Jackie Ryan

Jackie Ryan

Musicians | Instrument: Vocals | Location: San Francisco

One of the outstanding jazz vocalists of her generation and, quite possibly, of all time... rivaling the dexterous sass of Sarah Vaughan, the instinctive smarts of Carmen McRae and the scintillating verve of Diana Krall.
—Christopher Loudon, JAZZ TIMES

Updated: June 19, 2022

Jackie teamed with GRAMMY Award winner John Clayton to deliver her chart- topping CD "Listen Here" - a tour de force through a myriad of jazz idioms — from blues and gospel flavored jazz gems, to luscious love songs, a soaring Spanish ballad, a Gershwin classic, pulsating samba rhythms, an original with lyrics penned by GRAMMY/Oscar/Emmy Award winners — all culminating with the title track: a stunning duet with 3-time GRAMMY nominee Gerald Clayton.

"Those who hear her are the fortunate ones," writes Howard Mandel - president, Jazz Journalists Association; "An astonishing contralto voice," (DOWNBEAT), thrilling audiences across the globe with her powerful 3 & 1/2 octave range and her magnetic stage presence - and amassing, along the way, an impressive array of records (three back-to-back #1 CDs on JazzWeek's nationwide chart) and glowing reviews.

Her previous outing - a double CD, "DOOZY" - featured Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Alexander, Jeremy Pelt, Carl Allen, Ray Drummond and Romero Lubambo, garnered universal praise (4-Stars from both DOWNBEAT and AMG), and held the #1 position nationwide on JazzWeek's industry-standard chart for a record-breaking 7 solid weeks. Her previous CD, "You and The Night and The Music" featuring Red Holloway, Tamir Hendelman, and Jeff Hamilton among others, also received 4 stars from AMG and DOWNBEAT.

In addition to these jazz greats , Ms. Ryan has recorded and/or performed with: Toots Thielemans, Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco, Ernie Watts, Harry Allen, Scott Hamilton, John Clayton, Gerald Clayton, Amina Figarova, Mike Wofford, Jon Mayer, Larry Vuckovich, Barry Harris, Bill Cunliffe, Shelly Berg, Benny Green, Jeff Hamilton, Terry Gibbs, Emil Richards, and Jon Hendricks.

GRAMMY- Award winning John Clayton - who produced and arranged her chart- topping CD for Jackie "Listen Here" (#1 on Jazzweeks nationwide radio chart for 4 weeks!) - has a gift for arranging for singers (Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Whitney Houston, among others), and this pairing was a match made in musical heaven. "I first paid attention to Jackie when I heard her stunning recordings with The Jeff Hamilton Trio," John says. "Her version of 'BESAME MUCHO' stopped me in my tracks." For these special recordings, John called on members of both the GRAMMY- nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and the Clayton Brothers Quintet (nominated for two GRAMMY Awards) - the extraordinary pianist Gerald Clayton, fiery percussionist Obed Calvaire, soulful saxmaster Rickey Woodard, trumpet virtuoso Gilbert Castellanos, and gifted guitarist Graham Dechter. John also lent his prodigious talents to this CD, weaving a sensitive bow - as on "A Time For Love," that literally melts into Ms. Ryan's sultry voice.

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4
Live Review

Jackie Ryan and the Larry McKenna Quartet at Chris’ Jazz Café

Read "Jackie Ryan and the Larry McKenna Quartet at Chris’ Jazz Café" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer


Jackie Ryan and the Larry McKenna Quartet Chris' Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA April 23, 2016 Jackie Ryan is acquiring a reputation as a “must hear" vocalist. When this reviewer heard DJ Bob Perkins ("BP with the GM") praise her singing on WRTI, he decided to attend her show at Chris' Jazz Café to see what she could do in person, the true test of a singer's ability. Then, to increase the anticipation, the band ...

3
Album Review

Jackie Ryan: Listen Here

Read "Listen Here" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey


There exists an intersection point in a vocal recording where four elements coalesce in excellence to produce a superb recording: the vocal, instrumental, material and sonic. Singer Jackie Ryan's Listen Here exists on this very point. AAJ critic Dan Bilawsky addressed the first two elements in his thoughtful review of Listen Here, calling Ryan, “a force of nature" and her instrumental support, “ damn good," observations easily echoed here and not improved upon. The latter pair of elements deserve a ...

1
Album Review

Jackie Ryan with John Clayton & Friends: Listen Here

Read "Listen Here" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello


With Listen Here, vocalist Jackie Ryan offers a diverse and delectable array of Great American Songbook and jazz classics, well-known but not regularly-recorded older hits, and superb original selections. Supported by Grammy Award-winning bassist John Clayton and most able friends (including Clayton's son, pianist Gerald, a three-time Grammy nominee), the overall effort soars. It's a tour de force of talent and taste.Ryan's voice is full, highly resonant and eminently inviting. It is also one of subtle shadings. Her ...

4
Album Review

Jackie Ryan: Listen Here

Read "Listen Here" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


Jackie Ryan isn't simply a singer; she's a force of nature. Her voice possesses a weighty power, yet soars with grace and ease. Her ability to transmute into different characters and forms, as dictated by the song, lyrics and style, makes her one in a million and she's managed to parlay that unique gift into project after successful project with some of the best in the business backing her up. This date is no exception. Ryan recruited ...

263
Album Review

Jackie Ryan: Doozy

Read "Doozy" reviewed by Larry Taylor


This two-CD set is vocalist Jackie Ryan's third recording and it's definitely a keeper. On the heels of her 2007 success, You And The Night And The Music (Open Art Productions), which landed on the charts, also appears destined for success.

With her clear, rich voice, Ryan undoubtedly has one of jazz's great vocal instruments--no low-note warble or reedy high notes for her and with a 3-1/2 octave range, she handles each song with aplomb. In addition, she has a ...

293
Album Review

Jackie Ryan: You and the Night and the Music

Read "You and the Night and the Music" reviewed by Joel Roberts


San Francisco-based chanteuse Jackie Ryan has a smoky contralto, an impressively wide vocal range and an actress' flair for delivering dramatic lyrics. That adds up to a winning combination on this collection of love songs. Backed by a top-notch trio of Los Angeles musicians, Ryan delivers straight-ahead performances of 14 mostly familiar romantic tunes. She shows she can swing hard on Cole Porter's “You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," sing with deep feeling on a ...

185
Album Review

Jackie Ryan: You and the Night and the Music

Read "You and the Night and the Music" reviewed by Dr. Judith Schlesinger


On most vocal recordings, singers are accompanied by their usual band, perhaps with a famous guest sitting in for a track or two. If the singer and band are good, the result is pleasing--but when the singer is excellent, the band is a crackling, long-term trio on its own, and the guest is a legend, it vaults the whole enterprise into an altogether different category.

All of these elements are here, on Jackie Ryan's third release for Open ...

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3

Recording

Vocalist Jackie Ryan Honors Her Late Mother With Classics From The Latin American Songbook On 'Recuerdos De Mi Madre,' Set For October 7 Release

Vocalist Jackie Ryan Honors Her Late Mother With Classics From The Latin American Songbook On 'Recuerdos De Mi Madre,' Set For October 7 Release

Source: Terri Hinte Publicity

Having established her mastery of the Great American Songbook, San Francisco Bay Area vocalist Jackie Ryan sets her sights on the Latin American Songbook with Recuerdos de mi Madre, set for an October 7 release on the OpenArt Productions label. The album’s ten tracks are all Spanish-language standards—the backbone of Latin American popular music—performed with a core band that includes pianist/trumpeter Marco Diaz, bassist Saúl Sierra, and percussionists Carlos Caro and Louie Romero. It also features a number of special ...

Performance / Tour

Jazz At The Chimes Presents Larry Vuckovich And Jackie Ryan

Jazz At The Chimes Presents Larry Vuckovich And Jackie Ryan

Source: Mary D'Orazi

JAZZ AT THE CHIMES’ kicks off its 2013 season with Bay Area jazz luminaries Larry Vuckovich, Jackie Ryan and John Santos — Sunday, January 20, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. The “Beyond Category Quartet” – led by the versatile pianist/composer Larry Vuckovich – includes percussionist and five-time Grammy nominee John Santos, Perry Thoorsell on acoustic bass and Leon Joyce on drums. Joining the quartet will be the internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Jackie ...

1

Recording

Singer Jackie Ryan Returns; "Listen Here" Also Features John Clayton & Friends

Singer Jackie Ryan Returns; "Listen Here" Also Features John Clayton & Friends

Source: Michael Bloom Media Relations

Jackie Ryan teams with Grammy Award winner John Clayton to deliver a tour de force through a myriad of jazz idioms ─ from blues & gospel flavored jazz gems, to luscious love songs, a soaring Spanish ballad, a Gershwin classic, pulsating samba rhythms ─ and culminates with the title track: a duet with three-time Grammy nominee Gerald Clayton. Listen Here is at once both a testimony and a tribute ─ a testimony to this artist’s love of exploration, and a ...

44

Performance / Tour

Jackie Ryan Headlines Eastside Jazz Extravaganza

Jackie Ryan Headlines Eastside Jazz Extravaganza

Source: Seattle Jazz Scene

The Eastside Jazz Extravaganza is this Sunday, December 4, at 2:00pm at the Theatre at Meydenbauer Center (11100 NE 6th Street, Bellevue). The show features a double bill headlined by vocalist Jackie Ryan joined by Randy Halberstadt, Jeff Johnson and Gary Hobbs. The Jovino Santos Neto Quinteto will open the concert with Ben Thomas (Vibraphone and Bandoneon), Chuck Deardorf (Bass), Mark Ivester (Drums), Jeff Busch (Percussion), plus Jovino on Piano, Flute, Melodica, and percussion. As an added bonus there will ...

112

Performance / Tour

Jackie Ryan with The Larry McKenna Quartet at Chris Jazz Cafe on April 1 & 2, 2011

Jackie Ryan with The Larry McKenna Quartet at Chris Jazz Cafe on April 1 & 2, 2011

Source: Edward Zucker

Vocalist, Jackie Ryan will be performing at Chris Jazz Cafe with The Larry McKenna Quartet. Ryan's CD, Doozy was #1 on the Jazz Week radio charts for the Fall and early Winter of 2009. Jackie Ryan—vocals Larry McKenna—saxophone Tom Lawton— piano Lee Smith—bass Dan Monaghan—drums April 1 & 2, 2011 Sets @ 8 & 10 PM Chris' Jazz Cafe 1421 Sansom St Philadelphia, PA ...

77

Performance / Tour

Vocalist Jackie Ryan at Chris' Jazz Cafe on August 20 & 21, 2010

Vocalist Jackie Ryan at Chris' Jazz Cafe on August 20 & 21, 2010

Source: All About Jazz

Vocalist Jackie Ryan will be performing at Chris' Jazz Cafe on August 20 & 21, 2010, with the Larry McKenna Quartet. “Listen to Jackie Ryan's voice and consider this: how important is it to you that vocal jazz come from the heart? Ryan's latest release proves that nothing works better on your soul than the real thing....a charm seldom seen in today's crowded singers' market. She's genuine."—Jim Santella, All About Jazz August 20 & 21, 2010 Sets starting ...

119

Recording

Jackie Ryan to Release "Best of Love Songs"

Jackie Ryan to Release "Best of Love Songs"

Source: DL Media

Jackie Ryan to Release A Valentine's Day Treat: Best of Love Songs Chart-topping Vocalist's 2009 CD DOOZY Held the #1 Status for 7 Weeks--3rd Most Played CD on Jazz Radio Nationwide#3 on JazzWeek's “Top 100 CDs of The Year"100% of this CD's 2010 profits go to Oxfam for ongoing HAITI RELIEF FUND “SWEEPING VOCAL POWERS...Jackie Ryan's chemistry of passion is truly sensational." --John Fordham, The London Guardian JACKIE RYAN E-Card

176

Performance / Tour

Oct 25 - Eastside Jazz Extravaganza

Oct 25 - Eastside Jazz Extravaganza

Source: Seattle Jazz Scene

Sunday October 25th 2009 Two Shows 1.30pm and 6.30 pm. Sherman Clay Piano Store 1000 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue WA 98004 Tickets: $17 ($15 students 18 and under) inclusive of refreshments are available from Cooksie Kramer (425 828 9104) Bellevue WA: On Sunday October 25th 2009, the Eastside Jazz Club will present their Annual Jazz Extravaganza concert Number 5. This year it will be held in the recital room of Sherman Clay. The event will feature ...

126

Recording

Jackie Ryan CD Release Gig for "Doozy" at Yoshi's on September 1

Jackie Ryan CD Release Gig for "Doozy" at Yoshi's on September 1

Source: DL Media

Jazz Singer Jackie Ryan to Celebrate the Release of Her New CD DOOZY at Yoshi's Oakland, Tuesday, September 1 Jackie Ryan will be joined by pianist Larry Dunlap, bassist Ruth Davies, drummer Deszon Claiborne, saxophonist Michael O'Neill, and trumpeter Steve Campos. Jackie Ryan--a note-perfect jazz singer with a naturally dramatic, beguiling and swinging sense of style and groove -- delivers a sweeping program of original vocalese, freshly interpreted familiar tunes, bittersweet Brazilian melodies and up-to-date blues in DOOZY, her fourth ...

199

Recording

Jackie Ryan Set to Release "Doozy" Featuring Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Alexander, Romero Lubambo, Jeremy Pelt

Jackie Ryan Set to Release "Doozy" Featuring Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Alexander, Romero Lubambo, Jeremy Pelt

Source: DL Media

DOOZY- A DOUBLE CD BOUNTY OF RARITIES, STANDARDS, BOSSA NOVA, BLUES JACKIE RYAN WITH CYRUS CHESTNUT, ERIC ALEXANDER, JEREMY PELT, ROMERO LUBAMBO IMPECCABLE WEST COAST JAZZ SINGER, PRAISED BY CRITICS AND FANS INTERNATIONALLY, SINGS HER FAVORITES WITH JAZZ ALL-STARS, CREATING TWO CLUB SETS FOR A TWO-CD ALBUM Jackie Ryan -- a note-perfect jazz singer with a naturally dramatic, beguiling and swinging sense of style and groove -- delivers a sweeping program of original vocalese, freshly interpreted familiar tunes, bittersweet Brazilian ...

"Extraordinary Is The Word! . . . A World Class Talent. Jazz singing at its very best." — Don Heckman, The Los Angeles Times

"Extravagantly Gifted! . . . Astonishing range - both emotionally and stylistically. A true jazz original." — Andrew Gilbert, jazz critic

"Sweeping vocal powers. . . A real discovery of a singer. . . Jackie Ryan's chemistry of passion is truly sensational." — John Fordham, The London Guardian

"The fiery multilingual Ryan is mightily impressive!" — Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times

"Singing from the heart. . . Jackie bridges gaps between both geography and generations!" — Steven Graybow, Billboard

"Deftly Assured! Savvy interpretive jazz vocalizing." — Variety

"Superb! The bell-like resonance of her smokey voice coupled with her heartfelt emotion

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Milton Nascimento
guitar and vocals
Ivan Lins
keyboards

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