Annie McClendon

Biography
Teacher

To Purchase Annie McClendon's latest CD's, drop her an email direct at [email protected] for more information.

There isn't much musically that Annie McClendon can't do, and do well and she is steadily making a name for herself in the jazz world.

Discovered by legendary saxophonist Bruce Johnstone (Former Featured soloist with Maynard Ferguson & Woody Herman bands. Performed with Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster. Highly ranked by "Downbeat" Magazine), McClendon has gone on to perform with the Dave Stevens Big Band, the Doug Dressler Big Band, The New Century Big Band, EarthArt Ensemble, Bruce Johnstone and Friends, Night Flight Big Band, Alabama SUPERJAZZ, The Cavaliers, New South Jazz Orchestra, and her own combo, Annie and The Mood Swings.

Artist History:

McClendon's premier musical moment was being selected to be the featured vocalist with one of the top big bands in the country, the Airmen of Note.

Although she opted not to enlist in the USAF to take this highly coveted position with the Airmen of Note, she continues to sing with the Dave Stevens Big Band and The Mood Swings throughout the NorthEast, New South Jazz Orchestra, and Night Flight Big Band in Birmingham, Alabama. She is determinated to take the world by storm.

Press Reviews: " We rarely see a vocalist or even an instrumentalist this young who's this versatile and has this knowledge of different styles," said Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Eckert, the musical director of the Airmen of Note. "For our particular purposes, we're looking for, first and foremost, a really fine jazz singer. The caveat is that they will occasionally play certain protocol functions and dances for the military brass around D.C., and even at the White House. For those audiences, our repertoire has to be a little more versatile and geared towards a younger audience." Equally important, he said, is the vocalist's on-stage command in front of a 17 piece band. With her bright blond hair and elegant look, she radiates charisma. "She has a very engaging presence," Eckert said. "When you're auditioning a vocalist, not only do they have to sound good, but you want someone out in front of the band who's going to make you want to look at them and focus in on the singer in a good way. And she did exactly that." - Dave Richards Erie Times News 5/26/02

CD Review:

Annie Hannah (McClendon) and the Mood Swings CD release - "In and Out of Love"

Floating from emotion to emotion, Annie and the boys swing through one dozen songs that capture and captivate any jazz aficionado. From her sultry delivery of "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You," to her toe-tappin' rendition of "Deed I Do," Annie seems to be taking the jazz community of Erie by storm. First Erie, Pennsylvania...next stop...the world!