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The Spotlight: Morgan Steigler

7/11/2013

Year started singing professionally: I had taken somewhat of a hiatus from singing, having been a member of my university's touring a capella ensemble throughout my undergraduate career. After an offer to take lessons with Grammy-winning vocalist Kim Nazarian of New York Voice, I started gigging regularly in 2006.

Musical Education: A master's degree in ethnomusicology from Bowling Green State University, studying the intersection of native American music and jazz. I have studied jazz repertoire and technique with Chris Buzzelli and Gene Parker, and now teach Applied Jazz Voice at BGSU.

Influences: My singing is probably most influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Holly Cole, Louis Armstrong, Norah Jones, and the amazing New York Voices. My song writing is influenced by the Beatles, Jamie Cullum, and Kimbra. Singing pop music I maybe have some Tori Amos with me — but I also really love taking pop tunes and bringing them to a jazz setting, which brings all of these inspirations together.

Sounds a little bit like: Some of my influences probably; but hopefully mostly like my own voice trying to connect with the audience, the listeners, and the musicians with whom I play. I try to capture these relationships on my recordings too: My debut "Reaching for the Moon," as well as a new project in the making with Ray and Gene Parker.

Upcoming Gigs: Saturday 4 p.m., Northwest Ohio Blues and Jazz Festival at Promenade Park; July 18, 6:30 pm, Jazz in the Garden at the Toledo Botanical Garden; July 25, 6-10 p.m., McGeady's in Monroe; Aug. 11, 1 p.m., River Raisin Jazz Festival in Monroe.

Web site: morgenstiegler.com