2003 Jackie Allen

2003 Jackie Allen b. c.1960, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Growing up in a very musical family, with her father, herself and four siblings all playing brass instruments, Allen eventually went to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She was originally torn between the relative attractions of musical drama and classical French horn, but "as soon as I got there, the jazz department just pulled me in". The faculty members included Richard Davis and pianist John Wildman and they helped to draw out of her a real talent for singing jazz. She began performing in clubs and other venues while still at university and after graduation she decided to return to Milwaukee. A year or so earlier, Allen had met organist Melvin Rhyne, one-time member of Wes Montgomery's group, and as he was based in Milwaukee she sought him out. They formed a musical partnership that lasted three years. The association ended in 1990, at which time Allen moved to Chicago, although continuing to hold down a regular singing engagement at Milwaukee's Wyndham Hotel and teaching vocal jazz at the city's Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Much of her singing work was in venues that preferred the cabaret style to out-and-out jazz singing and this resulted in Allen taking a conscious decision to move her repertoire and style into this area. In particular, she sought, and continues to seek, interesting and lesser-known songs with musical and lyrical merit. Additionally, she writes some of her own material in which she echoes a bygone age of good tunes and intelligent lyrics. A relaxed, persuasive singing style, allied to a strong rhythmic feel, marks her as a talent to watch. ENTER HERE