She was just shy of 24 when she learned she could sing and had a knack for songwriting. Opposed to following the rulebook of having to âpick a genre and stick to it,â Jacey has unashamedly stayed true to who she is as an original artist since day one. She has consistently continued to write and release a wide range of musical styles, including pop (dream/rock/indie/other), country, R&B, blues, soul, reggae, folk, Americana and since 2017, rap. All of these styles can be enjoyed by both visiting the discography page on this site, and by downloading her brand new album, âShowing Up,â with more than half the 11 songs already playing on local and nationwide radio.Â
Rapping in her pop songs while playing at least three instruments at a time is how her fans came to aptly nickname her as âThe Female Ed Sheeran.â Musically, sheâs opened for Bruno Mars, Andy Grammer, Maren Morris, Lisa Loeb, Shawn Colvin and over 30 others, touring the world as a one-woman-band. However, you might have seen her on a bigger stage before her music career started, sharing the Super Bowl 37 Halftime Show as a professional dancer with Shania, Sting, Bon Jovi and No Doubt.
A few particularly notable things about AJâs reputation that precede her; her work ethic as a DIY indie, enthusiastic and comedic personality, and most importantly, how she uses her blue brand to donate to Alzheimerâs. âMy grandma was my everything. We were extremely close. I was with her all the way through her last few breaths. She passed from Alzheimerâs 1 month after I started singing and never got to see a show. I promised myself that if I ever got to a place where I could give back through music, Alzheimerâs would be my charity and Iâd use my blue brand to do it.â Her addiction, as she calls her love affair with blue, started when she was 16.
By the time her singing career began about a decade later, she had unknowingly already branded herself as the blue girl. âI use the phrase âBring the crew and wear your BLUE!â to encourage fans (aka The Blue Crew) to bring their friends to shows and deck themselves out in their favorite shades of blue. Itâs a fun way to connect with each other, but more importantly, for every person who dresses in all blue, $1 from their ticket will get donated to the Alzheimerâs Association. That way weâre all making a difference and continuing to celebrate the life of my Grammy, Eleanor.â
Denise Donatelli, a three-time GRAMMYÂź nominated vocalist, presents her latest album, “Whistling in the Dark â The Music of Burt Bacharach.” Released on August 27, 2021, this remarkable project showcases Denise’s lifelong love affair with the legendary songwriter’s music. Produced by the renowned Larry Klein, the album marks Denise’s first concept album dedicated to a single composer and highlights her exceptional collaboration with Klein.
Recorded live at The Village Studios in Los Angeles in October 2020, the album captures Denise’s warm vocal elegance accompanied by a hand-picked all-star jazz/pop quartet. The quartet includes Larry Goldings on piano and organ, Anthony Wilson on guitar, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Larry Klein himself on bass and additional keyboards.
“Whistling in the Dark” presents an intimate and soulful collection of Bacharach’s iconic hits, as well as some lesser-known gems. Denise breathes new life into classics like “The Look of Love” and brings her own interpretation to Warwick’s renowned songs such as “Walk On By,” “In Between the Heartaches,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” and “A House is Not a Home.” The album also features collaborations with Elvis Costello on poignant tracks like “Toledo” and “In the Darkest Place.”
Denise’s artistic journey leading up to this project has been shaped by her passion for jazz. Growing up in Allentown, PA, she fell in love with the genre, drawing inspiration from vocalists like Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, and Ella Fitzgerald. After launching her singing career in Atlanta in the early 90s, Denise moved to Los Angeles in 2000, immersing herself in the vibrant music community.
Throughout her career, Denise has collaborated with esteemed musicians and earned recognition for her exceptional talent. Her previous albums with producer/pianist Geoffrey Keezer garnered four GRAMMY nominations, including three for Best Jazz Vocal Album. In 2012, she was honored as Jazz Vocalist of the Year by The Los Angeles Jazz Society. Known as a “musician’s singer,” Denise’s innate musicianship and pure tone have captivated audiences and led to various notable performances, including appearances on “The Simpsons” and TV promos for popular shows and brands.
Denise’s connection to the American Heart Association holds a special place in her heart, honoring the memory of her son.