JEANNIE TANNER - Vocalist, Composer & Trumpeter

Artist Information

Biography

JEANNIE TANNER, Chicago Entertainer

“…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 her original jazz-pop music (a mix of jazz, pop, R&B and Latin rhythms) with her band, the Jeannie Tanner Quartet. Her music has been used for many TV/film projects, including Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert (PBS), Days of Our Lives, and indie feature films such as Reconstellation, an entrance at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Ms. Tanner’s last four c.d.s - YOU CAN KISS ME INTO ANYTHING (Tanner Time Records, 2010), A LITTLE BIT OF CHRISTMAS (Tanner Time Records, 2009), PROMISE ME THE MOON (Tanner Time Records - December, 2008) and TANNER TIME (Tanner Time Records, 2007) were all on the nominating list for Grammy consideration in nine categories, including Best Traditional Pop Album (PROMISE ME THE MOON) - ala the Great American Songbook) and Best Jazz Vocal Album (TANNER TIME).

"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, WLFM/87.7 Chicago's Smooth Jazz midday DJ & Program Director

“…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)

A LITTLE BIT OF CHRISTMAS was Tanner’s limited holiday release in December 2009, and seven of the thirteen tracks have been signed for upcoming television and film projects. This was her first Christmas recording.

New C.D. – YOU CAN KISS ME INTO ANYTHING is Tanner’s seventh solo release (and fourth in the last five years). It is a c.d. filled with upbeat blues, Latin rhythms and traditional jazz echoes. It was released Valentine’s Weekend, 2010 at Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago and sold out both nights. Seven of the nine tracks have also been signed for upcoming film and tv projects.

The variety of tunes on this new c.d. showcase Tanner’s breadth and talent as a songwriter and musician. 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. YOU CAN KISS ME INTO ANYTHING features genuinely inspired work by her quartet: Lisa McQueen, piano; Cory Biggerstaff, bass; and Darlene DuFay on drums.

The Jeannie Tanner Quartet brought down the house at the 2010 Taste of Chicago, headlining on the Best Buy Stage. The JTQ recently performed on WGN and ABC in Chicago (December, 2009); and the quartet played to a sold out crowd at the release party for PROMISE ME THE MOON in December (2008) at Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago. Ms. Tanner has performed the National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs, White Sox and Bulls. She has opened for Kurt Elling (at the Park West) and Tony Orlando (Pheasant Run Resort); and 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 (Mighty Blue Kings & Jennifer Love Hewitt); pianist Ryan Cohan (arranger for the Chicago Symphony Jazz Ensemble and Ramsey Lewis); multi-instrumentalist & composer Scott Bennett.

Instrumentation

Jeannie Tanner - vocalist, trumpeter and composer
Lisa McQueen - piano
Cory Biggerstaff - bass
Darlene Dufay - drums
Jeannie also features many other players in her quartet: Carol Rand, bass; Brett Rowe, piano; Tom Muellner, piano; Rachel Shaftman, piano; Joe Policastro, bass... and many other great Chicago players...

Discography

C.D.s:
VEGAS - Limited release / 2012 (for tv & film projects)
YOU CAN KISS ME INTO ANYTHING (2010) Tanner Time Records
A LITTLE BIT OF CHRISTMAS (2009) Tanner Time Records
PROMISE ME THE MOON (2008) - all tracks are currently receiving airplay in the USA, on-line and in Europe.
TANNER TIME (2007) - all tracks are currently receiving airplay in the U.S.A., on-line and in Europe.
THOSE THAT LIE IN BETWEEN (2005) - Darwin Records
OUT OF THE BLUE (1998) - Deerpath Music/Darwin Records
ANYTIME, ANYWHERE (1993) - J&M Records

Official Website

http://www.jeannietanner.com

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Jeannie Tanner Videos
• MySpace
• JEANNIE TANNER Official Website
• JEANNIE TANNER ECard

Audio

• You Can Kiss Me Into Anything
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• Ya More Than Satisfy
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• Promise Me the Moon
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• C'est Bon, C'est Bon
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• Don't Need Another Lover
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• You're the One (Instr)
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• Red
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• Reflections in Mirrors
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• TANNER TIME
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• Comfort Zone
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• Enchanted I Will Follow
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Lyrics

• Shine in My Backyard
• "Red"
• Promise Me the Moon
• TANNER TIME
• Ya More Than Satisfy
• Those That Lie In Between

Video

Jeannie Tanner "Tanner Time" Release Party

Photo Gallery

Press

• Tanner Takes Her Place as a Jazz Artist [+ Show ]
  

  by Howard Reich (Tribune Critic) Women never have had a fair shake in jazz, which long has accord...by Howard Reich (Tribune Critic)
  
  Women never have had a fair shake in jazz, which long has accorded hero status mostly to men.
  
  Though a few intrepid women broke out of the singer-pianist sterotype early on - among them composer-instrumentalists such as Melba Liston, Carla Bley and Toshiko Akiyoshi - these have been the glorious exceptions to an unfortunate rule.
  
  So there's something inspiring in seeing Chicagoan Jeannie Tanner putting a trumpet to her lips at one moment, singing original compositions the next and leading a taut quartet throughout her show at Pete Miller's in Evanston. A multifaceted artist if ever there was one, Tanner played all her roles with aplomb, though some more effectively than others.
  
  As a trumpeter, Tanner acquitted herself capably, unspooling lithe lines that never lacked for invention or clarity. If she didn't show the technical elan and charismatic presence one expects of modern-day trumpeters, that may have had something to do with the setting. A place such as Pete Miller's, which patrons visit for food and conversation, simply does not lend itself to clarion, hard-hitting trumpet solos.
  
  So, it was as singer-songwriter-bandleader that Tanner proved most effective on a recent Thursday evening, her singing 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 attested to her depth as a jazz musician.
  
  Although Tanner would be still be more effective if she projected more forcefully into the crowd, there was no questioning the sophistication of this music.
  
  In her own "Reflections in Mirrors," Tanner produced scat singing of appealing complexity. Her ability to linger behind the beat, then rush to catch up, was a pleasure to hear. And in "Tanner Time," the title cut of her latest CD, she reaffirmed the craft and creativity of her songwriting.
  
  Moreover, she brought refinement of style to an earthy blues, reinventing the B.B. King hit "Rock Me Baby." Tanner's cries and laments may have been delivered at nearly the level of a whisper; but they were all the more effective for it.
  
  Her band followed suit, with consistently gentle support from pianist Brett Rowe, bassist Joe Policastro and drummer Darlene Dufay.
  
  Now, if Tanner would just give listeners something more to hear on trumpet, audiences could take the full measure of her art.
  
  hreich@tribune.com

• JEANNIE TANNER - Promise Me the Moon [+ Show ]
  

  JEANNIE TANNER - PROMISE ME THE MOON Jeannie Tanner – Vocals, trumpet Lisa McQueen – Piano Co...JEANNIE TANNER -
  PROMISE ME THE MOON
  
  Jeannie Tanner – Vocals, trumpet
  Lisa McQueen – Piano
  Cory Biggerstaff – Upright bass
  Darlene DuFay – Drums
  Neal Alger – Guitar
  Matt Feddermann – Guitar
  
  For the past few years Jeannie Tanner has been one of the busiest musicians on the Chicago jazz scene. From long running gigs at Marie’s Restaurant and Pete Miller’s to high profile performances at Pheasant Run and the Taste of Chicago, Tanner has been working to perfect the sound of her music.
  
  In her latest release, Promise Me the Moon, Tanner takes on several different roles: that of composer, instrumentalist and vocalist. Strong melodies and catchy lyrics is what many of today’s composers struggle to create. Tanner makes it sound easy throughout the recording.
  
  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. Yes it was annoying to have a tune in my head all day but it goes to show you how catchy and well written the melody was.
  
  Throughout the recording there are surprises: The song “C’est Bon, C’est Bon” is an up-tempo samba that has a nice groove created by bassist Cory Biggerstaff and drummer Darlene DuFay, and is sung by Tanner in French.
  
  One of the highlights of the recording is the track “Can’t Believe that It’s You,” a beautiful song written by pianist Lisa McQueen with lyrics by Jeannie Tanner. This is the type of tune that you could easily hear artists like Jewel or Nora Jones perform on a hit recording. Tanner’s voice lends itself well to this style of music and the simplistic instrumentation of piano, guitar (provided by Neal Alger), bass and light drums create the ideal sound.
  
  There are many other impressive moments on this recording, but the overall highlight is Tanner’s rich voice. Because she is always pictured with her trumpet one doesn’t expect to hear such an accomplished vocalist, but Tanner’s smooth delivery, swinging feel and quality phrasing on every tune makes one wonder what would happen if she devoted her time solely to singing. She is unquestionably a strong trumpet player, but her voice has a quality that is way above average. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Tanner in the future. She has some great "Promise".
  
  Mike Jeffers, Editor
  CHICAGO JAZZ MAGAZINE
  
  

• JEANNIE TANNER -- Tanner Time [+ Show ]
  

  JEANNIE TANNER -- TANNER TIME by Paul Abella Jeannie Tanner: Vocals/Trumpet Lisa McQueen: Pian...JEANNIE TANNER -- TANNER TIME
  by Paul Abella
  
  Jeannie Tanner: Vocals/Trumpet
  Lisa McQueen: Piano
  Carol Rand: Bass
  Darlene Dufay: Drums
  Neal Alger: Guitar
  Michael Hesiak: Tenor
  
  In a jazz scene littered with discs by singers singing the same standards with roughly the same arrangements, Jeannie Tanner's Tanner Time stands out. Not only for the songs, which stretch well beyond the boundaries of what is normally considered jazz, but also by the fine playing of an (almost) all female ensemble.
  
  The disc starts off in fine fashion with a nice take on I Got Rhythm. Immediately, the listener is made
  aware of Tanner's fantastic voice and sense of time, pulling and pushing against the rhythm section. The tip of the hat to the jazz world continues with some
  fine trumpet playing on Bernie's Tune. The rest of the disc has some straight up jazz scattered
  throughout, like the pretty Tanner Time, or the Fever-esque Red, but what will really grab the listener's attention on this disc, for better or for worse, will be the slow jam R&B-ish ballads that pepper the CD.
  
  While some might see it as a bad thing that a talented jazz trumpeter and vocalist is dabbling in very poppy territory on songs like One Lifetime, My Whole World
  Is You or It Ain't Me, I have to say, it is a bonus to this disc because she sounds so at home on the poppier material here. She's right in the pocket, and her band supports her well with punchy arrangements that make these songs work.
  
  Overall, this is a nice disc that celebrates its schizophrenia, jumping between straight jazz and jazz influenced pop music. Jazz fans will definitely appreciate the jazz tunes, and might find themselves surprised by the effort put into the poppier moments.
  
  
  

• Tanner's Secret Sauce Sizzles, November 2008 [+ Show ]
  

  Tanner’s Secret Sauce Sizzles Patrice Elliott-Mace, Freelance Writer Sultry vocalist, gifted ins...Tanner’s Secret Sauce Sizzles
  Patrice Elliott-Mace, Freelance Writer
  
  Sultry vocalist, gifted instrumentalist, innovative composer – Jeannie Tanner blends each of these roles together like a tasty recipe simmering in its own signature sauce.
  
  J-Pop (Jazz-Pop) is Tanner’s own signature blend of Jazz, Pop, R&B, Blues, and Latin rhythms. This fresh and lively styling permeates Tanner’s mesmerizing performances, as she projects the full range of human emotion punctuated with love, loss and feel-good lyrics.
  
  These varied roles were most evident at her latest CD recording of, Promise Me The Moon. I witnessed a musical collaboration seasoned with creativity, skill, and technology. Tanner’s persona at the recording session is similar to her on-stage persona which is warm and engaging.
  
  At the same time she leverages the collective strength of the musicians in her ensemble while allowing the music to find its own path of expression in each track.
  
  Promise Me The Moon, will transport listeners back to the romantic times of the 1930’s and 40’s. This CD is chocked-full of Tanner originals plus a couple of jazz standards in her first “concept” project.
  
  Jeannie Tanner took time out of a busy schedule to share her thoughts during a recent interview.
  
  Q:What led you to play an instrument during your youth?
  A:My whole family is very, musical; everybody plays instruments - cousins, uncles, mom, and dad. I came from sort of a gospel-Pentecostal upbringing in Houston, TX. My aunt played trumpet for the church, I remember seeing her play with the choir for special events and so forth. At my church we actually had a band, a set of drums, bass guitar, upright bass, horns and all kinds of instruments. At a young age, I was very inspired by the church and already writing. I started playing the piano and then the trumpet in sixth grade.
  
  Q:Who were your strongest musical influences when you were a child?
  A:Growing up it was really eclectic, as my parents listened to a lot of gospel and we went to a lot of churches where I was very influenced by gospel choirs. I also loved listening to my Dad's records of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole. When I got a little older, I started loving the sounds of Earth Wind & Fire and the band Chicago ‘cause of their horn sections. I was very influenced by R&B, especially Aretha Franklin because of her soulfulness. And of course, once I really started getting into jazz, I discovered Miles Davis.
  
  
  Q:What role did your music teacher play in your musical development?
  A:I’d have to say that every single music teacher that I had in grade school, high school and college played a very important role in my musical development. Early on it was to inspire and encourage me to practice. In high school, both of my band directors allowed me to compose two jazz compositions that were preformed with the jazz band on tour and at concerts. As a result, of this experience, I was awarded the John Philip Sousa Award. There were so many talented musicians around me, but I was the only one that composed anything. In college, my professor was Dr. Harold Harmon (who had toured with Doc Severinsen of the Tonight Show). The most important thing that he taught me was to eliminate my elaborate warm-up before a performance. Dr. Harmon felt that when you picked up your horn, you needed to be ready to play. He also coached me to change my embouchure, since I used to play my horn to the side of my mouth. Although I almost had a nervous breakdown, it was the best thing ever, since the majority of your muscles are in the middle of your lip. Till this day, you’ll never hear me play a sound on my horn until I am ready to play my first note. That’s probably the most important point - always be ready to play.
  
  Q:I know you’ve done quite a bit of volunteer work with young people from various backgrounds. Tell me a bit about what role music has played in the lives of these individuals?
  A:I was fortunate enough to run the Lathrop Community Music Center from 1996 through 2003 in the Humboldt Park/Logan Square area. The most inspiring thing to me was I had children, teens and adults coming from different neighborhoods and backgrounds. I always encouraged my teachers to find out what kind of music our students liked to listen to - whether it was gospel, jazz, classical, whatever. One of the board members commented that if these students were seen on the street, they would walk on different sides of it. If they were in the park, they’d play different games. Suddenly it transcends all that [differences] -- Music is a healing and universal language. It didn’t matter the background of the student, when you walked through the door, everybody was equal. Many of our students began to excel at school and went on to college.
  
  Q:Who do you listen to for musical inspiration?
  A:I listen to all kinds of things: jazz, local artists, Winton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Diana Krall, and Nancy Wilson (some of her old stuff is really cool…). You know, I have a double CD set of Billie Holiday that I carry with me everywhere.
  
  Q:What advice would you give youngsters, particularly girls that are interested in a music career?
  A:We are still very much living in a man’s world. In every facet of music you will find it dominated by men, don’t let that discourage you, just keep doing what you love – if you love it. If you do it from your heart, you’ll eventually rise to the top. One of my college professors told me that it’s 90% perspiration, 10% inspiration. So it’s hard work, and chances are you’ll never make back the money and time that you put into your art, but it doesn’t matter.
  
  Tanner’s last CD, Tanner Time made the Grammy ballot voting list in 9 categories including Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Instrumental Solo [December 2007].
  
  Promise Me The Moon - CD’s available November 14th at all Chicagoland Best Buys, online at www.jeannietanner.com. and after each performance.
  
  Promise Me The Moon features Jeannie Tanner – Vocals, Trumpet
  Cory Biggerstaff - Bass
  Darlene Dufay - Drums
  Lisa McQueen – Piano
  Special Guests: Neal Alger – Guitar
  
  
  For further information please contact:
  
  Patrice Elliott-Mace
  Epiphany Communications
  P.O. Box 12
  Olympia Fields, IL 60461
  (312) 320-4790
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Setlist

Setlist for a typical 3 hour gig
* = Original Tunes (written by Jeannie Tanner)

Set 1
I've Got Rhythm - (arr from TANNER TIME)
*Promise Me the Moon
*Red
Bernie’s Tune (arr from TANNER TIME)
*Escape from the World
*TANNER TIME
*Reflections in Mirrors
My Funny Valentine (uptempo Latin)
*One Lifetime
Green Dolphin Street (all Latin)
That's All (up-tempo Latin)
Moonglow
Don't Know Why (Norah Jones)
Rock Me Baby - blues

Set 2
Satin Doll
*C’est Bon, C’est Bon
You Don't Know Me (ala Ray Charles)
*Can't Believe That It's You
How High the Moon
At Last
*Kiss Me
*Shine in My Backyard
*Fred and Ginger
Song for My Father
Angel Eyes
*Comfort Zone
Freddie the Freeloader
Look of Love
Killer Joe

Set 3
Watermelon Man
Route 66
*Mr. Midnight
*I’m Whistling a Tune
Over the Rainbow
Stormy Weather
You Go to My Head (relaxed bossa)
All Blues
When I Fall in Love
Night in Tunisia
Killing Me Softly
Nature Boy
*Been Around the World

Extras: All of Me, Can't Take That Away from Me, *My Whole World is You , Angel, *Next to Me, *Don't Need Another Lover, *It Ain't Me, Stormy Weather, Moanin, If I Ever Lose My Faith, *Don't Be Late Aujourd'hui, Stolen Moments, So What, *Take a Little Time, Fly Me to the Moon, Witchcraft, Black Orpheus, Ipanema, Autumn Leaves, Footprints, It Could Happen to You, *Jera, *Out of the Blue, I'm Old Fashioned, Moon River, Blue Bossa, Smooth Operatior, Satin Doll, Days of Wine & Roses, *Those That Lie in Between, Makin Whoopee, Stella by Starlight, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Here's That Rainy Day...

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