Preface: Heart and Soul

Critically acclaimed, Chicago-based Jazz Vocalist Erin McDougald has been captivating international audiences with her dulcet, evocative voice and savvy rhythmic phrasing. Jazz Improv attests “McDougald’s voice is a rare instrument, sweet and spicy in equal measure… worldly… gorgeous… positively mercurial… thrilling phrasing and… superb material… She really stands out”. Gaining nods of respect from Jazz authorities such as Gene Lees, Nicholas Payton, Keely Smith, Buddy Bregman, Freddie Cole and Oscar Peterson, McDougald’s prowess lies in her innovative arrangements, emotional interpretations and her several octave, warm-toned vocal range. Gracing numerous magazine covers and featured in a CBS syndicated documentary, McDougald is also an ambassador with The China Jazz Project as well as an active Music Advisor for students at Columbia College Chicago. With three Nationally-aired albums under her lead and her music appearing in films and advertisements, and, a heartfelt penchant for charitable performances for Hospice, Erin’s enthusiastic, “all-ages” audience continues to grow.