Jennifer Lee

June 01, 2009

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A provocative blend of child-like awe and sophistication; a joyful, vibrance that enchants and enlivens; a warm and unpretentious demeanor that enables deep connection with the listener - all this, and more, belong to Oakland-based vocalist Jennifer Lee. "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 deeper 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 Oakland-based vocalist/pianist/guitarist has developed a style all her own. Jennifer writes, arranges and interprets across a wide range of genres including folk, funk, jazz, bossa nova and blues. 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… and never fails to touch the heart of the listener.

Jennifer has a strong affinity for the music of Brazil.  When she plays bossa nova and samba, singing many lyrics in the original Portuguese, you can almost feel the warm sands of Ipanema beneath your feet. Whether on guitar or piano, Jennifer accompanies herself with simple elegance and sweetness, while maintaining a deep and thrilling in-the-pocket groove. “Lee knows how to drop a jaw with her rhythm ease on guitar,” says Jean Bartlett of the Pacifica Tribune.   Solo and with her band, Jennifer has been featured in numerous Northern California festivals and concert series, and has played to sold out venues throughout the state.

Jennifer’s newest recording, Quiet Joy is an exciting mix of originals, standards and Brazilian songs. Drummer / Grammy-nominated producer Bud Spangler calls this CD “a joy from start to finish.”  Both Quiet Joy and Jennifer’s previous recording Jaywalkin’ (named “finest debut of the year, big label or small” By Dan McClenaghan of All About Jazz) are collaborations with San Diego-based guitarist Peter Sprague, Jennifer’s co-arranger/co-producer and founder of SBE Records.

Peter, who has toured with the likes of Chick Corea, Eddie Harris, Dori Caymmi, Dianne Reeves and Al Jarreau, will be joining Jennifer at Yoshi's on June 1st; as well as saxophonist Anton Schwartz, bassist Buca Necak, percussionist Raul Ramirez, and drummer Kendrick Freeman.

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