|
|
|
|
Meritxell (pronounced “Mary-chell”) is a songwriter-vocalist with a culturally enriched, diverse musical background. She was formerly "Peaches" of legendary, Peaches and Herb and is recognized as the "Latin Queen of Soul". Her powerful alto-soprano range and smooth, sultry style was inspired by Donnie Hathaway, Chaka Khan and Stevie Wonder. The artist’s musical trajectory began at age six in her native Barcelona, Spain where she participated in various school performances and talent shows. She began singing professionally at age 17, earned 2nd Place Winner of Spain’s hit TV show, El Trampolín (equivalent of X-Factor) and by 23, became Lead Singer of Club Sutton’s Orchestra, Barcelona. In 1996, Meritxell moved to Nashville, Tennessee to sign a Publishing and Production contract with EMI Publishing Inc. The journey expanded her songwriting, music recording and production skills, while allowing her to collaborate with other accomplished music industry writers and vocalists. During her extensive career, Meritxell performed with various music greats including, Alyson Williams and Frank Mc Comb (Baltimore Jazz Festival) and the East Coast All Star Jazz Ensemble, Randy Brecker, Omar Hakim, Chuck Loeb, Will Lee, Ralph McDonald, David Benoit and Bill Evans (Carter Barron Amphitheater). She has also shared the stage with B.B. King and Jonathan Butler (Jazzmatazz Festival), Carlos Santana (PRS Guitars Party), Teddy Pendergrass, Patti Labelle, Stephanie Mills, Kindred and Musiq SoulChild (Philadelphia Convention Center), Maysa Leak of Incognito, Floetry and Billy Preston (Detroit Jazz Festival) and Chaka Khan and Vivian Green (Pasadena SoulFest). Of noteworthy mention is Meritxell’s musical collaboration with Gordon Chambers at the Blues Alley Jazz Club. In 2004, Meritxell co-wrote and recorded her first CD, "THE MERITXELL PROJECT/EL PROYECTO MERITXELL" with bassist-producer, Gary Grainger (Acoustic Alchemy). The CD's sophisticated, soulful, urban sound incorporates a fiery fusion of R&B, Latin, and Jazzy ballads. “Meritxell’s exceptionally crafted contemporary CD appeals to a vast range of musical tastes, especially since her songs are in English and Spanish”, exclaims Grammy-winning songwriter, Gordon Chambers. In 2009, Meritxell was hired to co-record "Colors of Love" (Imagen Records), becoming 3rd female recording artist to record a Peaches and Herb album. In 2010, she officially toured as the 1st Latina Peaches, but also departed from the duo. “Because of her versatile, soulful background, Meritxell is exceptionally worthy of the Peaches crown", states Herb Feemster, founder of Peaches and Herb. The artist’s musical talent has graced celebrities and prestigious events, such as Donald Trump, State of New Mexico Barack Obama Inaugural Party, Walmart, IBM, Navy Federal Credit Union and the Coca Cola Company. She actively tours with her band, Rhythm Rapture.
|
|