Biography
Jenny Davis is a Seattle-born jazz vocalist, composer, and bandleader known for her pure voice, sophisticated arrangements, and commitment to social advocacy. She began singing at age three in her Sunday School choir, and by nine, she was performing with a traveling children’s choir in the Pacific Northwest. After a family move to Bethel, Alaska, and the loss of her father at thirteen, Davis continued her musical education, eventually returning to singing in high school and studying under Maestro David Kyle. She earned her Bachelor of Music from Cornish College of the Arts, graduating with honors and receiving the Maggie Hawthorn Scholarship, which led to her first major gig at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley.
Davis’s career has spanned over two decades, during which she has performed with top Seattle jazz musicians and led her own ensembles. Her artistry is marked by a blend of jazz standards and original compositions, with a style influenced by bebop, swing, and contemporary jazz. Davis’s commitment to authentic expression and improvisation is evident in her recordings, such as her acclaimed albums 'Daydream,' 'It Amazes Me,' and 'Rearranged.' The latter, released under Three Penny Records, showcases her compositional skills and features collaborations with renowned musicians like Jovino Santos Neto and Dmitri Matheny. In 2018, she earned an MFA in Music Composition from Vermont College of Fine Arts, further deepening her focus on composition and advocacy through music.
Beyond performing, Davis is a dedicated educator, teaching jazz vocals and composition to students of all levels. Her legacy includes not only her musical achievements but also her role as a human rights advocate, using her art to promote acceptance and diversity. She continues to inspire audiences and students alike with her passion for jazz and her commitment to social change.
Fun Facts
- Jenny Davis once operated and owned a successful airplane business before dedicating herself fully to music.
- She was awarded the Maggie Hawthorn Scholarship at Cornish College of the Arts, which led to her first gig at the prestigious Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley.
- Her album 'Rearranged' features the Yeoman Warders Sax Quartet and the Sirius String Quartet, blending jazz with chamber music elements.
- Davis is a passionate human rights advocate, and her compositions often reflect themes of diversity and social justice.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Beth Winter - Vocal mentor during formative years (Vocal technique and jazz interpretation) [1990s]
- David Kyle - Formal voice teacher in high school (Classical and jazz vocal training) [High school years]
- Jay Clayton - Jazz vocal instruction and mentorship (Workshops and masterclasses) [1990s–2000s]
- Sheila Jordan - Jazz vocal inspiration and guidance (Workshops and stylistic influence) [1990s–2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Jovino Santos Neto - Featured pianist on 'Rearranged' ('Rearranged' album) [2020]
- Dmitri Matheny - Flugelhornist on 'Rearranged' ('Rearranged' album) [2020]
- Chuck Easton - Guitarist in Jenny Davis Quartet ('It Amazes Me' album) [2010s]
- George Radebaugh - Pianist in Jenny Davis Quartet ('It Amazes Me' album) [2010s]
- Ted Enderle - Bassist in Jenny Davis Quartet ('It Amazes Me' album) [2010s]
- Tim Sheffel - Drummer in Jenny Davis Quartet ('It Amazes Me' album) [2010s]
- Willy Ingersoll - Alto saxophonist in Jenny Davis Quartet ('It Amazes Me' album) [2010s]
- Danny Hull - Saxophonist on debut album ('Daydream' album) [2000]
Artists Influenced
- Numerous jazz vocal students - Taught jazz vocals and composition, inspiring emerging musicians (Student performances and recordings) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Where Did That Girl Go? | 2025-06-27 | Album |
Top Tracks
- 6FT Nothing (6FT Nothing)
- DiCaprio (DiCaprio)
- San Diego (San Diego)
- 16 (16)
- FBI (FBI)
- SIKE (SIKE)
- Under The Surface (Under The Surface)
- Luckier (Luckier)
- Maybe Maybe (Maybe Maybe)
- Look Who's Back (Look Who's Back)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Jenny Davis has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 20, 2025 | 02:08 | Answer The Callfrom Rearranged | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis |