Meet The Band

About Waterfront Blue

Waterfront Blue is a Quakertown, PA–based duo featuring vocalist Brenda K. Lee and guitarist Tom Schnabel. For over 12 years, they’ve delivered a fresh take on classic rock with rich vocals, expressive guitar, and a full, engaging sound.

They perform throughout the Lehigh Valley, North Philadelphia suburbs, and along the Delaware River into New Jersey, appearing at venues ranging from intimate restaurants to major events like Musikfest and Miller Symphony Hall.

With a mix of classic favorites and original music, Waterfront Blue brings versatility, experience, and genuine passion to every performance.

 

BRENDA K. LEE

Brenda K. Lee: Vocals, Keyboard, Percussion

Prize winning vocalist, Brenda K. Lee has been entertaining audiences in America & Europe from a young age. Her parents rightfully named her after their favorite singer, Brenda Lee, who is still topping the charts with her hit song "Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree”. 

Brenda has been the front woman & made studio recordings with bands such as;  Messinian Jazz Quartet, The Freak Brothers (10 piece funk band), Ronnie Rock & The Trendsetters (new wave/punk), Frank DiBussolo (jazz) & Waterfront Blue (classic rock/jazz). She has entertained at Kalamata Jazz Festival, numerous international resort hotels, Symphony Hall (Allentown, Pa) & the list goes on.

Brenda’s vocal training began at the age of 7.  She appeared annually on Tony Grant’s Stars of Tomorrow Show in Atlantic City, and won 1st place in a Talent America competition. She has studied privately with renowned performers & educators such as Alexis Cole, Russell Faith & Frank DiBussolo. Brenda majored in musical theater at Wagner College, N.Y. and music at The University of Rhode Island. She's presently continuing her music education through online masterclasses & teaches voice lessons.

 

 

 

 

Voice Lessons Info

Tom Schnabel

Tom’s a big man; Football lineman & heavy weight wrestler in high school. His passion for playing guitar flourished while earning a degree at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts. His band played on rooftops & student gatherings. Of his fine collection of 15 guitars, a red Eastman is his favorite. It accommodates his large hands. Frank DiBussolo, master jazz guitarist & Tom’s mentor, laughs “ I didn’t think I could teach someone to play jazz riffs with fingers the size of sausages.” Not only did Tom exceed Frank’s expectations, he continues to do so with the development of his musical skills & composing of original music. Tom has an innate ability to create art through his lyrics, melodies & arrangements. His vivid imagination paints a picture of the world through his wanderlust eyes.

As a duo partner, he follows every whim of Brenda’s improvisational trail & harmonizes with his rich-toned baritone voice. As the leader of the band, Tom plans events to the T & communicates well with hosts. Tom supplies the sound equipment and has a sharp ear for sound engineering.

Apart from music, Tom owns & manages Schnabel’s Woods, a cabin resort community. Many of the cabin owners are accomplished musicians who have graciously helped to shape the band; Michael Moore (bassist of Dave Brubeck‘s band), Scott Lee (bassist), Tom Chang (jazz guitarist). Jim Klein (musician, sound engineer) also broadened the band’s horizon with recording sessions at Drexel University Studios. Cabin owners often venture out of the woods to enjoy a Waterfront Blue performance at local venues.

NEW ALBUM RELEASE

NEW ALBUM

Available oN OUR MUSIC page & streaming platforms

"Catch the Sky" by Waterfront Blue is a deeply personal and conceptually rich musical project. The duo of Brenda K. Lee and Tom Schnabel has created an album that not only explores their experiences but also expresses their collective journey through life’s challenges, the creative process, and the human connection to music.

Each song stands as a unique piece, yet they come together to form a cohesive whole that shares a message of resilience and unity. With contributions from other talented musicians, the album offers a wide array of musical influences, from gypsy jazz and country swing to pop, blues, and Caribbean-inspired sounds. The result is a dynamic and immersive experience that carries a sense of celebration, reflection, and hope.

Key Highlights from the Songs:

Sing It Blue: An anthem born from the band's marketing and gig culture, with a fun and energetic gypsy jazz vibe.

In the Rain: A pop song that emerged from the trials of performing during difficult times, capturing both the challenges and perseverance of the band.

Let Me Out: A  soulful blues tune about the yearning to break free during the lockdown, filled with emotion and longing.

Night Sky: A Caribbean-flavored song with heartfelt lyrics, offering a sense of escape and tranquility.

Scarecrow of Autumn: An emotional ballad that tells a story with cultural and social undertones, born from the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Storm: A powerful anthem about persevering through life's challenges, with an intensity that reflects the band’s own experiences.

Sands of Time: A tribute to a departed friend, honoring life with beautiful, soaring harmonies and reflective flute lines.

The album's 25-minute runtime is a deliberate and concise musical journey, encouraging listeners to experience the work in its entirety. At its core, Catch the Sky is a celebration of life's ups and downs, the strength found in unity, and the ability to keep moving forward under the vast, ever-present night sky.

This work, recorded with the help of talented collaborators, musicians and a sound engineer who understood their vision, presents a rich soundscape that blends various musical styles and showcases the depth of Waterfront Blue's creativity and spirit. The message is clear: Together, we persevere, and music is a shared experience that connects us all.

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