Kickstarter

We're making a BIG Band CD with all the jazz standards that I've been performing as StandardMel for the past 4 yrs as well as some original tunes! Charts are done! Band is assembled! Studio is ready to go- I'm ready to go!! Just need a little more financial backing. Thank you Thank You THANK YOU for believing in this project and supporting us! 

'In 2008, I had an idea... 

I had always imagined a warm comfortable evening where I'd get to perform all of my favorite jazz standards. I wanted to share the melodies of Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson, but also modern standards by John Legend and Jill Scott. I shared my vision with composer/arranger Duane "Ben-jamin" Benjamin who had a similar vision of his own. We immediately began collaborating together and realized that something unique was developing. On January 19, 2009, we launched the first StandardMel, a jazz quartet, to a sold-out audience at the Mbar Hollywood. On Jan 23, 2012, (4 yrs later) StandardMel combined with the Ben-jamin Big Band, an 18 piece orchestra for another sold out show this time at Typhoon Restaurant in Santa Monica. Our dream became a reality. We're still dreaming…"- Mel Collins

Mel Collins has been a professional singer and entertainer for well over decade. As a voice over artist, Meloney can be heard singing on numerous regional and national commercials, jingles, and popular television shows (Modern Family, The Vampire Diaries, America's Got Talent, Hannah Montana etc.)Her ease in front of a band catapulted her into singing lead for many Big Band's including the Ikeda Kings Orchestra- led by legendary saxophonist Bennie Maupin, Disney's All American College Band 2010 and 2011, The  Side Street Strutters, The Mark Hix Big Band and of course, The Ben-Jamin Big Band!

Duane Benjamin is an accomplished musician, orchestrator and arranger. His works include performing and arranging for Hit TV shows American Idol, The Voice, and BET's tribute to Al Greene where he arranged for singers Alexander Hamilton, Jill Scott, Maxwell and Al Greene. He has also arranged/performed for many jazz, r&b and pop artist including Natalie Cole, Christina Aguillera, Michael Jackson, Gladys Knight, Stanley Clark and many more(See Duanebenjamin.com)