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Andrea Claburn

Vocalist/Composer/Arranger based in San Francisco.

About Me

Vocalist/composer/arranger Andrea Claburn was born in Baltimore to a classical pianist mother and jazz aficionado father and raised in the classical tradition, studying both piano and violin before turning to vocal jazz as a young adult. A conservatory-trained musician, Andrea’s musical depth shapes her exceptional vocal style, with a “highly instrumental use of her voice” that is “riveting to hear.” As a composer and lyricist, she breathes life into new songs as well as old, writing and arranging contemporary jazz standards, and lyricizing a wide range of instrumental material, from Ellington to Metheny. A powerful storyteller and charismatic performer, Andrea Claburn brings the music to life with passion, intelligence, and wit, her style infused with a wide variety of musical influences while remaining strongly rooted in the jazz tradition.

Raised and educated largely in Northern California, Andrea holds two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) from the California Jazz Conservatory, where she was mentored by some of the finest jazz artists on the West Coast. In October, 2010 Andrea was awarded the Conservatory's highest vocal honor, the Mark Murphy Vocal Scholarship, an award given to a singer who “demonstrates exceptional creativity and artistic promise.” In August, 2015 Andrea became a member of the vocal faculty of her alma mater, the California Jazz Conservatory, where she teaches private lessons in vocal technique, performance, and musicianship.

Currently based in San Francisco, Andrea has performed at prominent venues throughout the Bay Area and beyond, and has worked with many of Northern California's most sought-after players. Her debut album, Nightshade (released January, 2017), features west coast jazz luminaries Matt Clark (piano), Sam Bevan (bass), Alan Hall (drums), Terrence Brewer (guitar), Erik Jekabson (trumpet), Kasey Knudsen (alto sax), and John Santos (percussion).

Critical acclaim for Andrea’s debut album, Nightshade, released 1.13.17:

“She is terrific - one of the best this year.”- Robert D. Rusch, Founder, Cadence Magazine

“Claburn’s highly instrumental use of her voice is… riveting to hear… This is one of the most auspicious recording debuts for a jazz singer I’ve heard… Highly recommended.” – Lynn René Bayley, The Art Music Lounge

“Any jazzbo on the prowl for a new, swinging thrush that starts out at high octane and goes from there need look no further… A rising diva with something new to say.”– Chris Spector, Midwest Record

“This is a well thought out record, an impressive calling card for a vocalist who has taken the time to grow into herself… Nightshade has a seriousness that is at the same time engaging and entertaining. Much respect is due to Andrea Claburn, a naturally gifted singer who has taken the time and done the hard work necessary to become something more – a very interesting and capable composer and arranger.” – Mark Christian Miller, Mark Heard It First

“Andrea Claburn’s richly shaded and nuanced vocals aren’t the only reason this debut is such a grand delight to listen to… adding five poignant originals to the brew, two of which, the New Orleans drenched “My Favorite Flavor” and the darkly traditional “The Fall of Man” may very well become standards of their own someday.” – Mike Jurkovic, Elmore Magazine

“A shining star since she walked in the door… Andrea has developed a style and expertise that carries on the jazz tradition while also having her own unique voice.” – Laurie Antonioli, Chair, Vocal Program, California Jazz Conservatory

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