Results for "Women in Jazz"

Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra

Active since: January 1, 2000

The Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra (SWOJO) features many of the finest female jazz artists in the region. Showcasing high intensity jazz, tight harmonies, and lush dynamic sounds, the band performs with a fresh energy stemming from seven years of thrilling audiences on two continents. SWOJO has come a long way in a short time. Since forming in 2000, the band has performed at clubs, jazz festivals, and concert halls in North and South America, released a critically acclaimed CD (Dreamcatcher), and was nominated for an Earshot Golden Ear award in 2006! SWOJO has appeared with a number of distinguished jazz artists including Ingrid Jensen, Christine Jensen, Grace Kelly, Don Lanphere, Mimi Fox, Curtis Stigers, Susan Pascal, Sue Orfield, Greta Matassa, Hazel Leach, Jill Townsend, Sherrie Maricle, and Sheryl Bailey

Laura Orzehoski

Wendy Jones

Born: June

Wendy is a jazz vocalist, recording artist, songwriter and arranger who is often praised for her approachable and accessible presence...both onstage and off. She consistently receives accolades for her authentic and honest renditions of jazz standards as well as her ability to transport an audience with her musical storytelling. She is drawn to music that is beautiful, somewhat nostalgic, but also though-provoking. 

 As a professional vocalist, Wendy has appeared on stages from NYC to Chicago to Tokyo and has performed with artists such as NEA Jazz Master Jamey Aebersold, legendary jazz guitarist Howard Alden, jazz violinist Christian Howes, Crystal Gale and has sung backup for the alternative hip hop group Deltron 3030.  She has appeared at Club Bonafide in NYC, the Jazz Arts Initiative in Charlotte, the The Mauldin Blues and Jazz Festival, Mountain Oasis Music Festival, the Spartanburg Jazz Festival, Our World Festival, and the Django Reinhardt Festival in Asheville, NC.

The Tiptons Saxophone Quartet & Drums

Born: June 9, 1988

THE TIPTONS SAXOPHONE QUARTET & DRUMS are an internationally renowned all-female saxophone quartet with drums, celebrating over 30 years as a band. Formed in 1988 in Seattle, WA by Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame member Amy Denio (alto sax, clarinet, voice), she is joined by co-leader Jessica Lurie (soprano/alto/ tenor sax,voice), Sue Orfield (tenor sax, voice), Tina Richerson (baritone saxophone, voice), and Robert Kainar (drums,percussion) from Salzburg, Austria.

The Tiptons' material ranges from micro-Big Band to Gospel, Bluegrass to Balkan, whimsical Chamber Jazz, and nocturnal Funk to Free Jazz Improvisation using saxophones, clarinet, their voices, drums, and inventive percussion to create a genre-busting ‘world soul’ sound. The band takes its name in honor of Billy Tipton, a female-born saxophonist who lived their life as a man in the 20th century to realize their dreams as a professional musician. Like Billy, the Tiptons have developed a personal, eclectic approach to their musical vision, creating some of the freshest sounds on the jazz/world/pop music scene today.

Laura Klein

Mary Louise Knutson

Born: April 19

Minneapolis-based pianist and composer, Mary Louise Knutson, has been called "one of the most exciting and innovative artists to happen to jazz piano in quite some time." Her warm, inviting tone, broad range of emotional expression, and distinctive compositions have brought her much recognition on the national music scene. Knutson's long-awaited new jazz trio CD, In the Bubble, ranked in JazzWeek's Top 10 and remained on the chart for 19 weeks straight. Six standards and four originals - which range from a swinging Oscar Peterson Trio-style "It Could Happen to You” to a smooth jazz version of “You Don’t Know What Love Is” to a Keith Jarrett style "You Are My Sunshine" - complete this highly accessible mainstream-to-modern collection.

Joan Hutton

Born: May 18, 1969

Joan Hutton is a woodwind performer, composer and music educator residing in Minneapolis and hailing from Toronto, Canada. Her varied musical interests have led her over the years to classical, jazz, funk, free improvisation, pit orchestras and more. Joan has released two albums of original music on Shifting Paradigm Records with co-leader Sue Orfield: Take That Back (2022) and Splash (2024). She is also a long time member of the Ancia Saxophone Quartet, with recordings on the Naxos and Albany labels.

Dr. Joan Cartwright

Born: March 12

Amazing Musicwomen Ensemble Jazz Vocalist/Historian Joan Cartwright and her ensemble trace the origins of Jazz from the West Coast of Africa to the clubs of Harlem. This presentation highlights the life, times and tunes of America’s premiere Blues and Jazz Women from Bessie Smith to Betty Carter and beyond. Selections include compositions of Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, Cole Porter, Norman Mapp and Joan Cartwright. (1-2 hours)

Lara Solnicki

Born: April 29

"She has emerged from the Canadian scene with a spellbinding voice... with boldly unique style and a vocal attitude of her own. Solnicki has been rightfully labeled a vocal purist, and naturally sings any jazz arrangement with relative ease. With exceptional tonal control and her mastery of inflection, Lara Solnicki has without doubt, charted her vocal journey, affirming her position as a world class jazz singer. " (−Everett. R. Davis, All About Jazz) Canadian vocalist, composer and poet Lara Solnicki is one of Greg Osby's Inner Circle Music artists. She enjoys a busy schedule, performing and recording with many of Canada’s finest musicians

Joyce Spencer

Joyce Spencer is a distinguished saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist originating from Dallas, Texas, whose musical journey reflects a rich tapestry of influences and genres. With a versatile repertoire that spans traditional and contemporary jazz, classical, R&B, funk, fusion, blues, pop, and Gospel/Christian music, Joyce's artistry is a testament to her diverse musical upbringing. This extensive background has not only enhanced her performance capabilities but has also fortified her skills in music composition, allowing her to create engaging and memorable musical experiences.

With mastery over the soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, as well as the flute and her vocal talents, Joyce captivates audiences with her ability to transition seamlessly between lively tunes, smooth jazz, and heartfelt ballads. Her performances have graced numerous venues, including music festivals, concerts, church gatherings, and corporate events across the United States, where she has had the privilege of collaborating with notable acts such as Yarbrough & Peoples, i.Tina (Tina Turner Tribute Band), Satin Dolls, Jazz in Pink, and her band, Joyce Spencer & Expressions which includes her Sade Tribute Show.