Meryl Zimmerman has earned comparisons to legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan—but just as often, people mention Joy from Inside Out. Maybe it’s the short teal hair, but mostly it’s because when Meryl sings, the delight radiates off of her. The joy is undeniable, and it’s contagious. With the Meryl Zimmerman Quintet, she brings that same spark to the jazz standards she loves. Rather than treating the repertoire as sacred ground, she treats it as a playground—finding new and unexpected pathways through familiar tunes. Her fearless phrasing, deep swing feel, and sharp improvisational instincts come from years spent studying, performing, and teaching the art of jazz singing. A native New Yorker with a lifelong love of Broadway, Meryl is as expressive as she is entertaining. She believes that great jazz storytelling leaves room for humor, theatricality, and surprise—and audiences feel that freedom when she’s onstage. The Meryl Zimmerman Quintet features an ensemble of seasoned New Orleans musicians: Eric Merchant on guitar, Ed Wise on bass, Ronan Cowan on drums, and Brent Rose on tenor sax and flute. Together, they create a sound that honors tradition while staying playful, spontaneous, and alive in the moment.