About
Verena

Verena McBee is a vibrant jazz singer. Her excitement to entertain, a blend of classical & modern music, and her cinematic storytelling create a unique and compelling world.

Her performances straddle the line between playful humor and emotional depth.

“She is not afraid to push her voice in the most envelope pushing ways.” – Elberton Cisnero

Since Verena moved to NYC in 2007 she has recorded 3 albums: “Can’t Help It!” (2013), “U-Phoria – Verena sings the music of Cecil McBee” (2018) and “Bird(S)wing” (2025).

She has performed at NYC’s renowned “ZINC Bar”, the “Metropolitan Room” and appeared as a guest vocalist with her husband, GRAMMY award winning bassist/ composer Cecil McBee in upstate NY with jazz legend George Cables on piano. 2x GRAMMY award winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis was one of her many teachers in NYC.

“The star of the show, undoubtedly, is the enchanting vocal performance provided by Verena. Her voice, like a warm breeze on a summer evening, caresses each note with precision and emotion. (…)

Verena’s control over dynamics is short of mesmerizing, effortless gliding between hushed whispers and soulful crescendos.” – Andre Avenassian/ Radio Airplay

Verena was born and raised in Northern Germany. At an early age her parents enrolled Verena at the local conservatory after seeing her natural musical ability.

Whether it was music, theater or dance, performing had always provided safety and home for Verena. She continued her artistic education, studying classical music and literature at the university of her hometown, but the academic world was just not her calling: Her true home was on stage.

In the fall of 2004 after years of honing her craft in Europe Verena went on a secret trip to New York City and quickly fell in love, figuratively and literally. As she explored New York, discovering the home of so many famed artists, breathing that same air, walking those same streets, she met world renowned bassist and composer Cecil McBee, who later became her husband and a great source of inspiration in her performing life.

Cecil introduced her to the music of Sarah Vaughan, who became the most important influence on her music, as well as the thriving jazz community, nights around NYC’s open mics and enrolling into Harlem’s renowned jazz mobile.

Verena was taken by storm  – Everything changed.

She went to study jazz vocals with Nicole Zuraitis, Roberta Gambarini, Brianna Thomas, and others, and began performing in prominent venues of the NYC scene.

“A powerful and inventive jazz vocalist based in NYC, Verena McBee is quite original in her singing (…). Her music is often dramatic, displays her wide range and is filled with surprising twists and turns(…)

“Verena  McBee is a talent well worth discovering.” – Scott Yanow, Album review “Bird(S)wing” 2025

By now Verena has recorded 3 albums, has a residency at the FLUTE Bar, a historic speakeasy in the heart of Manhattan’s theater district. She has also created her own show series “Ladybug’s New York” at Lower East Sides Cabaret Room at PANGEA.

Her shows leave her audience with a sense of freedom as Verena’s unique approach and personal story is inspiring to her fans, encouraging them to follow their calling and never give up on their dreams, as challenging as it may appear.