January 5, 2014

Jacqueline Tabor Quartet

Jacqueline Tabor is an award winning vocalist who lives and performs in the Pacific Northwest. This sultry alto has a voice that contains style, passion and sophistication. Expressive in her approach to a Jazz standard, she creates a memorable moment that lures you in wanting more.

A native of Bellevue, Washington, she was instructed by Jack Halm at Sammamish High School; A great jazz professor in the Bellevue School District and Seattle Pacific University. After graduation she studied Music and History at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she developed a deep understanding of the blues and the origins of jazz music. Tabor took a break from singing to raise her children, and in 2003 she relocated to her hometown of Seattle. Once reacquainted with the beautiful Emerald City, she began performing more seriously in various clubs and competitions.

In 2004 she worked with accomplished vocalist and Cornish College instructor, Andrienne Wilson. This amazing encounter guided Jacqueline to obtain the skills, techniques and confidence to seek out the membership of a real jazz band. In March of 2005, Tabor began a career with the Black Lab Trio as lead vocalist. This band recognized Jacqueline’s talent and allowed her to cultivate a vocal jazz style of her own. While performing various venues in town and performing selections from the “American Songbook”, Tabor learned and appreciated the history and the emotional impact of these tunes. In early 2011 while having a moment of progression, The Jacqueline Tabor Quartet was born to pursue her solo career. This band is the formulation of fantastic musicians, and the result of diligence and basic hard work. It was also inspired by a family member: Jacqueline is the God-Daughter of the late Edmonia Jarrett whose amazing career and journey of perseverance has left herself, her family and Seattle with a great loss and an amazing legacy that Tabor hopes to live up to one day.

On March 21st, 2011 at Jazz Alley she was awarded Seattle Kobe Jazz Queen. This gave Jacqueline the opportunity to travel and perform in Kobe, Japan at Asahi Hall May of that same year. The journey was invaluable to her career and her life. Upon returning inspired by the experience in Japan, Tabor released her debut album “What a Wonderful World” in July 2011. This album includes 13 interpretations of Jazz Standards that has touched listeners worldwide. It was created with the help of an all star cast: Big Daddy Tabor Productions, Hans Brehmer, Alexey Nikolaev, Ken French and Larry Holloway, David Lange Studios, Black Belt Mastering and Studio North Distributions.

On April 11th, 2012, at Tula’s Jazz Club she was presented with the NW Vocalist of the Year for the Golden Ear Award. Since 1990 the Golden Ear Awards program has provided an opportunity for Seattle jazz fans and performers to celebrate the region’s jazz accomplishments of the previous year. It is truly an honor!

“Jacqueline D. Tabor is an independent artist that must be discovered and experienced to truly enjoy the great skills and talents she possesses.” Robert Cunningham from the Lexington Jazz Music Examiner was written on April 24, 2012. Influences include: Edmonia Jarrett, Diane Reeves, Eva Cassidy, Melody Gardot, Tuck and Patti, Mel Torme and Sarah Vaughan.