Event
Memphis International Jazz Festival
Friday Night, November 22, 2013 @ The Central Station Board Room
Fluidity and discipline are two of the defining elements of artistic craft. The ability to experiment and flow is born from understanding the rules and not only breaking them, but also expanding them. Vocalist Jamille "JAM" Hunter exudes this dexterity through her abilities as singer, composer, musician, and performer. Her stage presence along with her sultry, full-bodied vocals brings her classical and jazz training center stage.
Jamille was given the nickname "JAM" in secondary school and as she continued to explore musical ability, the moniker stuck. A self-described "neo-jazz" singer, Jam is poised to emerge on the increasingly volcanic contemporary jazz scene. She cites as her influences Earth Wind and Fire, Dinah Washington, Stevie Wonder, Sarah Vaughan, Diane Reeves, Jill Scott, and Robert Glasper. Her debut CD In the Sun, scheduled for release March 13, 2012, gives evidence of her respect for the legacy of her musical heroes while adding her distinct, modern imprint. It features Claude Hinds III on keys, David Parks on bass and Ramon Sampson on drums..
With years of gigging in the R&B/Soul arena under her belt, and previous classical training JAM began to train intensively as a jazz vocalist in Los Angeles, CA at the World Stage of LeimertPark. Seeking an international experience she left Los Angeles and hit the stage in Nagoya, Japan where she honed her craft as the lead vocalist at the world-famous Stardust Jazz Club.
The texture of her sound is reminiscent of a smoky jazz venue. JAM is an old soul with a bright spirit. Her vocals soar and explode thematically around love, whether it is romantic love, love for life, or love for creating. And while the pain of love seeps into her melodies, her compositions tend to swing towards resonant uplift, capturing her joy that arises from performing, writing, and arranging.
Recently JAM produced a standing room only Sarah Vaughan tribute concert that is set to become an annual performance spotlighting the brilliance of this quintessential vocalist. She disregards genre containment by seeking untraditional venues to spotlight her music. Career highlights include performing the "Star Spangled Banner" at Dodger stadium and high profile performances on the Bobby Jones Gospel Fest and Opera Memphis.
Jamille Hunter can move listeners through a range of temper from cheery and up-tempo to contemplative and sensual. They anticipate the heights and valleys of her songs like a long-awaited journey. Her music kidnaps listeners and when the song is over, they drift back to reality waiting for the next excursion. Be a part of the expedition, just push the "Play" button.
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LocationCentral Station Boardroom (View)
545 South Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
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