PKE is
leader, string bass:
Paul Keller
piano:
Ellen Rowe
drums:
Sean Dobbins
saxophones:
Keith Kaminski
trumpets:
Paul Finkbeiner
trombones:
Chris Smith
vocals:
Sarah D'Angelo

Sarah D’Angelo

Vocalist Sarah D'Angelo is an important and valued member of the Paul Keller Orchestra and the 7-piece Paul Keller Ensemble. Sarah's passionate singing, warm personality and bright smile light up the PKO's stage and make an instant connection with audiences. Her specialty is delivering heartfelt and personal interpretations of familiar songs from the Great American Songbook. She also loves to have fun by surprising her listeners with lesser-know gems that always enlighten and delight.

Sarah D’Angelo was born in Jamestown, NY and began formal studies in music at a young age at the State University of New York; Fredonia. Though Sarah’s main interest from 1993–2003 was clarinet performance, she soon discovered that she could bring much joy to music lovers as a vocalist. While pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Clarinet Performance and Music Education at West Virginia University (BM, '99), Sarah started singing as a soloist for various church congregations and special events throughout the Midwest.

Upon moving to Michigan in the fall of 2001 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of Michigan (MM, '03), Sarah crossed paths various jazz musicians that jump started Sarah’s musical pursuits in a new direction. With composer and musician Chad Hughes (Sir Wick Productions) Sarah began to gain some attention as a vocalist. Sarah’s “Thank You, Lord” on the debut CD Sir Wick; An Interpretation of A Universal Language has been reviewed as one of the best independent releases in 2008. Other Sir Wick recording include Portrait of Rafael with saxophonist Rafael Statin; and Christmas at Wick’s (released in the fall of 2011).

Sarah is passionate about all things music and her grace and musicianship in all styles and genres continues to attract new fans. The inception for her love for Jazz, and the great American song book was started by her father, Curtis Barnes (Clarinet) and has continued through performance with Mike Magner (Piano) and now with Paul Keller (Bass). Sarah’s greatest jazz influences are Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Keith Jarrett.

Sarah D’Angelo’s professional clarinet resume includes stints with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, and Livonia Symphony Orchestra. Her vocal work history includes appearances at various festivals throughout Michigan, a guest solo shot with the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, and a long association with the band NINE .

Bandleader Paul Keller says,"Our audiences adore Sarah and so do her bandmates. She possesses a natural and intuitative jazz feel, spot-on pitch control, a deep devotion to the study of her art, and a laid-back, friendly demeanor that makes working with her a genuine pleasure! Sarah's charming and intimate singing style brings a special dimension to each PKO and PKE presentation and her beautiful clarinet playing is an extra added bonus!"

You can contact Sarah at sarah_dangelo@hotmail.com.