Jeannie Tanner

“…Her singing is as lyrical as her trumpet playing, but more subtle and delicately nuanced. The silvery quality of her vocal tone, the pliancy of her rhythms and the originality of her compositions attest to her depth as a jazz musician…” Howard Reich, CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Jeannie Tanner is an award winning composer, vocalist and trumpeter who performs and records with her band, the Jeannie Tanner Quartet. This multi-talented instrumentalist is among the few successful female trumpet players and jazz musicians in the world. Her music has been used for many TV/film projects, including Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert (PBS), and the indie feature film Reconstellation, which was entered in the Sundance Film Festival.

Ms. Tanner’s most recent releases, TANNER TIME (Tanner Time Records, 2007) and THOSE THAT LIE IN BETWEEN (Darwin Records, 2005) were both on the nominating list for Grammy consideration in nine categories, including Best Jazz Album.

New C.D. -- PROMISE ME THE MOON (Tanner Time Records - December, 2008) is Tanner’s fifth release and it will remind listeners of the romantic music of the 1930’s and 40’s. The light, swing rhythm and charming lyrics of Tanner’s title track “Promise me the Moon” set the tone for this warm-hearted collection of love songs.

“PROMISE ME THE MOON has got to be one of Jeannie's best recordings to date--It swings from start to finish. And I'm so impressed with her songwriting. She writes new songs that come off, at first listen, like standards--like songs we've known and sung along with for years and years. The title track is my favorite, followed by the European remix of 'C'est Bon, C'est Bon.' And, Jeannie was dynamite on ABC!” Rick O’Dell, WNUA, 95.5 FM(Chicago)

Twelve of the tracks are Tanner’s original J-Pop (Jazz-Pop) compositions, her signature blend of Jazz, Pop, R&B, Blues and Latin Rhythms. The result is a fresh, imaginative collection of sing-along tunes that tell stories of love and romance.

“…Strong melodies and catchy lyrics are what many of today’s composers struggle to create. Tanner makes it sound easy throughout the c.d. The first tune on the recording is the title track, “Promise Me the Moon.” The first time listening it sounds like a nice medium tempo tune with some interesting lyrics, however after playing it a few more times I found myself singing the tune the rest of the day…” Mike Jeffers, Editor (Chicago Jazz Magazine)

The variety of tunes on this c.d. showcase Tanner’s breadth and talent as a songwriter and musician. PROMISE ME THE MOON is lush, complex and organic with intricate time signatures and chord progressions that give her talented quartet room to stretch and move and explore the music. But Tanner’s distinguishing feat as a composer lies in her ability to fuse the spontaneity of old school jazz with memorable lyrics and musical hooks that give her music broad appeal.

PROMISE ME THE MOON features genuinely inspired work by her quartet: Lisa McQueen, piano; Cory Biggerstaff, bass; and Darlene DuFay on drums; with special guest Neal Alger on guitar.

The Jeannie Tanner Quartet recently performed on ABC’s Sunday Morning in Chicago; and brought down the house at the 2008 Taste of Chicago, headlining on the Best Buy Stage. The c.d. release party for PROMISE ME THE MOON this past December (2008) at Andy’s Jazz Club in downtown Chicago was sold out. Tanner has performed the National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs, White Sox and Bulls; and she has opened for Kurt Elling (at the Park West) and Tony Orlando (Pheasant Run Resort). She has shared the stage with Joan Cusack, Studs Terkel and a host of other beloved Chicagoans.

Ms. Tanner has performed and recorded with drummer Matt Walker (Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan & Garbage); bassist Brett Simons (Shakira & Jennifer Love Hewitt); pianist Ryan Cohan (arranger for the Chicago Symphony Jazz Ensemble and Ramsey Lewis); multi-instrumentalist & composer Scott Bennett (Brian Wilson’s Band) bassist Jim Cammack (Ahmad Jamal & Nancy Wilson); and bassist Clark Sommers (Mighty Blue Kings and Dan Cray Trio), just to name a few.

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