Vocalist-composer and master song interpreter Gabrielle Cavassa performs with clarity and command. An emerging talent out of New Orleans, the California-raised artist earned her position as a Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition Finalist in 2018 at age 24, and has received spotlight recognition from JazzIz, OffBeat Magazine, WBGO’s “Singers Unlimited” and The Advocate for her artistry and live performances.
Lyrical intention and rhythmic curiosity nourish her expression. For her breadth of authenticity across a range of styles, Cavassa has garnered attention from critics and fellow artists, many of whom have become collaborators. She’s performed across the country and internationally with some of the music’s most creative voices, including Adonis Rose & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Irvin Mayfield, Ashlin Parker and Jamison Ross. She’s shared the stage with such lauded artists as Cyrille Aimee, Quiana Lynell, Kermit Ruffins, and Shannon Powell.
“A real jazz singer”
— Randy Jackson, American Idol
A self proclaimed disciple of Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse, and Slum Village, Cavassa cherishes her influences as a necessary piece of the creative process and of her own artistic identity. She became acquainted with the music at a young age, when she began collecting, cataloguing and “obsessively listening” to records before venturing out onto San Francisco’s live scene. Cavassa began working as a bartender at one of Oakland’s storied clubs — the very spot where she landed her first regular gig as a leader. Since that time, she’s appeared at intimate venues and on famed stages throughout the Bay Area from Club Deluxe to SFJAZZ.
In 2017, Cavassa made a strategic, passion-driven move to New Orleans. Today she performs at many of the city’s iconic clubs and venues including The Starlight, tucked inside The French Quarter, where she leads a session every Sunday night. Through these intimate, spontaneity-fueled hits — many of them lasting well into the night — Cavassa has met and nurtured professional relationships with NOLA mainstays, as well as touring artists such as her friend, mentor and collaborator Jamison Ross.
“An extraordinary interpreter of song.. she surely had the audience hanging on to her every word”
—Raul da Gama, Toronto Music Report
As a result of her inclusive artistic nature, Cavassa enjoys tremendous freedom crafting her own music and lyrics that reflect different moments of impact throughout her life. Following a warm reception for her EP Three Jazz Love Songs, she cerebrates the release of her self-titled debut record, co-produced by Ross. “Singing has always been a secret wonderland for me,” says Cavassa. “This year I took a big leap in recording my own album,” The record includes largely original repertoire and a couple select standards she’s mined for intimate, personal connections over the years. For more information on Cavassa’s tour dates, and to remain up to date with her release schedule, visit www.gabriellecavassa.com.
“A very distinctive voice”
— WBGO
