Robin Kallsen
Robin Kallsen
Vintage singing inspired by recordings from a century ago
The singers of the 1920s and 30s had such an enchanting vocal timbre, perfectly styled to work with the recording equipment at the time. It sounds almost classical, yet it's much more conversational than opera. Despite its charm, very few people sing this style today.
Robin Kallsen does. Classically trained under the tutelage of the one and only Marianne Weltmann, her voice brings to life the songs of these bygone days—through French chanson, vintage jazz and blues, tango, fado, and more.
The singers of the 1920s and 30s had such an enchanting vocal timbre, perfectly styled to work with the recording equipment at the time. It sounds almost classical, yet it's much more conversational than opera. Despite its charm, very few people sing this style today.
Robin Kallsen does. Classically trained under the tutelage of the one and only Marianne Weltmann, her voice brings to life the songs of these bygone days—through French chanson, vintage jazz and blues, tango, fado, and more.
PHOTO BY JULIA TAYON
PHOTO BY LOU DAPRILE
A multilingual repertoire
Robin started singing for social dancers in Seattle's Argentine tango dance scene, trying to recreate the style of Golden Age superstars like Ada Falcon and Libertad Lamarque.
Sometimes people would exclaim "That sounds like Edith Piaf!"—a compliment Robin was always thrilled to hear. Eventually, Robin began the gargantuan task of learning Edith Piaf's extraordinary repertoire, particularly the intense and theatrical hits like "Milord" and "L'Accordeoniste," and formed a band around this music.
She now sings in several languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, and Arabic, and works to understand each one well enough to give the right expression to every word.
What's coming up next?
July 18th with the Ben Thomas Sextet at the Seattle Tango Festival "Grand Milonga" at Edmonds Yacht Club, 8pm-12:30am—SOLD OUT
July 19 with Lulu Swing Band at Reverie Ballroom "Waltz Cafe," 1-3pm (lesson at noon)
July 23rd with Golden Earrings Jazz Band at Dancing Til Dusk in Hing Hay Park, 6-9pm—SEE SCHEDULE
July 30th with Trio Marianne at Cellar Cat (Kingston), 5:30-7:30pm—GET TICKETS HERE
August 7th "Edith Meets Eydie: The Music of Edith Piaf & Eydie Gorme" with Laura Steeves, Rob Lowe, Julian Weisman, Jennie Mayer, and Kyle Doran at Black & Tan Hall, 8-10pm—GET TICKETS HERE
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Performing experience
Robin has sung at the following venues in and around Seattle:
Cellar Cat
Egan's Ballard Jam House
The Grape Choice
Millers Carnation
North City Bistro
The Owl 'n' Thistle
The Pink Door
Reverie Ballroom
The Royal Room
The Swedish Club
The Traveling Goat
... and more!
Hire Robin for your next event
If you'd love to have vintage jazz and/or French music at your wedding, wine tasting, jazz walk, or other special occasion, email Robin at robinkallsenmusic@gmail.com.
For public events, Robin can design posters, write event descriptions, and promote things via social media so that the marketing work doesn't fall 100% on you.
For bands seeking to hire a 1920s-style jazz singer who can sing in French, Spanish, and multiple other languages, Robin's ability to create custom charts, sing a variety of keys, and learn songs quickly takes the friction out of gigs.
She can also introduce you to lots of great songs that you won't hear many other people doing!