About Phyllis Chapell & Siora

SIORA takes you on a world jazz journey of the soul, touching down in Rio, Paris, Mazer-e- Sharif and points beyond. SIORA features the voice and guitar playing of Phyllis Chapell. African, Brazilian, Latin, contemporary American, and Middle Eastern rhythms underscore an array of wind and string instruments adding diverse flavors to this international odyssey -- topped off with American jazz and provocative original compositions.

Phyllis Chapell can perform as a solo with vocals and guitar, or as a duo with varying instruments (keys, bass, percussion, wind instruments) and upwards to a full ensemble.

Phyllis Chapell & SIORA have been enthusiastically received by live audiences at premier jazz and other concert venues and festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad.

A collaboration with Grammy-nominated Paul Wickliffe, their 2004 release "Vis-a-Vis", which made the top 50 on the JazzWeek national radio charts, is a multicultural journey in 7 languages, including 3 original selections in English. Guest artists include Howard Levy (Flecktones) on harmonica/wood flute, John Swana (Criss-Cross) on trumpet, and Ralph Bowen (Criss-Cross) on sax and flute.
Tapping into their Jewish musical roots, Phyllis Chapell and the late Dan Kleiman created a new release in 2010, "Vision of the Dry Bones" breathing new life into old forms as they reinvented Jewish songs flavored by world rhythms and jazz improvisations. Guest artists include Alex DePue, Howard Levy, Randy Sabien, Ken Ulansey, and Joseph Tayoun.

Phyllis Chapell and SIORA's 2011 release, "The Other Side of the RIver," is a multi-lingual exploration of various configurations from solo to duo to ensemble work--the players include Dave Posmontier, Paul Jost, Francois Zayas, Rob Swanson, Kevin MacConnell, Ken Ulansey, Stan Slotter, Joseph and William Tayoun. The tragic death of co-leader,composer, arranger, pianist Dan Kleiman adds a poignancy to this CD--especially since the first and last tunes were written and produced by Dan, who also contributed background vocals to both tunes. Paul Jost is the male vocalist on Water (AEIOU Reprise).

Other CDs include the debut "SIORA" CD and Phyllis Chapell's "World Songs" and "Voice in Flight".

Phyllis Chapell appears in performance and on projects ranging from a French project with Philly Musette (performing at the Philadelphia Flower Show and other venues), performances with the Ken Ulansey Ensemble, a gypsy jazz project with the Hot Club of Philly, Jewish music performances, among others.

SIORA erases geographic boundaries creating a new musical landscape that needs no translation.

Click here to find out :
What They Are Saying About Phyllis Chapell & Siora

Creating a soundscape that needs no translation,
multicultural and multilingual SIORA takes hold of songs from around the world: from Latin America to Europe to the Middle East and beyond and transforms them using the universal language of jazz."

William Page

“Siora takes hold of world rhythms and delivers a
repertoire of indigenous tunes, as well as Kleiman
compositions, with assurance, insight, and affection.. Chapell goes beyond singing...extending lyrics into sonic possibilities." 

Don Williamson
"Kleiman plays exceptionally well...... with digital virtuosity and perpetual creativity.”

Howard Reich
“There is much to admire about SIORA, including brilliant solo work and group harmony.”

Lee Prosser
“Ms Chapell's calling card is her facility with songs in their native languages but her trump is a voice that is filled with smokey nuance and emotion."

Cathy DeDe
“Singer Phyllis Chapell and pianist Dan Kleiman go on a mostly Brazilian jag, and it's a pleasant journey. She's a smokey-voiced chanteuse whose works in Portuguese, French and English make this a sensual encounter.”

Karl Stark
“Ms Chapell's inflections remind one of a smooth, sultry Joni Mitchell, if Joni could sing in eight languages.”
 
John Noyd
Penn Pat

Funding for Siora provided by
Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour

Siora is a Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour roster artist. 
To find out how this makes you eligible for grants to fund a portion our performance fees, visit www.pennpat.org.

Presenter Testimonials
"The haunting quality of Phyllis Chapell's voice, the range of her repertoire and her presence on stage, enthralled the audience at this year's Lake George Jazz Weekend. Supported by the fine group of instrumentalists under the guiding hand of Dan Kleiman, SIORA'S performance helped to make our 20th anniversary one of our most successful events. They are a pleasure to hear and to work with."
Paul Pines, Festival Organizer Lake George Jazz Weekend, Lake George, NY

"Words cannot describe how enchanting we found SIORA's performance to be!...Individually and collectively, you exhibited mastery of your instruments, a great rapport among yourselves, and a wonderful 'connect' with the audience...
" Rosemary Pawlowski, Executive Director Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center Johnstown, PA

"Thank you for helping us commemorate the opening of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts...We were delighted that you were a part of it."
Leah Oriolo, Project Assistant, Opening Celebration The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Phila, PA

"I really enjoyed the international flavor of the program and the feeling of being wisked around the world. I particularly enjoyed the spoken word portion of Carmen. What a great way to involve the audience!..."
Priscilla J. Johnson, Performing Arts Coordinator Longwood Gardens Kennett Square, PA

"SIORA supplied a fantastic blend of cross cultural jazz and flowing multi-lingual vocals. A true synthesis of American and Brazilian that emitted a lively ambiance and great reverberation to the museum's nighttime atmosphere. Tremendous compliments from our Wednesday evening crowd!"
Jean M. Cucuzzella, Adult & Community Programs Mgr. Delaware Art Museum Wilmington, DE

"The audience really enjoyed your performance on February 20th. SIORA provided a beautiful blend of jazz and vocals...Our international students were thrilled to hear their native tongues...I would like to thank your group for being so easy to work with and such a pleasure to have on campus..."
Joyce Niebauer, Director of Student Activities Mount Aloysius College Cresson, PA