You could tell by the smiles on the musicians backing singer Johnaye Kendrick in the KNKX studios, they really enjoy working with her. Since her arrival teaching at Cornish College nearly a decade ago, Kendrick is proving to be a musician's singer.

When it comes down to it, though, Kendrick is a musician. She's spent years studying jazz, including the Thelonious Monk Institute and Loyola University. Now a Professor of Music in Seattle, her bio at Cornish refers exclusively to her jazz bona fides. But she grew up listening to pop music.

Kendrick's first instrument was a piano, which she hated, but her love of music found homes on the violin and viola in high school. As a young woman, Mariah Carey was a favorite. Eventually, the music of Sarah Vaughan lured her into the world of jazz.

Thanks to Cornish College for bringing Johnaye Kendrick's amazing talent to our corner of the world. Her students surely appreciate her talents, now it's time for the rest of the jazz world to get hip.

Musicians:
Johnaye Kendrick - vocals/harmonium
Bill Anschell - piano
Chris Symer - bass
D'Vonne Lewis - drums


Audio:
John Kessler

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