Album Notes...

Jody Jaress with her soulful jazz and blues renditions, and undeniable charismatic performances, has become a favorite performer around the Los Angeles jazz, blues and cabaret venues.  

Praised by JAZZ LA and Cabaret Scenes Magazine as having,

"… a rich, sultry, slightly jazzy and warm bluesy delivery with a uniquely personal interpretation."  

"Jody makes you want to sit back and just listen and enjoy the experience."  "Top notch!"  - staff reviewer Jay Jackson, JAZZLA. 

On WHISPER LOW you'll be able to hear the love, respect and fun Jody (vocals), Rick Hils (piano), Gary Bivona (trumpet), Michael Hunter (trumpet), Bill Markus (bass) and Dori Amarilio (producer/engineer) all had while working together. The musician's creative skills, delivered diverse arrangements from Baroque to Soul while Jody's lush voice lures in the listener. 

Recent Honors...

At the Annual International Jazz Day, a global celebration created by the Untied Nations (UNESCO), Herbie Hancock Ambassador, and The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Jody was honored and inducted as a Jazz Living Legend by the Duke Ellington Society, JazZabration, and the NAACP, the United States Congress, and the Mayor of Los Angeles, for her years of contribution entertaining and promoting live jazz and blues.

Jody has also been awarded the prestigious USO pin for her dedication and years of service to our armed forces. She spent a rewarding five (5) years traveling across country with the USO entertaining and visiting our servicemen at various military camps, bases and Naval ships. 

Personal Journey...

As a youngster growing up in Michigan, her original desire was to study drama and become an actress "who can sing."  Based in Los Angeles since the 60's, Jody happily juggles her acting and singing careers, and has made hundreds of appearances on stage, film, television, as well as some radio, garnering numerous awards for both her acting and singing dynamics. Robert Koehler, staff reviewer at VARIETY magazine states simply,

"Jody Jaress, excellent." 

Jody married, had two children, divorced, and was later dealt a tragedy no parent should have to endure. She found solace in the haunting melodies and heartfelt lyrics found in the music of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Their music resonated deeply with Jody's bittersweet life experiences and now propelled her to a new level of vocal freedom from the old standards and country music she had been singing. When after singing "Stormy Weather" at a popular Hollywood jazz club, the iconic, award winning blues singer, Linda Hopkins, took Jody's hand and said, "Honey, you sing the blues. You do. It's coming from your heart. I can feel it."  Jody had found her place. "The jazz and blues community has enriched my life with their loving encouragement and support. I only hope I can inspire others to follow their dreams also." - Jody Jaress

Jody has been featured at several Jazz Award shows, honoring some of our great vocalists like, Linda "the kid" Hopkins, and the Legendary "Mr. Flamingo" Herb Jeffries. In 2014, on Valentine's Day, Jody proudly joined other singers and activist/actress Jane Fonda, on the lot of CBS Studios, in JAZZ FOR JUSTICE, a performance and rally to raise awareness of, "One Billion Rising" (an annual global event fighting against violence towards women & children). In the 60's, Jody, a performer at the Las Vegas Riviera Hotel, opened for some of the greatest entertainers of all time: Harry Belafonte, Louis Armstrong, Dinah Shore, Janet Blair, the Blue Notes and others. In between shows, whenever possible, she would run over to the New Frontier Casino to jam on stage, with the Ink Spots. Nowadays, Jody can frequently be seen performing at many of Los Angeles' popular jazz clubs. Too many to list here, but Jody states she feels very blessed to have worked and become friends with so many eminent musicians.
 

Love for many...
Jody graciously lends her talents and support to, the National Day of the Children, JAZZ Del Corazon-Music With A Purpose Enterprise (raising funds for jazz/blues musicians/entertainers in dire need of medical care, housing, etc.), Actors and Others for Animals, Where Are The Children, the Angel Food Foundation in Hollywood, and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in Los Angeles.  She's an active member of AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild), SOS "Society of Singers and serves on the board of directors to the "International Student Film Festival Hollywood," assisting with the development and promotion of aspiring young filmmakers.  
 

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