The 17th Annual KPLU Christmas Jam, our much-anticipated holiday concert, featured jazz vocalist Cheryl Jewell and her trio on December 5 live from the Lagerquist Hall in the Mary Baker Russell Music Center on the Pacific Lutheran University campus.
Cheryl performed Christmas selections with the University Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. David Deacon-Joyner.
Watch a replay of the entire concert, or listen above. The concert will also be rebroadcast at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day.
About Cheryl Jewell:
An elegant performer and exceptional vocalist, Cheryl is a rare gem in the Pacific Northwest scene. Described as an "extraordinary singer, possessing precision and substantial—even impressive—range” she moves with seamless grace from swinging big band and jazz standards to soulful ballads. Her style reflects the passion of Dinah Washington, the finesse of Nancy Wilson and the blue-eyed soul of Eva Cassidy, as she captivates audiences with her pure, rich tone and stirring interpretations.
Jewell’s version of “The Christmas Song” (which was recently released as a single) will be performed live on the KPLU broadcast featuring guitarist Milo Petersen on seven-string guitar, whose sparse yet sophisticated accompaniment elegantly counter-points Jewell’s intimate vocal invitation.
Her 2012 freshman jazz release, My Blue Heaven, has been played nationally on over 250 jazz stations placing Cheryl on the top shelf of West Coast jazz singers. On this release, she embraced some of the most loved standards of the twentieth century including "Cry Me a River” and “Get Happy,” all framed by a retro-tinged interpretation of "My Blue Heaven." Rounding out the album are "Wayfaring Stranger" and "People Get Ready," reminding the listener of the thread that flows between folk, spirituals, the blues and jazz.
With her fresh, hip and passionate style, she has charmed area audiences with her own trio, the Jewell Jazz Ensemble, and in other Puget Sound acts, including Mark Kelly's Saltwater Octet and Paul Sorensen's 17-piece Northern Lights Jazz Orchestra.
Ms. Jewell’s trio for the KPLU Christmas Jam includes pianist Darin Clendenin, guitarist and drummer Milo Petersen, and bassist Chuck Kistler. More information on Cheryl Jewell is available at www.cheryljewell.com.
The University Jazz Ensemble is a jazz big band, varying in instrumentation according to repertoire. The ensemble performs regularly on the PLU campus, at jazz venues in the Puget Sound area, regional high schools, and national jazz festivals. The ensemble performs jazz big band repertoire from all eras of the music, from Duke Ellington to Maria Schneider, and covers all styles of jazz from early swing to jazz/rock.
