(Vocal Jazz,Swing,Orchestral Jazz) Helen Welch - One Dream - 2007, MP3, 320

Helen Welch is a critically-acclaimed vocalist whose live stage performances explore a diverse range of musical compositions, starting with the 1930s up through present-day. Whether she’s singing Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Sarah Vaughan, or Elton John, Sting and Randy Newman, Helen’s sophisticated vocals and humor leave audiences breezily enchanted. The “Helen Welch experience” is perhaps best described by a fan who wrote on her Amazon page, “If you have a chance to see Helen perform, do it! You are in for a special treat.”
A native of England, Helen is well-known throughout the United Kingdom for her musical theatre roles and 1-woman shows. Upon moving to the U.S. in 2003, she began appearing in venues throughout the Northeast and immediately began cultivating a devoted fan club. Her many talents include the knack for choosing songs that stand the test of time and making them her own. Upon hearing them, the audience falls in love all over again. Helen is equally at home performing in intimate spaces for small groups as in outdoor amphitheatres in front of thousands. She appears in the region’s most celebrated entertainment establishments including Severance Hall, Playhouse Square Center, Akron Civic Theatre, Blossom Music Center, Nighttown, Cain Park and many more. She frequently guest-stars or headlines with world-class musical organizations such as The Cleveland Orchestra, The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, The Cleveland Pops Orchestra and The Buffalo Philharmonic rchestra to name just a few.
Helen Welch, Producer
In addition to being a consummate stage performer, Helen Welch is also president of Big Wow Productions. The company has developed the following shows, all of which star Ms. Welch: Divas I, Divas II, Swingin’ on Broadway, Movie Magic, Jingle Bell Swing, Christmas Under the Starts, The Look of Love and L’Chaim! – To Life.
ONE DREAM
Helen released her first compact disc collection One Dream in 2006. One Dream, which also features The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and her quartet, is an eclectic compilation of Broadway hits; classic pop tunes; and compositions co-written
by Helen. It also features Helen’s version of Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart, arranged by Nelson Riddle. Helen received personal permission from Riddle’s daughter to use the original arrangement of Zing! on her recording. Besides
Judy Garland, Helen is the only other person to have recorded this arrangement.
FOREVER FOR NOW
Helen’s 2nd CD was released in October 2010. Forever for Now is described as an eclectic fusion of pop and jazz and illustrates what Helen calls her ‘song-styling’. She has taken well known tunes such as ‘Things we Said Today’ and ‘You Can’t Do That!’ (Lennon and McCartney) and re-molded them. The CD also includes gorgeous ballads such as Sting’s ‘Fields of Gold’, ‘It’s Gonna Rain Today’ by Randy Newman and ‘Two for the Road’ by Leslie Bricusse and Henry Mancini. Not forgetting the funkiest version of ‘Downtown’ you’ve ever heard, the arrangement of which was written and loaned to Helen by jazz pianist Bob James. The musicians are first-class, the variety will make you smile, the vocals are beautiful and you’ll want to play this music over and over again!
“ Helen Welch has recorded a CD that is simply the best that I have heard in my 52 years. If you like jazz this is the CD for you. If you live in Northeastern Ohio and have a chance to see Helen perform do it you are in for a special treat.”
ANONYMOUS FAN, KENT, OHIO
“ The thing that makes all great performers special is their ability to make what they do seem easy and natural, and it’s anything but. Helen Welch has this attribute and it hides the fact that she has tremendous musicianship – her intonation, phrasing and instincts are spot on. She’s the real deal.”
Jack Schant z Artistic Director, Cleveland Jazz Orchestra
“ Helen Welch is enchanting – an actor you can imagine playing Shakespeare one night and Sondheim the next… in short, exactly who we’d want in our company!”
Charles Fee , Producing Artistic Director ,
Great Lakes Theater Festival

Helen together with the nationally acclaimed Cleveland Jazz Orchestra take you on a magical musical journey. 'One Dream' is an exciting mix of Broadway hits, classic popular tunes and original songs by Helen. The CD includes some fantastic original big band arrangements of songs such as 'The Trolley Song', 'This Could Be The Start of Something Big', the dreamy and much talked about 'Why Did I Choose You', 'Walkin' After Midnight' and also the Nelson Riddle original arrangment of 'Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart' which Rosemany Riddle (Nelson's daughter) gave Helen permission to perform and record on this CD. These songs are beautifully contrasted with Helen performing with her quartet and quintet including the sexy 'Queen Bee', the sultry 'Close Your Eyes' and a beautiful jazz waltz of 'Nature Boy'. The buzz about Helen.... 'Helen has tremendous musicianship - her intonation, phrasing and instincts are spot on. She's the real deal' - Jack Schantz, Artistic Director Cleveland Jazz Orchestra ' A fabulous singer bubbling with swing, charisma and oceans or personal charm!' - Byron Stripling, Artistic Director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. 'Helen Welch has a rare vocal quality that can move people to tears of sadness or happiness. She has performed at many of the premier venues in the UK and on Broadway. Helen's versatility as a performer is encapsulated in her dynamic, entertaining and exciting One Woman Shows' - Ted Higgins, Opus One. If you like jazz, if you like Broadway, if you like big band, if you like to be moved by music this is the CD for you!