Jane Stuart
For Jane Stuart, dance in general ��" and tap in particular ��" gave that rhythmic sensibility that would allow her to take liberties in the music, and always be spot on. That's why she was so drawn to jazz. The music is so unencumbered ��" like a blank slate - affording her the freedom she always felt. And the lyrics she sought out served as a catharsis ��" a way to work through life's many complexities and difficulties at a young age. For an artist who modeled, acted, sang and danced professionally since age 5, hung out (and played hooky) with classmate friends Bernadette Peters, Greg Hines and Bonnie Bedelia, and portrayed Joan Baez in Richard Farina’s Long Time Comin’ A Long Time Gone alongside co-stars Richard Gere, Vicki Sue Robinson and Jessica Harper, "jazz singer" might not be what one would expect to see on this list. But since her vast music and arts background exposed her to a wide world of genres, she had such a rich palette from which to draw, and jazz just felt right.
As a first-call studio & jingle singer, you've most likely heard her voice in numerous high-profile ad campaigns both solo, as well as in ensemble with Valerie Simpson, Patti Austin, Shawn Colvin and many others, but her 2006 release, Beginning To See The Light, finally gave jazz audiences an 'extended play' of Jane's jazzier side. This long-awaited disc was enthusiastically received by media and audiences alike, and earned her IAJE’s Best Jazz Vocals accolades for that year. Her latest effort, Don't Look Back, is certain to broaden her fan base exponentially.
Jane's affinity for arranging emerged early on. “My father died when I was 13. My mother, a legal secretary, worked long, hard hours and my brother was away at school. I spent a lot of time alone. I would make up arrangements of old standards and sing them in my head while doing a tap routine on my fingers. I remember so many of those songs now, when I am looking for material to sing.”
A musician's singer, her sure sense of swing, impeccable time and keen storytelling ability has made her a favorite of A-List players. After hearing her at The Improv, Thad Jones was so impressed with her talent that he presented Jane with The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Quintet at the club. Besides its illustrious leaders, the all-star band featured Roland Hanna, Jon Faddis and George Mraz. She also appeared in Joe Papp’s N.Y. Shakespeare Festival Summer Jazz Theatre with Woody Shaw, Harold Vic and Freddie Waites.
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Album Review
- Beginning to See The Light by Michael P. Gladstone
- Don't Look Back by Dan Bilawsky
- Don't Look Back by Bruce Lindsay
March 13, 2007
Jane Stuart CD Release Event March 14 at Sesame Restaurant
February 17, 2007
Jane Stuart "Beginning to See the Light" CD Release Events Trumpets 3/4...
Photos
Album Discography
Smile
From: SmileBy Jane Stuart