Jennifer Lee: About Jennifer

A provocative blend of innocence and sophistication — that’s Jennifer Lee. While presenting herself with great style and class, Jennifer maintains a warm and unpretentious demeanor which enables her to connect deeply with her audience. "Connection is what it’s all about," says Jennifer. "Connection with my band and connection with the listener. That’s what creates the magic. The greater the connection, the more magical the experience for everyone involved." And connect she does, with sincerity and a perpetual sense of wonder.

Rooted in the straight-ahead jazz tradition, this San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist has developed a style all her own. With her warm, lovely voice, extraordinary musicality and hip sense of time, Jennifer brings each song uniquely to life. On an up-tempo tune, she really swings. On a ballad, she sings with a depth of emotion that pays homage to the music and the lyric.

In addition to her love of straight-ahead jazz, Jennifer has a strong affinity for the music of Brazil. When she sings bossa novas and sambas in Portuguese (with a near-perfect Brazilian accent) and accompanies herself on guitar, you can almost feel the warm sands of Ipanema beneath your feet.

Jennifer discovered her passion for music as a child, studying piano and guitar. She played piano in her college jazz band and accompanied other singers before realizing her own gift for vocal interpretation. Her extensive experience as an instrumentalist affords Jennifer a thorough understanding of the harmonic intricacies of the music she sings. This knowledge, along with her natural aptitude for musical expression, make for a remarkable talent.

These days Jennifer does a lot of stand-up singing when she performs. Most nights, however, she accompanies herself on at least a few tunes. And, when she does, it's with a simple elegance and sweetness. "Lee knows how to drop a jaw with her rhythm ease on guitar," says Jean Bartlett of the Pacifica Tribune.

J-Walkin’, released in 2003, is Jennifer’s debut release as featured vocalist. While incorporating many elements of straight-ahead jazz, this recording also takes several wide steps outside of that realm. The collection includes Brazilian songs, originals, a heavily funkified arrangement of Frank Loesser’s "The Inchworm" and a spoken-word piece, among other things.

Mad-Kat recording artist Kitty Margolis says of this CD, "In the best recordings, the essence of the artist’s individual spirit is revealed clearly. Having known Jennifer for many years now I can say that on this disc, the above is true in spades. Thoughtful, gentle, classy, sweet with a mischievous streak…these qualities are all part of Jennifer and she shares them with us beautifully."

Jennifer’s core trio on J-Walkin’ features guitarist Peter Sprague, bassist Bob Magnusson, and percussionist Tommy Aros. Peter Sprague, winner of numerous San Diego music awards, has performed with such players as Chick Corea, Eddie Harris, Dori Caymmi and Al Jarreau. Bob Magnusson is an alumnus of the Buddy Rich band. He also toured with Sarah Vaughn in the 70s and has recorded with the likes of Hank Jones, Cedar Walton and Tommy Flanagan, to name just a few.

Jennifer’s first released recordings were part of a compilation entitled Quint-Essential, a collection that is unique in both content and form. Jennifer’s selections on this recording feature three of the Bay Area’s finest instrumentalists: guitarist Jeff Buenz, bassist John Shifflett, and drummer Jason Lewis. This superb trio creates a musical landscape that is the perfect playground for Jennifer’s rich, sultry vocals.

Quint-Essential, which also includes the work of vocalists Shanna Carlson, Sharman Duran, Jenna Mammina, and Cathi Walkup, is the musical equivalent of a lovely and playful mosaic. "Five wonderfully unique, distinctive voices. Fifteen marvelous songs. One remarkable CD," says Wayne Saroyan of JazzWest. "These five women have crafted a singular work of music that celebrates the intrinsic beauty of each song, transcending the familiar and illuminating the sublime. A quintessential CD for lovers of jazz."