Who: Michelle Nicolle
Classical
Michelle Nicolle, hailed as Australia’s preeminent female jazz singer, is a living embodiment of artistry and elegance in the jazz world. An internationally touring artist for over 26 years she has performed throughout Europe and Asia with highlights including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Tokyo Jazz Festival, the Prague Jazz Festival and USA venues The Blue Building, (NYC), JazzVox (Seattle), Jazz Lounge Live (San Diego), Kulak’s Woodshed (LA), The Black Cat (San Francisco). She’s sang with Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and also with Kurt Elling. A multi-award-winner, Michelle’s accolades include the prestigious Bell Award (2017), National Jazz Award winner (1998) and 3-time A.R.I.A Finalist and 2024 Music Victoria Award “Best Jazz Work” for The Bach Project cementing her as a national treasure with global appeal.
Releasing 12 distinct albums Michelle’s most recent recording projects were both released in 2025. The Silent Wish is an adventurous duo album recorded in LA featuring legendary US guitarist, Larry Koonse and Noir (ABC JAZZ) is a luscious duo album with illustrious Australian pianist/composer, Paul Grabowsky.
“This is vocal intimacy nonpareil. Nicolle is intense and powerful… she has a gymnast’s flair in her melodic approach and embellishment.” Bebop Spoken Here (UK), April 2025
“Michelle Nicolle’s approach is original, her interpretation singular, resembling no other.”
Paris Move, Feb 2025
“…she takes hold of the audience in a way that all one can think of is don’t let go, don’t stop.”
The Prague Special, Dec 2024
“If there’s such a phenomenon as the perfect jazz singer, Michelle Nicolle is far away my choice.***** “The Weekend Australian, Aug 2023
“Michelle is a singer born to sing, born to charm, enlighten and seduce through music.”
Kurt Elling 2012