Tess Collins

Raised on the border of Canada in Caribou, Maine, Tess Collins began her musical career at the age of seven playing classical piano. Soon after, she furthered her musical interests and education by picking up voice lessons. In 2006, Tess moved to Hartford, Connecticut to pursue a career as a jazz vocalist. She attended the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at The Hartt School of Music where she double majored in jazz voice and music management. At the Hartt School Tess was fortunate to study under the world renowned bassist Nat Reeves, trombonist Steve Davis, saxophonist Rene McLean and vocalists Dena DeRose (MaxJazz) and Shawnn Monteiro. Throughout her career, and in part thanks to her wonderful instructors, Tess has graced the stage alongside numerous jazz luminaries including Bernard Purdie, James Cammack, Rene McLean, Nat Reeves, Dezron Douglas, Jimmy Cobb, Steve Davis, Eric McPherson, Randy Johnson, Rich Goldstein, Mac Chrupcala, Mike Renzi, Eric Bloom, Joe Farnsworth, Jimmy Greene, Kenwood Dennard, Thaddeus Hogarth and many others. Tess has also had the pleasure of opening shows for Grammy Award-winning artist Dionne Warwick and Arturo Sandoval. Recently, Tess recorded and performed with Grammy Award-winning artist Bernard "Pretty" Purdie (Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Tom Jones, Ray Charles), Jim Cammack (Ahmad Jamal Trio), Mac Chrupcala (Seaside & Cats Paw Records) and China's American Idol winner Hong Chong. These experiences prove that Tess is among the musical elite. Currently, Tess Collins is touring internationally with a primary locale of Asia as she performs at some of the top music venues globally. Reminiscent of the talent and tale of Nina Simone, this classically trained pianist turned smoky, soulful jazz singer captivates her audiences with her innovative arrangements, charming personality, and gift for storytelling; Tess Collins is a joy to listen and watch perform.