Sheila Catherine Landis (born September 10, 1953,

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, United States) is an American jazz, R&B vocalist and songwriter. In 1981, Landis formed her own label, SheLan Records, initially releasing five albums of self-penned material. These original vinyl recordings are avidly sought out world-wide by jazz record collectors. Much of this material has been released internationally on Counterpoint Records UK and Celeste/Vivid Sound in Japan. In 1990, Landis began working with guitarist/producer Rick Matle in live performance and in the studio. Together they have released over 10 recordings. Landis is a seven-Time

Detroit Music Awards The Detroit Music Awards Foundation is a Michigan 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to recognize Detroit area musicians working on national, regional, and local levels. The Foundation supports and nurtures the musical community in Detroit ...

"Outstanding Jazz Vocalist" Winner, along with being recognized for "Outstanding Traditional Jazz Group" and "Outstanding Jazz Composer" (co-winner with Rick Matle). Landis draws inspiration from vocal artists

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and Joni Mitchell. Motown, Brazilian bossa nova and samba, classic rock and pop have also been influences in forming her soulful sound amalgam. David Nathan, of AllMusic, writes, "Landis has an extraordinarily flexible voice and an uncanny ability to use it to great advantage. She scats, sings ballads, loves Latin rhythms, and can swing. She does jazz, rock, bebop, as well as Latin with absolute equanimity. Although having been on stage for more than 30 years, Landis has never fallen into a rut. Her work continues to exude vitality, excitement, diversity, and originality". Not content to simply sing and scat in the jazz vocal tradition, Landis takes the lead from vocal innovators

Al Jarreau Alwin Lopez Jarreau (March 12, 1940 – February 12, 2017) was an American singer and songwriter. His 1981 album '' Breakin' Away'' spent two years on the ''Billboard'' 200 and is considered one of the finest examples of the Los Angeles pop and ...

and

Bobby McFerrin Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. (born March 11, 1950) is an American singer, songwriter, and conductor (music), conductor. His Vocal pedagogy, vocal techniques include singing fluidly but with quick and considerable jumps in Pitch (music), pitch—fo ...

in expanding her vocal palette to include uncanny imitations of the harmonica, trumpet, flute, synthesizer, string bass and even drums.

Selected discography

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Landis, Sheila 1953 births Living people American women singer-songwriters American women jazz singers American jazz singers Jazz musicians from Michigan Scat singers Singers from Detroit Singer-songwriters from Michigan 21st-century American women