Hi, I'm Janet Planet

I often recall a quote by Della Reese. When asked about being a jazz vocalist she said, “I like to be called a working singer.” That sentiment has resonated with me throughout my career.

With a reverence for jazz singing, my influences span many styles. “Jazz keeps me interested,” to coin a phrase from my friend, Karrin Allyson. Early influences were Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt…and anything else my 5 siblings were listening to at the time.

I started by singing folk songs – making my way through the club circuit and all the musical genres that kept us working. Then I remember hearing Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderly for the first time. That legendary 1962 album changed my vocal palate most abruptly. Nancy’s straight-tone drew me in and lead me to a style of singing that was more lyrically based.

I love words. My interpretations are based not only on meaning, but also on the way words feel as they fall out of my mouth. I’m fascinated by the vibrations of consonants and the nakedness of vowels…the envelope of a diphthong and the connection of words – one image at a time. I revel in the power of the blues and the eternal pursuit of pocketing a groove. All dangling carrots that feed the element of “divine dissatisfaction.”

I'm excited to bring this vocal lesson program I titled, "RETHINK SING." These vocal teaching modules lay the foundation for all vocalists, regardless of genre, age or talent, as well as tips & tricks that I use often in my career as a professional singer and vocal instructor.  In each module, I walk you through the lesson with techniques and examples on video to help you gain insight on how your voice operates as an instrument and how to improve vocal clarity, strength and endurance.  You are able to go through each module at your own pace and rewatch as many times as you want to.  Also available, one-on-one vocal instruction via zoom or in-person by appointment only.  Please contact me via email for more information.

“Planet is such and exemplary vocal artiste that anything she graces with her vocal chords benefits” – Alan Bargebuhr – Cadence Jazz