Atla DeChamplain is a jazz vocalist, lyricist, and educator known for her compelling sound and sincere interpretations of jazz standards. A Connecticut native, she studied at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music and earned her Master’s degree from the University of Toledo, where she was mentored by the legendary vocalist Jon Hendricks. Specializing in vocalese—the art of setting lyrics to instrumental jazz solos—Atla is recognized for her original lyrics, expressive phrasing, vocal control, and authenticity on stage.

Her musical voice is a blend of American idioms, drawing from jazz, blues, gospel, and R&B. She credits her artistic development to the influence of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Jon Hendricks, Louis Armstrong, Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves, Mel Tormé, Bobby McFerrin, José Feliciano, and Nat King Cole, as well as the lyrical legacies of Iola Brubeck, Billy Strayhorn, Burt Bacharach, and Fred Rogers. Atla has performed with many of her musical heroes, including Jon Hendricks, Kurt Elling, Lawrence Hobgood, José Feliciano, Paul Keller, and Steve Davis. Atla acknowledges the privilege to follow such luminary artists in the traditions of Black American music.