Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Band
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012
Music
Press
“…Chelsea Reed, the lead vocalist, sounds remarkably like Joni Mitchell at times: some of the inflections she uses on “Fireflies” sound like a swing band rendition of Mitchell’s “The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines.” Her swooping, carefree vocals, backed by bluesy chords, perfectly incorporates folksy singer/songwriter lyricism, while still maintaining a bright, swung feel.” Kyle Whiting, WXPN’s The Key - WXPN
“Chelsea Reed has the role down pat: As singer of the swing jazz band Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five, she looks and acts like a singer straight out of New Orleans in the 1930s…She sings sassy and brassy, big as Bessie Smith” John J. Moser, The Morning Call - The Morning Call
“…The album is squarely focused on lyrics and their packaging within the music. The full band fades into a support role, moving the dancers. Beyond her normal five, Wycliffe Gordon joins the band on trombone for two tracks, backup vocalists join on two more, and a super full brass section fills out the sound on yet two others.” Joe Bebco, Syncopated Times - Syncopated Times
Discography
Carolina Lullaby (2020)
Spreadin' Rhythm Around (2017)
Live at Vesper (2015)
Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five (2014)
Photos
Bio
In October 2012, vocalist Chelsea Reed brought five of her friends together to play some tunes in a South Philly living room. Since that fateful day, she's been singing and playing for audiences all over the world with her five, six, and nine piece swing bands.
The Fair Weather Band has had the honor of sharing the stage with trumpeter Terell Stafford and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, who is featured on their 2017 release Spreadin’ Rhythm Around. Their 2020 release, Carolina Lullaby, showcases original songs steeped in jazz, blues, and folk traditions where Reed’s soaring vocals and swing musicality shine. They also have two albums in the works with expected releases in 2023 and 2024.
When not composing, the band loves exploring the roots of jazz and finding creative ways to interpret forgotten songs. Chelsea Reed draws upon the intensity of powerhouse vocalists, the ingenuity of 20th century composers, and the soul of the dance floor. Her band is a group of silly, passionate people who love playing this music. And that’s all there is to it.Band Members
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