Described by JAZZIZ (USA), the world’s largest jazz magazine, as Ireland’s top jazz vocalist, Stella Bass has been a cornerstone of the Irish jazz scene for almost two decades. She is widely respected for her artistry as an interpreter of The Great American Songbook, bringing intelligence, warmth and narrative depth to every performance.

Stella’s musical journey began at the age of five with piano accordion, a path that could have led in many directions! By her late teens, however, her focus had shifted decisively to vocal and piano studies. Following the 2014 release of her debut album, Too Darn Hot, she completed a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance at The Dublin Conservatory of Music (now TU Dublin). Her second album, Look for the Silver Lining (2024), was placed on the ballot at the 27th Grammy Awards in the Jazz Album category, and she is now a Grammy Voting Member of the Recording Academy.

A compelling concert performer with a deep love of storytelling through song, Stella has created and collaborated on a wide range of acclaimed shows. These include Stella Sings Ella, a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald; A Little (Jazz) Night Music, exploring jazz interpretations of Stephen Sondheim’s work; Smoke and Sound, inspired by the interwar music of 1930s Berlin (performed by invitation at a major event at the German Embassy in Ireland); and most recently, Let’s Misbehave: The Essential Cole Porter Songbook. These productions have toured extensively throughout Ireland as well as the UK, with regular appearances at the National Concert Hall.

Away from touring, Stella performs bi-monthly with the Hot House Big Band and leads her own jazz quartet, appearing at jazz venues and festivals across Ireland and the UK. 

Her work also extends into broadcasting: she presented and produced a jazz programme on Dublin City FM for three years. In addition, Stella is an established voiceover artist, recording national radio and television campaigns for private and corporate clients.

A versatile creative artist, she is also a songwriter, session singer and producer, with several original instrumental albums signed to Warner Chappell Production Music in Nashville.