Michelle Willis is a Canadian singer, songwriter and keyboard player based in Brooklyn NY.
On her latest offering 'Just One Voice', Michelle delivers groove-infused, warm-toned folk with a resilient heart. Influenced by timeless songwriters of the last century, fused with hymns, jazz and r&b, the music is purposefully comforting and tender.
An introspective suite of melodic gems, boasting sharp lyrics and striking emotional gear-changes, 'Just One Voice' is a rich treasure trove of songwriting.
"…entirely current while harking back to the very best singer-songwriter traditions.” - Songwriting Magazine
"…beautifully therapeutic…a record of reckoning and rejuvenation that is as musically radiant and soothing as it is emotionally turbulent and raw.” - Atwood Magazine
Michelle's songwriting is at the core of everything she does. Every chord, melody, rhythm and word is intentional, coming together with a warmth and coziness that envelops you immediately.
The music is melodious, wise, elegantly understated but always emotionally resonant. It comes from a place of honesty, inward-looking, yet always in motion, wrestling towards hope.
“Michelle, what an inspiringly Inventive and original album you've made! I'm truly so proud to be a a small part of it!“ - Michael McDonald
An ambitious studio record plus a live and filmed concert, 'Just One Voice' showcases eleven new songs and features guest performances by David Crosby, Michael McDonald, Grégoire Maret, Becca Stevens, and Taylor Ashton.
Collaboration and musicianship are at the heart of Michelle's creative process and output. She made a name for herself performing with the likes of Snarky Puppy, Iggy Pop, Becca Stevens, Laura Mvula, Zac Brown Band, and was an integral member of two bands lead by David Crosby.
"Fluid, powerful, graceful, such a fine writer,a soulful, rich, deep player and bandleader who just swings as if her life depends on it" - David Crosby
'Just One Voice' (Live) EP was released a month after the album to showcase the songs through the lens of Michelle's ability to create a unique live experience.
Joined by David Crosby, The O’Pears and Thom Gill, Michelle's buttery vocals are perfectly supported by the band's effortless grooves. The music glides onward, taking you along with it.
Michelle's stage craft and connection with the audience are undeniable, confirmed by the way the crowds smile and sing along boisterously on songs like 'Trigger, See Us Through', and 'Janet'. The warmth of her personality consistently shines through, and as with her music itself, she always finds humour and hope therein.
“[Michelle] won the hearts of the audience in no time with her playing, voice and witty banter. Rarely has a support act conquered the audience with such ease as she did… Still unknown, within 3 years at North Sea Jazz. Mark our words.” - (Maxazine - Oct 11, 2022 Opening for Snarky Puppy, AFAS Live, Amsterdam)