April Varner, now 27, started taking piano lessons at six and classical voice lessons at eight in her hometown, Toledo, OH. She has performed regionally, nationally and internationally, making her Carnegie Hall debut at 16, and has been recognized for her achievements in numerous ways, including winning the International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition (2023).
This album truly showcases the vocal and artistic qualities of the singer April Varner. We are immediately captivated by the incredible quality of this production, signed by drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., who was introduced to the singer by Theo Bleckmann. “She is one of the most dynamic and studious musicians I have encountered in many years,” reflects Owens Jr. “I have worked with a lot of talented artists, but few possess the work ethic and ambition that April embodies, coupled with her incredible talent. She can sing anything and can transform into any style.”
Toledo-born vocalist April Varner, winner of the 2023 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, will release her debut album in June. Releasing with Cellar Music Group (the label recently received a Jazz Journalist Association Award nomination), and produced by the prolific drummer-composer-producer Ulysses Owens Jr., the aptly-titled album April features 11 tracks all centered around its festive theme.
"As the song lyric goes, 'She's got that thing, that certain thing,' which in April Varner's case is a profound command of deep scat and vocalese."
At 26, Toledo native April Varner has the kind of future many young jazz singers dream about. Since moving to New York three years ago, Varner's rapid trajectory has included performances with A-list jazz musicians and at some of the Big Apple's most famous jazz clubs.
An interview with April Varner, winner of the 2023 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition.
"April is ready to take on the world. She really has a voice, and she loves jazz. With April, it’s all about the music. She wants to be challenged.”
Theo Bleckmann
2-time GRAMMY Nominated Vocalist, Composer, ECM Recording Artist
"Beautiful, full-bodied voice, great fluidity between the registers, and wonderful intonation."
Darden Purcell
Director of Jazz Studies, George Mason University
"April is one of the wittiest and precise vocalese artists I’ve heard come around in a long time...Her voice is already polished and ready for prime time - a joy to hear!"
BENNY BENACK III
Trumpeter & Vocalist
"April Varner is an exceptionally fine musician who possesses all of the qualities one hopes to find from a professional vocalist: a clear, gorgeous voice, perfect intonation, an ear for complex harmony, fluency in a wide range of styles, excellent sight-reading skills, and an innate artistry regarding nuance and phrasing informed by impeccable taste."
BRENT WALLARAB
The David N. Baker Professor of Jazz, Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music
“April Varner is one of the rare ones. Beautiful tone, gorgeous intonation plus taste and expression to go with it all. Add to that all openness of mind and dedication to craft and there’s no telling what she will do. But whatever it is- I want to hear it!”
TIERNEY SUTTON
Jazz Vocalist, Teacher, 9-time GRAMMY Nominee
“April is an incredibly talented vocalist who has clearly put the work in to understand and express this music on a high level.”
JANE MONHEIT
Jazz and Adult Contemporary Vocalist, 2-time GRAMMY Nominee
“April is one of those 'old-soul' voices that just invites you in and leaves you feeling better for it. Though from the 'now' generation, she has a natural feel and sound for the classic songs from eras gone by. With that said, she also is happy to push into more modern jazz sensibilities. I look forward to hearing whatever she presents next!”
DARMON MEADER
Jazz Vocalist & Saxophonist with GRAMMY-Award winning vocal group The New York Voices