BIO

Phyllis Chapell’s Story:

Phyllis Chapell has spent her life developing a universal musical style singing “world songs.” Her repertoire includes songs in 13 languages from Brazil, Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, as well as American folk, jazz, originals and popular music. Phyllis Chapell has been named as one of the top 500 jazz vocalists of all time by Scott Yanow (Down Beat, Jazz Times and AllMusicGuide).  She has also won song competitions for her original music; and was chosen to be one of Indie-Music’s Top 25. 

She started out as a solo performer on vocals/guitar, and then began a collaboration with a brilliant pianist/composer/arranger named Dan Kleiman in the mid-90’s. They formed an ensemble called SIORA and spent the next 15 years performing, recording and writing together. Dan died suddenly in 2010…and then, another loss, in 2012—the death of Phyllis’ husband, Dr. Mark Chapell, a Professor of Psychology at Rowan University.

After these tragedies, she has rebuilt her life around her music…continuing her ensemble, now called Phyllis Chapell & SIORA. The ensemble includes Dave Posmontier on keys; on bass—Rob Swanson, Chico Huff, Dave Brodie, Kevin MacConnell, Steve Beskrone; and drums/percussion—Jimmy Coleman, Doug Hirlinger, Paul Jost, Gavin McCauley, Jim Hamilton.

In addition to her own ensemble, she has an ever-growing musical family including (but not limited to) the following:

Woodwind player extraordinaire Ken Ulansey (www.kenulansey.com/whirledmusic.html)

Guitarist Barry Wahrhaftig and his gypsy jazz ensemble, The Hot Club of Philadelphia (www.hotclubphilly.com)

Steve Jewett, guitarist/percussionist/mandolin and sitar player

PHYLLIS CHAPELL - BIO

Phyllis Chapell—vocalist/guitarist—hailing from Philadelphia, PA, has spent her life developing a universal musical style, singing “world songs”.  She performs a unique mix of jazz, originals, folk, pop and international music, including songs in up to 13 languages from the U.S., Brazil, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Phyllis Chapell has performed in concert throughout the U.S., Brazil, Latin America, and Europe, as a soloist and with various musicians and ensembles.. She has released multiple CDs and videos. 

Phyllis Chapell has been named as one of the top 500 jazz vocalists of all time by Scott Yanow (Down Beat, Jazz Times and AllMusicGuide).  She has also won song competitions for her original music; and was chosen to be one of Indie-Music’s Top 25.  In 2025 she won a Bronze Medal from the Global Music Awards for her video “Howling Wolf” (original song). This video was created, recorded and directed by Rodney Whittenberg (MelodyVision.com).