Kenny Barron, Tyreek McDole

Biography

Tyreek McDole is a rising star in the jazz world, known for his rich baritone voice and deep connection to jazz tradition. Born in Florida and of Haitian-American heritage, McDole's musical journey began as a percussionist and trumpeter before he discovered his vocal talent at age 18 during a high school production. He quickly made an impression, winning the Outstanding Vocalist Award at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2018 Essentially Ellington National Competition, an honor presented by Wynton Marsalis. McDole went on to study jazz performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he was mentored by a roster of esteemed jazz musicians.

McDole's career has rapidly ascended, marked by collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Kenny Barron and Sullivan Fortner. His debut album, 'Open Up Your Senses,' showcases his innovative approach, blending reverence for classic jazz baritones like Billy Eckstine and Joe Williams with a modern sensibility. In 2023, he became only the second male vocalist to win the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, further cementing his status as a leading voice of his generation. Now based in New York City, McDole continues to captivate audiences at iconic venues and festivals, contributing to the evolution of jazz vocal artistry.

Fun Facts

• Tyreek McDole did not begin singing until age 18, having previously focused on percussion and trumpet.
• He won the Outstanding Vocalist Award at the 2018 Essentially Ellington National Competition, presented by Wynton Marsalis.
• McDole is only the second male vocalist to win the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in its 12-year history.
• He has performed at iconic venues such as The Blue Note, Dizzy's Club, Birdland Theatre, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• LaTanya Hall - Vocal instructor at Oberlin Conservatory (Guidance during undergraduate studies) [2019–2023]
• Gary Bartz - Jazz saxophonist and faculty mentor at Oberlin (Mentorship and ensemble work) [2019–2023]
• Gerald Cannon - Bass instructor and mentor at Oberlin (Educational guidance) [2019–2023]
• Eddie Henderson - Faculty mentor at Oberlin (Jazz performance coaching) [2019–2023]
• Billy Hart - Faculty mentor at Oberlin (Jazz performance coaching) [2019–2023]
• Dan Wall - Faculty mentor at Oberlin (Jazz performance coaching) [2019–2023]
• Sullivan Fortner - Pianist and mentor, also a collaborator (Album 'Open Up Your Senses') [2022–present]
• Weedie Braimah - Percussionist and mentor at Oberlin (Educational guidance) [2019–2023]

Key Collaborators

• Kenny Barron - Pianist, collaborator on debut album and live performances (Album 'Open Up Your Senses', festival performances) [2022–present]
• Sullivan Fortner - Pianist, collaborator on debut album (Album 'Open Up Your Senses') [2022–present]
• Theo Croker - Shared stage at live performances (Live concerts) [2022–present]
• Miki Yamanaka - Shared stage at live performances (Live concerts) [2022–present]
• Mike King - Shared stage at live performances (Live concerts) [2022–present]
• Rodney Whitaker - Shared stage at live performances (Live concerts) [2022–present]
• Winard Harper - Shared stage at live performances (Live concerts) [2022–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Rain (The Art Of Conversation)
2. Rain (The Art Of Conversation)
3. The Oracle (The Art Of Conversation)
4. The Oracle (The Art Of Conversation)
5. Segment (The Art Of Conversation)
6. In Walked Bud (The Art Of Conversation)
7. Seascape (The Art Of Conversation)
8. The Only One (The Art Of Conversation)
9. Rain (The Art Of Conversation)
10. Waltz For Wheeler (Dedicated To Kenny Wheeler) (The Art Of Conversation)

External Links

• Spotify