Sweet Baby J’ai (pronounced Jay) is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers today. She is an award winning, critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, actress and the founder and executive director for Sweet Baby J'ai Presents the Sunset Music Series, and the Palm Springs Sunset Music & Comedy Festival.
Few entertainers can command a stage like the indefatigable, Sweet Baby J'ai. She has toured the world with her genre-defying work, which both embraces and expands jazz tradition. She has headlined concerts and festivals across the globe from New York to London, Moscow and Casablanca to Paris, Tokyo, Jakarta and many cities and countries beyond. Known for her sensual and powerful vocals, some critics describe her as a "jazz singer", others as a "blues singer” but all agree that this versatile singer-songwriter is a "storyteller".
A recipient of numerous accolades, including three Bravo "Entertainer of the Year" awards, two Blues and Soul Magazine "Best Jazz Vocal Performance" awards, and three Jazz Now "Best Vocal Jazz" nominations, J'ai's talent is undeniable. Her impact extends beyond music, as evidenced by her LA Women’s Theatre Project "Best Actress in a Leading Role" award and her recognition as an HRC Advocate for Equality. Inducted into the California Jazz & Blues Museum Hall of Fame and honored as a Living Jazz Legend, BOD Legacy Awardee, and L-Fund Visionary, J'ai's contributions to the arts and culture are immeasurable.
With a global fanbase and a discography of critically acclaimed albums, Sweet Baby J'ai continues to redefine the boundaries of music and inspire audiences with her artistry and passion.
Sweet Baby J’ai has shared the stage with such luminaries as, Herbie Hancock, Diane Schuur, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Joe Sample, Melissa Etheridge, Etta James, Jill Scott, Tom Waits, Koko Taylor, Patrice Rushen, Sheila E., Tramaine Hawkins, Stanley Turrentine, Eddie Harris, and many more.
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As an acclaimed event producer Sweet Baby J'ai blends exceptional curation with versatile performance. She has left an indelible mark on the event production landscape, co-founding and serving as the Artistic Director for prestigious festivals such as the Palm Springs Women's Jazz Festival, Juneteenth Jazz Fest, the Sunset Music Desert Oasis, and now Sweet Baby J'ai Presents. As a US Jazz Ambassador, she's embraced and expanded jazz tradition on a global scale, crafting visionary programming that unites celebrated performers and emerging talents. Her dedication to empowering women in the industry is evident through her signature Women in Jazz All-Stars lineup, honoring their significant contributions to the genre. From concept to execution, Sweet Baby J'ai's events exemplify her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, delivering unforgettable experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.
In early life J’ai was first called Sweet Baby by her mother, claiming she was the sweetest child ever born, the name stuck. Music was an integral part of her life since childhood, often being serenaded by Miles, Bird, Ella or Billie, albums her father would put on to lull her to sleep. J’ai grew up in a city rich with musical history, Kansas City, home to legends like Big Joe Turner, Charlie “Bird” Parker and Count Basie. At only five years old, she was already writing songs and by the age of eight, sneaking in the backdoors of clubs on 18th & Vine to watch her father play with top jazz and blues musicians. Her uncle, Vernon Gower was a bassist with Billie Holiday and Lionel Hampton and her cousin Michael Howell, was the guitarist with Dizzie Gillespie. By age ten she had started classical piano studies, by twelve she had switched to violin. “I played a little bass in high school, some guitar in college until I got my hands on a 12 string and couldn’t figure it out. It wasn’t until I spent some time in Louisiana with relatives, and came across an old back porch band playing washboard, spoons, tubs, and combs, that I felt I had found home. All sorts of wonderful sounds were coming out of them. They were playing jug or Zydeco music, but I heard the transition to jazz,” says J’ai. Talented both as a vocalist and musician, she takes unconventional instruments, the washboard and spoons, and claims them as her own special sound. As one critic pointed out, “This ain’t no backyard hoe down...she will have you swooning before the concert is over.” Whether singing a soulful ballad or a rocking original, she weaves her special magic through songs seemingly tailor-made for her intimate style.
Past projects include her chart climbing albums: debut 1997 release, THE ART OF BLUE, followed in 2003 by EVOLUTION both featuring the genius of pianist Nate Morgan and saxophonist, Teddy Edwards. In 2005 came, JAZZ BABY where Sweet Baby J’ai joined forces with Janis Siegel, Freddie Cole, Rosemary Clooney and others for a fun filled children’s compilation jazz album. PROVE IT ON ME released in 2008 is a soundtrack from Dee Jae Cox’s play of the same name in which Sweet Baby J’ai starred. This roaring 1920’s romp allows J’ai to do what she does so well - take the listener on a journey through time and space. Also in 2008 INTRODUCING J’AI MICHEL was released to wide acclaim, an eclectic mix of jazz pop and blues and featured legendary percussionist Perico Hernandez. The 2013 single release of BLACK MAGIC WOMAN sold out the first week of it’s release, and the 2015 DIW release of FOR VOCAL JAZZ FANS ONLY hit the air waves in Japan before going worldwide. STRAIGHT TO THAT PLACE, showcases sublime offerings melding jazz, blues, pop and Latin. There are incredible nuances and bold statements happening simultaneously - respected for her considerable gifts as a vocalist and songwriter, J’ai’s original compositions draw us in with their openhearted lyrics, working into our consciousness and taking us to wondrous places. She breathes new life into classics with great reinterpretations giving us a new scope to appreciate timeless songs with a different perspective. Her deeply soulful vocals are infectious, and the stellar support by musicians Mimi Fox, Nolan Shaheed, Jane Getz, Karen Hammack, Chris Colangelo, Peter Buck, Carol Chaikin, Bob Tucker and others are electrifying. Straight To That Place delivers on what it promises, taking its listeners straight to wonderland!
SUNSET MUSIC GROUP
1900 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 52
Palm Springs, CA 92264
818-888-9166