Whirled Music

Ken Ulansey and Phyllis Chapell have been blending their talents for decades, recording in each others projects, mixing influences, broadening each others outlooks. As a duo, they draw from traditions as diverse as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Ireland, India and, of course, the American songbook. When with their larger group, these influences expand astronomically, creating a maelstrom of infectious rhythms. Phyllis's repertoire features songs in 13 languages, from Brazil, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. Her 3-octave vocals are supported and complemented by her acoustic guitar, capturing musical styles from percussive sambas and explosive flamenco to elegant folk, jazz, contemporary, and originals. Named one of the top jazz vocalists of all time by Scott Yanow (Downbeat, Jazz Times) in his new book, "Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide". The Inquirer raved about her, "Chapell is an elegant singer who will steal your heart away. She eludes all labels!" Ken Ulansey, Pennsylvania Council for the Arts winner, plays alto and soprano sax and pennywhistle. He is a musical chameleon, having played contemporary classical music with Relache, jazz with his own award-winning band, Latin with Synthesis and Minas, and folk music with many of the area’s--and even the nation’s--leading songwriters. Besides leading his own wedding band (Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly!) that specializes in Swing, Motown, Klezmer, Latin, Pop, Zydeco and Oldies, Ken has toured extensively in Europe, Asia and the States, played on nearly 200 recordings, and worked in collaboration with dancers, film-makers, poets and storytellers.