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Janis Mann

At once both a striking song stylist and a fearless improviser, Janis Mann is that rare artist who can sweep you away with her captivating sound. She is a true jazz singer in the manner of Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, and Shirley Horn, yet with a sound all her own. An exciting and engaging performer, Mann's rich timbre, flexibility, and range often invites comparison to Sarah Vaughan.

In addition to working with the great pianist Kenny Werner on two outstanding recording projects, Janis has performed with Diane Schuur, Roy Haynes, Terrell Stafford, Dave Frishberg, Jack Sheldon, John Clayton, the Caribbean Jazz Project, Roberta Gambarini, and many other jazz luminaries.

Janis is a Los Angeles favorite and performs often in New York, notably at the Blue Note and the Kitano. Her recent touring includes New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. Her latest CD, “Celestial Anomaly,” with pianist Kenny Werner followed in the path of her previous two releases by charting at the top of the national jazz radio charts. She has released seven successful CDs.

JazzTimes writer Christopher Loudon says, “Mann is not only one of the most skilled vocalists around, but one of the most alluring as well." Born in Brooklyn, New York, Janis grew up on Long Island, drawing inspiration from her mom, a gifted singer, who would play for her the music of the great jazz singers like Sarah, Nat, and Ella. She studied classical piano and later, indulging her growing passion for folk music, learned the guitar. In her late teens, Janis packed up her guitar and headed for Europe. She supported herself in her travels by playing and singing in the cafes of Paris and Amsterdam and busking in the London Underground. After returning to New York, she fronted a popular R&B band, and then made a move to Los Angeles. After a number of years living in Venice and playing in venues throughout L.A., Janis moved to Seattle where she became a renowned vocalist winning numerous fans. She was awarded Northwest Jazz Vocalist of the Year honors in the Earshot Jazz poll of fans, musicians, and critics. She recorded her third CD, "So Many Stars - A Tribute to Sarah Vaughan," live at Seattle's world famous Jazz Alley. After more than a decade there she returned to Los Angeles.

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9
Album Review

Janis Mann & Kenny Werner: Dreams of Flying

Read "Dreams of Flying" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


Janis Mann has quietly but steadily amassed an impressive body of work over the course of more than two decades. For this, the vocalist's eighth album, she brings studio and stage into beautiful alignment with different, intimate configurations hinging on the constant presence of pianist Kenny Werner. The majority of this music was recorded in 2016 at New York's Samurai Hotel Recording Studio, with key collaborator Werner and, more often than not, the rhythm combo of bassist Drew Gress and ...

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Interview

Janis Mann: Authentic And In The Moment

Read "Janis Mann: Authentic And In The Moment" reviewed by R.J. DeLuke


Janis Mann, a singer now based on the west coast, had made it a practice before the pandemic to periodically travel back east for gigs in the New York City area, of which she is a native. Mann still wants that, but she's waiting for the right time. Making music is a necessity for this artist. Time--not gigs--is what musicians have had on their hands over the last year. Some have occupied it by teaching or writing. All ...

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Recording

Janis Mann & Kenny Werner - Dreams Of Flying

Janis Mann & Kenny Werner - Dreams Of Flying

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

DownBeat Editors' Pick: January 2021 Renowned jazz vocalist Janis Mann teams up once again with world-class pianist Kenny Werner for Dreams of Flying. For this, her eighth album, Janice chose a mesmerizing collection of modern standards from the New American Songbook. Songs by Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Webb, Stephen Sondheim, Johnny Mandel, Blossom Dearie and others get the rich interpretations they deserve in this unforgettable recording. Janis Mann: vocals Kenny Werner: piano Drew ...

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Music Industry

Jazz Chanteuse Janis Mann Signs with SRI Jazz

Jazz Chanteuse Janis Mann Signs with SRI Jazz

Source: Shelly Liebowitz

SRI Jazz has just added an exciting and vibrant voice to the label with the addition of Jazz Chanteuse Janis Mann. A truly gifted performer in the vein of such greats as Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, Mann's ability to use her vocal instrument with great ease, along with her natural sense of how to interpret a lyric, makes her one of the stand-out jazz singers of our time. Described as “Always a solid swinger and one who makes every ...

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