"Part mermaid, part chanteuse, part R&B and jazz singer (Artswatch)" Shelly Rudolph is a Portland-based vocalist, songwriter, and performer whose genre-defying work blends jazz, soul, and poetic lyricism into something entirely her own.
With a voice described as “equal parts sugar and whiskey” (All About Jazz), she moves fluidly between jazz, blues, and her original music—songs that are sensual, soulful, and deeply human.
Her work spans albums, live performance, and multidisciplinary collaboration, with music that invites connection, presence, and feeling.
DERVISH WORK
Poems, songs and other creative necessities.
My open studio, where muses gather, ideas wander, and unexpected things find their way into the world.
Wander through Orfea Rising, pick up a Prescription for Being Human, eavesdrop on Texting with Shams, or follow whatever calls you.
I can't wait to meet you there!
It's free to explore and subscribe on Substack. If you'd like to support the work, you can become a supporting subscriber.
ORFEA RISING: A Jazz Myth Suite
What if Orpheus were a woman? What if she didn’t look back?
Orfea Rising is a five-movement journey of original songs, poetry, improvisation, chamber jazz and dance — a descent for love and a return with something unexpected: a voice of one’s own.
World premiered September 5, 2026 at the Montavilla Jazz Festival.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Join Dan Gildea, Edwin Coleman III, Bill Athens and Ms Rudolph for your mid-week sultry tumble rise up.
MUSIC THAT MOVES BETWEEN WORLDS
Shelly Rudolph’s albums are intimate soundtracks: sultry tumble rise-ups of longing, light, and a wild heart.
Her acclaimed album The Way We Love features GRAMMY-winning “maverick” cellist David Darling, while I Love LOVE — her sumptuous dance-soul anthem with Charlie Hunter — has lit up playlists and airwaves across 17 countries.
Press play to explore the music, story, mystery & soul.
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Close Enough 4:350:00/4:35
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Butterfly Walk 2:460:00/2:46
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Hidden Moonlight 1:470:00/1:47
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0:00/2:54
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It's Snowing 2:410:00/2:41
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Stand By Me 3:460:00/3:46
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Water in My Hand 4:430:00/4:43
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The Way We Love 2:280:00/2:28
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The Mystery 3:460:00/3:46
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Myth & Shade 2:010:00/2:01
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Memory In Blue 3:120:00/3:12
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In This World 5:130:00/5:13
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Couldalovedyabetta 4:520:00/4:52
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Faith 3:340:00/3:34
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The Slow Life 2:360:00/2:36
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Close Enough 4:350:00/4:35
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Stand By Me 3:460:00/3:46
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Butterfly Walk 2:440:00/2:44
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The Way We Love 2:290:00/2:29
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The Mystery 3:420:00/3:42