I’m far from alone on this, trust me. If you don’t believe me, just waltz on over to the Billboard Hot 100. It’s loaded with some amazing female artists, criss-crossing every type of genre.

I’m fortunate enough to know and work with local living proof, Erin Krebs. Erin is an excellent jazz/soul singer and multi-instrumentalist.

As the lead vocalist alongside guitarist Jeff Johnson and the Swingin’ Johnsons, her voice is equal parts Etta James and Koko Taylor. Sprinkle in a bit of tasty fret work from Jeff, and the duo is all soul.

She’s got the ‘cred’ too. Erin’s an avid teacher with classrooms and studios chock full of soon-to-be maestros.

I stole a chance in between teaching and gigging duties for a brief afternoon chat with Ms. Krebs and her take on the vocal instrument.

JV: How did you get into singing? Was it something you did from an early age?

EK: I started singing in college. I was going to school to become a band director, which I have a degree in, and when I turned 21 I started doing karaoke. Some of my friends who had heard me sing dared me to try out for the jazz ensemble, so I did. It turns out that I was the only one who auditioned, and I got the part. It’s funny, when I was performing on stage with my flute in school I had a lot of anxiety. But the first time I sang with the ensemble, I felt very comfortable. So it was something that came naturally.

My theory training has helped quite a bit, but I’ve still never had any vocal lessons. Also, I started sitting in with the Jazz Orgy from time to time. I’ve really learned a lot with those guys.  Now we’re doing gigs together, it’s great.

JV: Who influenced you as a budding vocalist?

EK: Ella Fitzgerald was the first. Right around the time I began singing with the jazz ensemble, I had also had begun a Jazz Appreciation class. I heard a recording of her performing “Misty,” and fell in love with her voice and the track. She led me to other singers like Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, Julie London, all of those classic old-school singers. When I first met Jeff four years ago, he said “You sound like Etta James.” I had known the song “At Last,” but she eventually became my door into the blues. I really got into Koko Taylor. I sing a lot of Susan Tedeschi. We also do a lot of R&B too, so I love everything from Aretha Franklin.

JV: As a dedicated soul fan, do you get into other genres such as classic country or pop?

EK: I do. Jeff and I, in our acoustic duo, do a couple of Patsy Cline tunes. We’ll do some Beatles and Stevie Nicks songs alongside say, some Norah Jones. It helps to keep the set a bit more fresh.

JV: What advice can you share with up and coming singers?

EK: Well, I was fortunate enough to already have a good understanding of music theory, so singing came a bit easier to me. But, I would suggest taking some lessons on theory and technique. Get hooked up with a good teacher who can help guide you.

You also just have to get out and do it. I have a student right now who is petrified to sing in front of people. The Jazz Orgy was kind enough to let her sit in a few times and try to sing some classic ballads. The first time, she got a headache and felt pretty miserable. The second time was a little better, and this last time was great. Just try to get in front of people, whether it be an open mic or anything like that.

Don’t forget to be kind to the musicians playing alongside of you. They’re very talented and as a vocalist you rely on them. I’ve seen singers that are unappreciative of the band, and they’re no longer playing for people. You need to convey your ideas in a group and show respect at the same time.

Erin will definitely be walking the talk as her schedule is packed with gigs spanning mellow acoustic numbers, groovy jazz tunes and searing blues licks. You can catch all of her dates, along with musical companion Jeff Johnson, at myspace.com/erinkrebs.