Have You Met Miss Jones?
Carolyn Lee Jones, an accomplished performer and recording artist began a music career as her “Second Act” !
“This oxymoron, Fresh Vintage, quite accurately conveys the character of the vocalist’s repertoire and the niche that she occupies on the jazz scene.” Jazz Quad Review Europe
Carolyn Lee Jones is a sophisticated vocalist reminiscent of the classic nightclub singers of the 50’s & 60’s with today’s musical sensibilities and a fresh approach. Five albums and five single recordings into her career, Miss Jones is just hitting her stride. She can be heard throughout the Dallas & Fort Worth metroplex singing with her two jazz groups; Fresh Vintage Jazz Ensemble & The Satin Dolls Band. Her repertoire extends from Classic Jazz to Vintage Pop and is among a select few singers awarded the prestigious Sammons Center For The Arts Cabaret Vocalist Of The Year.
“Jones attacks each song with the vigor of a wildcatter yet maintains a dusky undercurrent that drips with sensuality.” – Jazz Times
Early- Though music was a large part of Carolyn Lee Jones’ formative years in Nebraska, she was lured to the big city of Dallas pursuing a career with luxury retailers. Because she happily traveled the world as a Buyer, her exposure too and the love of music never ceased. Carolyn sought out opportunities to sing in NYC and abroad, while flourishing successfully in her first profession. “I was fortunate to meet many other musicians in my travels, which was a great learning experience!”. I knew that one day I’d be a full-time classic jazz- vintage pop vocalist, so, it was just a matter of when! Retailing was just another type of show business!”
Background & Studies-While traveling to NYC she met jazz singer and open mic host Trudi Mann who was then in her late 70’s. Trudi took Carolyn under her wing and introduced her to the NYC Cabaret-Jazz scene where Mann booked Jones’ first show which was a sell out! Carolyn studied classical voice privately with two well known Dallas educators; Evelyn Messmore and Joan Tallis. She has attended UNT’s University of North Texas’s Vocal Jazz Workshops, Jazz Voice Summit, JEN Conference and studied music theory with Berkley School of Music.
Pro- She burst on to the jazz scene in 2008 and is living proof that is is possible to reinvent yourself. From classic jazz to vintage pop, she makes the standards sound new and the new sound standard. Carolyn performs with her groups; Fresh Vintage Jazz, The Satin Dolls Band and In Full Swing 8 pc to big band.
Recording- Jones’ first album was recorded in NYC and featured the late great Bob Dorough on piano and vocals with a special duet arrangement of his well known Devil May Care. Carolyn’s rich, silky vocals and extensive repertoire have endeared her to fans and critics. She has released five nationally reviewed CD’s on the independent Catn’round Sound label and five singles. With The New Collection, an a cappella jazz group, a separate album was released led by the late vocal jazz arranger and Professor Emeritus, Paris Rutherford of the University of North Texas Vocal Jazz Department.
Cabaret- In addition to a regular jazz repertoire, Jones has developed, produced, and performed a series of 6 themed Cabaret jazz shows to sell out crowds. (Songs From My Mother’s Piano Bench, Too Marvelous For Words, The Music Of Johnny Mercer, I’d Rather Lead A Band, The Music of Bobby Troup & Julie London, Hooray For The Girls celebrating female composers and lyricists). She is honored with the prestigious Cabaret Artist Of The Year Award for 2017 from The Sammons Center For The Arts in Dallas, Tx.
The Satin Dolls Band- Inspired from Jones’ successful HOORAY FOR THE GIRLS cabaret-jazz show celebrating women composers, lyricists, librettists and singers of the 20th century and beyond. The Satin Dolls Band performs classic jazz favorites, blues, Broadway, R&B, smooth jazz, original compositions and retro-pop with a jazz twist. The band’s name is a nod to the 1953 jazz song Satin Doll, composed by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
Booking- Performing as; Carolyn Lee Jones & her Fresh Vintage Jazz … duo, trio, quartet, quintet, 8 pc small group, The Satin Dolls Band (an all female jazz ensemble) In Full Swing (Big Band) or her cabaret act . If you’d like to book Carolyn preview her online press kit and her contact page to get in touch.