a life long dream… realized
“She made broken look beautiful and strong look invisible. She walked through the fire to come home to herself. To bring the spirit of that little girl who thrived, before the snuff, the big wipe… Back into existence” - jda
“I’m always making a comeback, but nobody ever tells me where I’ve been” - Billie Holiday
JENNIFER DERRICK ADAMS vocals
After singing in the closet for a few years and a couple of odd health issues (totally fine, just scary), my son flying the coop and the urge and desire to sing, never departing, I decided to record my first studio album and that is most likely why you are here. In addition to music, I am a photographer (there’s a tab for that) and writer, 60,000 words into a novel which hopefully will be done while my brain still works. To be surrounded by these incredible musicians and humans through this project has been a thrill! On the side I am working on a compilation album of my live performances over all these years as I dipped in and out of the scene, which I am calling “Alive at Tulas”. Scroll to the bottom of this page for my liner notes…
DARIN CLENDENIN piano
“Darin Clendenin is recognized as one of the Northwest's finest pianist and keyboard artists. Fluent in numerous styles of music, his stylish interpretations of everything from old classics to jazz standards, from classical to modern works enchant audiences everywhere.” - Origin Arts. If I could swoop Darin up as my only accompanist, I would. His generous spirit comes through each and every note he plays. Darin is truly an outstanding artist. Close your eyes during his solos and you will float away on the keys.
CLIPPER ANDERSON bass
“Bassist Clipper Anderson is a musician who defies labels. Equally comfortable with straight-ahead, traditional, free jazz or bebop, he plays with genuine reverence for the music and an unassuming mastery that speaks for itself. He is a virtuosic improviser, known for creating intelligent lines, which are often executed with stunning speed and precision.” I am so honored to have Clipper playing on this project, he is a virtuoso, just listen to his solos, you will melt.
MARK IVESTER drums
“Mark is a versatile drummer/percussionist with extensive experience in many different idioms from pop-rock to big band to jazz to orchestral settings. He has performed with many national jazz artists including Larry Coryell, Freddie Hubbard, Diane Schuur, Mose Allison, Charlie Byrd and Eartha Kitt. He is currently performing and recording with the Jovino Santos Neto quartet, Sonando, and The Nick Manson trio.” - Origin Arts… and me! How lucky am I? Mark is a master and speaks through his drums.
GRETA MATASSA producer
What can I say about this woman, she is the matriarch of the Seattle Jazz scene and is known around the world. I am not sure there is anyone out there that has the knowledge base or vocal skills that she has. Her ear? Priceless. Having her with me in the studio, wrangling all the players, giving tips on sounds and tweaks, was everything to me. I am honored to call her a friend and her work mentoring young jazz singers is astounding. Greta has won the Earshot Best Jazz Vocalist award 7 times and most likely on the way to her 8th!
DAVID LANGE STUDIO recording & mixing
As I got closer to the studio the nerves were hitting, then I turned around a corner and saw that this studio is tucked back into the woods. I’d show up early and walk into the trees doing my warmups. Once inside and tucked into the booth, the magic happened. David is so good at what he does!
ROSS NYBERG mastering
You’re actually charged more if you want to sit in on the mastering session and I get this. When you have the best working on your music, let them be and trust the process. When I received the first round back, he asked if I could hear anything that needed tweaking and the answer was “no”. Thank you Ross for adding to the flow of this project.