"Connection is what it's all about," says Jennifer. "Connection with my band and connection with the listener. That's what creates the magic. The deeper the connection, the more magical the experience for everyone involved." And connect she does, with sincerity and a perpetual sense of wonder. 

Rooted in the straight-ahead jazz tradition, this San Francisco Bay Area-based vocalist/pianist/guitarist has developed a style all her own. With her warm, lovely voice, extraordinary musicality and hip sense of time, Jennifer brings each song uniquely to life. On an up-tempo tune, she really swings. On a ballad, she sings with a depth of emotion that pays homage to the music and the lyric.

In addition to her love of straight-ahead jazz, Jennifer has a strong affinity for the music of Brazil. When she sings bossa nova and samba (in Portuguese with a near-perfect Brazilian accent) and accompanies herself on guitar, you can almost feel the warm sands of Ipanema beneath your feet. With her band Doce Brazil, Jennifer has been featured at the SFJazz Summerfest and has played to sold out concert venues throughout the Bay Area. Her straight-ahead quartet has been featured in the San Jose Jazz Society summer concert series.

Jennifer discovered her passion for music as a child, playing piano and guitar. She was the pianist in her college jazz band and accompanied other singers before realizing her own gift for vocal interpretation. Her extensive experience as an instrumentalist affords Jennifer a thorough understanding of the harmonic intricacies of the music she sings. This knowledge, along with her natural aptitude for musical expression, make for a remarkable talent.

Whether on guitar or piano, Jennifer accompanies herself with a simple elegance and sweetness, while maintaining a deep and thrilling in-the-pocket groove. "Lee knows how to drop a jaw with her rhythm ease on guitar," says Jean Bartlett of the Pacifica Tribune.

Jennifer's CD Quiet Joy, though currently available on her website, is not due for official release until the spring of 2009. Recorded at Spragueland Studios in Encinitas, California, this CD features Jennifer on all three of her primary instruments - vocals, guitar and piano - as well as on finger snaps, bells and wind chimes. This disc is an exciting mix of originals, standards and Brazilian songs. Jennifer's arrangements, while interesting and unique, are also always musical and always in the service heartfelt expression.

"A new discovery for me is Jennifer Lee, a singer with a beautiful, expressive voice and hip but unpreten-tious phrasing. Her latest release, Quiet Joy, is a joy, from start to finish. Throughout, Jennifer's voice is appropriately out front in the mix. With an instru-ment like hers, it's great to let it shine through. Her guitar playing and piano playing, also featured on this CD, are nothing to scoff at either, and show her to be a true and well-rounded musician. The final track of Quiet Joy is Jennifer's lovely and haunting rendition of "Never, Never Land" - absolutely delicious. Nothing but praise and respect for Jennifer Lee and her cohorts on Quiet Joy. Excellent work by all involved. - Bud Spangler

J-Walkin', released in 2003, is Jennifer's debut release as featured vocalist. While incorporating many elements of straight-ahead jazz, this recording also takes several wide steps outside of that realm. The collection includes Brazilian songs, originals, a heavily funkified arrangement of Frank Loesser's "The Inchworm" and a spoken-word piece, among other things.

Mad-Kat recording artist Kitty Margolis says of this CD, "In the best recordings, the essence of the artist's individual spirit is revealed clearly. Having known Jennifer for many years now I can say that on this disc, the above is true in spades. Thoughtful, gentle, classy, sweet with a mischievous streak...these qualities are all part of Jennifer and she shares them with us beautifully."

Jennifer's core trio on J-Walkin' features guitarist Peter Sprague, bassist Bob Magnusson, and percussionist Tommy Aros. Peter Sprague, winner of numerous San Diego music awards, has performed with such players as Chick Corea, Eddie Harris, Dori Caymmi and Al Jarreau. Bob Magnusson is an alumnus of the Buddy Rich band. He also toured with Sarah Vaughn in the 70s and has recorded with the likes of Hank Jones, Cedar Walton and Tommy Flanagan, to name just a few.

Jennifer's first released recordings were part of a compilation entitled Quint-Essential, a collection that is unique in both content and form. Jennifer's selections on this recording feature three of the Bay Area's finest instrumentalists: guitarist Jeff Buenz, bassist John Shifflett, and drummer Jason Lewis. This superb trio creates a musical landscape that is the perfect playground for Jennifer's rich, sultry vocals.

Quint-Essential, which also includes the work of vocalists Shanna Carlson, Sharman Duran, Jenna Mammina, and Cathi Walkup, is the musical equivalent of a lovely and playful mosaic. "Five wonderfully unique, distinctive voices. Fifteen marvelous songs. One remarkable CD," says Wayne Saroyan of JazzWest. "These five women have crafted a singular work of music that celebrates the intrinsic beauty of each song, transcending the familiar and illuminating the sublime. A quintessential CD for lovers of jazz."

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