ADAM EZRA GROUP
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE A TRIBUTE TO THE CARPENTERS
“ soul over classical,” with threads of gospel, jazz, and R & B. Local talents like Mongue, Cam Bencivenga, Josh Hirst, Tarik Shaw, and Trevor Wheelock help bring her vision to life. Most of the songs are built from emotional moments and spiritual reflection.“ Some of them feel like they come from the ancestors,” she says,“ very rhythmic, African in nature.” Some tracks feature a full band, while others are just her voice accompanied by a piano or guitar. Songwriting is both healing and clarifying, Chantell says, and she believes the outcome helps listeners heal as well. Her influences span a wide range— from soul legends like Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, and Mahalia Jackson, to gospel icons LaShun Pace and Deborah Cox. Her musical language is even broader, though, shaped by the classical compositions of Gabriel Fauré and John Rutter, and Broadway greats like Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim.“ I blend soul vocals with classical structure,” she says.“ It doesn’ t fit neatly into a genre— that’ s intentional.”
Over the past three years, we’ ve seen Chantell’ s voice grow more confident, her range more fearless. She credits a recent breakthrough: letting go of fear.“ I used to worry about taking up space,” she says.“ My singing was small because I was holding back.” But a 2023 recording session with Mongue changed everything. While tracking“ Sleepless Night Blues,” she heard her voice differently in terms of tone and emotion, which sparked her desire to explore it further. She drew on her classical training, utilizing her upper register, rounded tones, and fuller sounds. The most significant change, she says, was internal.“ I stopped focusing on myself. Now, when I sing, I concentrate on the lyrics, the message, and the emotion. I think about who in the audience might need to hear what I’ m expressing.”
A powerful example of that connection came at a recent all-original music show at the Dream Away Lodge in Becket.“ I cried while singing,” she recalls.“ And when I opened my eyes, the whole room was crying too.” That moment confirmed what she already suspected— that music was not just a talent, but a calling. Veteran blues singer Gina Coleman of Misty Blues agrees.“ She’ s one of the most talented vocalists I’ ve ever met— and I’ ve met a lot,” Coleman says.“ Her voice is so incredibly powerful and dynamic, it moves me to tears.” Local venues feel the same way. Yuki Cohen, owner of Methuselah Bar & Lounge in Pittsfield, regularly invites Chantell back.“ She brings magic to the stage every time,” Cohen says.“ Her voice is rich, soulful, and effortless— it can hush a room or fill it with joy. But beyond the voice, Chantell creates an experience that makes people feel welcome and connected.” Chantell hopes her album will help her reach a broader audience— ideally one that includes international touring. Even with big dreams ahead, her focus remains clear: to stay grounded, be grateful, and keep healing through music.“ My biggest goal is to learn to be content with what I have,” she says,“ while still walking the path I’ m meant to follow.” n
Catch Chantell live on Sunday, September 14, performing with a jazz trio and Misty Blues at the Living in Recovery Block Party in Pittsfield. For updates on where else she will be performing, go to musicintheberkshires. com.
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LEE | STOCKBRIDGE | GREAT BARRINGTON | PITTSFIELD | LENOX
SEPT. 25 – OCT. 26 at The Unicorn Theatre The Larry Vaber Stage
“ A shimmering synthesis of image, word, and movement.”
– Ben Brantley, The New York Times
based on the myths of Ovid written and originally directed by Mary Zimmerman directed by Isadora Wolfe
10 / 4 • 7:30PM at The Colonial Theatre
( 413) 997-4444 BerkshireTheatreGroup. org
111 South Street • Pittsfield, MA 6 East Street • Stockbridge, MA
9 / 26 • 7:30PM at The Colonial Theatre
ADAM EZRA GROUP
10 / 18 • 7:30PM at The Colonial Theatre
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE A TRIBUTE TO THE CARPENTERS
Photo by: Lee Hetherington Photography
Fall 2025 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 57