Musician, Songwriter, Vocalist, and Educator April May Webb hails from Newton, Kansas. April May’s musical approach is diversely influenced but is rooted in jazz. April May is the first African American female to graduate from The William Paterson University Jazz Education program, where she honed her craft under the guidance of the late great pianist Mulgrew Miller.
April May is the WINNER of the 13th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Her captivating voice has graced nationally syndicated televised specials like “Sounds of Summer” and “An American Christmas” alongside The Boardwalk Jazz Band. She was a lead vocalist in the acclaimed play “Sounding Board” by internationally renowned artist Tschabalala Self.
April May’s commitment to excellence in jazz earned her recognition as a recipient of Chamber Music America’s performance plus grant with her jazz ensemble “Sounds of A&R,” she continues to make waves as a Spring 2023 Jazz Road Touring Grant awardee. April May was chosen as a 2023 Woodshed Network recipient, an initiative by the legendary jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater. Additionally, her achievements were celebrated with induction into her hometown’s Newton Music Hall of Fame.
As a co-founder of the jazz ensemble Sounds of A&R, also known as S.O.A.R., April May has played a pivotal role in its success. In 2019, the group received the esteemed “Best Group” title at the NYC Reader’s Jazz Awards, presented by Hot House Jazz Magazine and Jazzmobile. Their single “Horizon” charted in the top 20 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Charts, and in 2021, SOAR released their third studio album, “Questions Left Unanswered,” which soared to #12 on The National Jazz Week Charts. The group’s influence continues to grow as they were selected to represent the United States as U.S. Cultural Ambassadors, embarking on a transformative tour across two South Pacific countries in 2023.
Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon is made possible through funding from the Wintrode Family Foundation, the Ocean County College Foundation, and support from the New Jersey Jazz Society.
