. Michael Bailey
April 13, 2015

“Ahab beckons from the side of the whale..." I have had the pleasure to work with a most benevolent Publisher in Michael Ricci for 20 years. His editorial hand has always been liberal and indulging. It is a very rare thing that he would ask me to listen to something that has been ringing his bell. So rare, that when it happens, my ears perk up and I stand at attention. Michael's taste has always been exceptional ...

358

Album Review

Joanna Pascale: Through My Eyes

Read "Through My Eyes" reviewed by Greg Camphire

by Greg Camphire
August 23, 2008

Philadelphia native Joanna Pascale ably represents her soulful hometown on Through My Eyes, demonstrating why she's a favorite of some of the city's finest musicians, including preeminent drummer Mickey Roker--an expert on swing if there ever was one. Pascale has obviously done her homework, and spent some quality time in the woodshed. Sidestepping what could be another tired retread of the Great American Songbook by yet another generic vocalist, Pascale shows she's got the taste and skills to pull off ...

311

Live Review

Joanna Pascale Quintet at Loews Hotel in Philadelphia

by Victor L. Schermer
August 5, 2006

Joanna Pascale Loews Hotel Philadelphia, PA August 2006

It isn't often one gets to hear a top of the line jazz vocalist at a hotel cocktail lounge and restaurant (the great Mabel Mercer comes to mind as one of those rarities), but we've lucked out. Joanna Pascale, one of the best young jazz vocalists, has landed herself a regular weekly gig at the Loews Hotel, at 12th and Market Streets right by the Pennsylvania ...

387

Extended Analysis

Joanna Pascale: When Lights are Low

by Victor L. Schermer
December 5, 2004

Joanna Pascale When Lights are Low CAP 2004

The quintessential instrument of jazz, perhaps all of music, is the female voice. While jazz has many personae and “voices" (I think of John Coltrane's “preacher" inflections, Miles Davis' contemplative, moody, and earthy “speaking through the horn," Bill Evans' dreamy, complex, ethereal “muse," etc.), the female voice most fully embodies the dialectic of blues and ecstasy, the resiliency, and the inner spiritual core of the jazz ...

Birthday