Debbie Gifford

Internationally renowned jazz vocalist Debbie Gifford has been nominated “Jazz Musician of the Year, “Jazz Band of the Year”, and “Vocalist of the Year” in theAnnual Free Times Music Awards. “Gifford’s voice is both smooth and engulfing, wrapping itself around every note and mesmerizing the listener with subtle charm” John Benson, Entertainment Correspondent.  “Her sensual style of phrasing and timing are the very essence of her creativity.  Debbie is spellbinding - she holds the audience in the palm of her hand” Not only an internationally renowned vocalist and composer, she is the leader for her own jazz ensemble “Debbie Gifford & The Best in Jazz” and big band “Debbie Gifford’s Sweet City Swing”.  She performs all styles of music including Ballads, Swing, Latin, Pop and Rhythm & Blues. She has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance.

Appearing in many of the top jazz clubs and concert venues in the United States, Asia and Europe, including: Chicago, St.Louis, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York, as well as, Italy, France, Austria, Spain and China. In 2007, she debuted at the famous Birdland Jazz Club in New York City as special guest vocalist with Tommy Igoe and The Birdland Big Band.  "Debbie Gifford helped redefine the elegant sophistication that we associate with New York City Jazz performances.  Her performance at the famed Birdland Jazz Club in February offered the listener a feminine contrast to the roaring thunder of the Birdland Big Band. Debbie gave a performance worthy of the best that Manhattan has to offer. "  Jerry Jelinek, WKHR 91.5FM. "No woman ever became great by imitation. Debbie Gifford was unique in her spectacular show at Birdland. A rare treasure that dazzled the audience with her one of a kind show that night." Norm N. Nite “Mr. Music”, Sirius & XM Satellite Radio, Author of “Rock On” Series.

Debbie's concert appearances include the following worldwide venues:  2010 – Villa Filippina in Jazz- Palermo, Sicily (Italy), 2009- 9th Annual –VI. Festival International de Musique en Catalogne - Ceret"(France), 2008-  JZ Jazz Concert Series at the Shanghai Cultural Arts Center in Shanghai, China and  JZ Jazz Clubs in Shanghai and Hangzhou, China.  While in Shanghai she instructed Jazz Vocal Masters Classes and interactive educational jazz performances for children called "Kool Jazz Kittens", 2007-2006  "6th & 7th Annual -VI. Festival International de Musique en Catalogne–Ceret” (France). In addition to the concert venues, she recorded a double CD set of Rock and Jazz titled “Open Airs” with  French Rock Group “Insider” at Cat Studios, Perpignan, France.  Debbie is a versatile vocalist that has proven her talent performing a variety of styles in numerous venues including: the Allen Theatre in the Playhouse Square Theatre, (Cleveland, Ohio)  accompanied by her 17 piece jazz orchestra, performing a 45-minute opening concert for the “ Rat Pack Tribute” from Las Vegas, as guest vocalist with the renowned Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.  2005 “GALA – A Celebration of Women in Jazz” , Hollywood, California, 2004  Foundazione Adkins Chiti:“Donne in Musica: ControCanto -Donne in Jazz” (Women in Jazz) concert series Rome & Frascatti, Italy, featured jazz vocalist for the summer concert tour “JAZZ DIVA’S - Swing, Ladies, Swing” DIVA Jazz Orchestra members Sherrie Maricle and Karolina Strassmayer.  Debbie also performed with jazz greats: Marcus Belgrave, Bobby Watson, and Joe Lovano.

Debbie and John Trzcinski are available to perform in clubs, festivals, concerts and provate events, as a duet, with a small combo or larger band, short programs or long, Swing, Latin, R & B, Pop and Ballads - whatever it takes to put your event over the top. They deliver!

Unique Offering: Weddings: Debbie has performed at the church/ceremony and reception.  Since, she has a Masters in Music Degree in Classical Music, she is available to perform at the wedding ceremony and then all styles of music at the reception. Providing this ceremony/reception service has been very popular!