Biography
Not many individuals, regardless of gender, would abandon a lucrative enterprise yielding six figures annually in favor of following jazz. Jazz singer and pianist Amandah Jantzen made precisely that choice during 1986. Following the passing of her mother, she opted to leave behind the corporate sphere and chase her aspiration to perform the jazz tunes she had cherished across many years. Beginning at the age of six with piano and progressing to guitar by eleven, Jantzen developed her instrumental abilities through listening alone, never having formal instruction. During her upbringing, the household rarely featured music of any prominence, aside from occasional exposure to Lawrence Welk broadcasts. Yet after losing her mother, she committed fully to a jazz profession. Jantzen departed the San Francisco Bay Area for Portland in 1991, engaging with styles ranging from country through pop while maintaining her core devotion to jazz and blues. There she encountered seasoned jazz bassist LeRoy Vinnegar, whose guidance and that of fellow musicians advanced her trajectory meaningfully. Subsequently her progress has been consistent and positive.
Notable appearances around Portland encompassed Museum After Hours, Starbucks By Starlight, the Rose Festival, Artquake, plus numerous area jazz venues. Additionally, she delivered the national anthem prior to a Portland Trailblazer contest amid an expansive crowd. Later she shifted to Vancouver in Canada for several years of performances. During 1995 she served as opening act for guitarist Charlie Byrd, followed in 1999 by a solo appearance at the Du Maurier Jazz Festival in Vancouver. That same location hosted the recording of her debut album Some Other Time during February 1997, issued in October 1999. Collaborating with skilled Canadian jazz musicians, the recording highlights Jantzen's engaging interpretations of key selections from the Great American Popular Songbook. Returned now to Portland, Amandah Jantzen maintains regular performances at the Doubletree Hotel, providing both vocals and piano accompaniment. Her second release, Devil May Care, appeared in 2001.
Jantzen draws motivation from jazz luminaries Shirley Horn and Diana Krall, appreciating not solely their vocal mastery but also their integration of piano proficiency to form well-rounded jazz performers. Based on her achievements to date together with evident ability, Amandah Jantzen continues advancing toward comparable recognition.
Notable appearances around Portland encompassed Museum After Hours, Starbucks By Starlight, the Rose Festival, Artquake, plus numerous area jazz venues. Additionally, she delivered the national anthem prior to a Portland Trailblazer contest amid an expansive crowd. Later she shifted to Vancouver in Canada for several years of performances. During 1995 she served as opening act for guitarist Charlie Byrd, followed in 1999 by a solo appearance at the Du Maurier Jazz Festival in Vancouver. That same location hosted the recording of her debut album Some Other Time during February 1997, issued in October 1999. Collaborating with skilled Canadian jazz musicians, the recording highlights Jantzen's engaging interpretations of key selections from the Great American Popular Songbook. Returned now to Portland, Amandah Jantzen maintains regular performances at the Doubletree Hotel, providing both vocals and piano accompaniment. Her second release, Devil May Care, appeared in 2001.
Jantzen draws motivation from jazz luminaries Shirley Horn and Diana Krall, appreciating not solely their vocal mastery but also their integration of piano proficiency to form well-rounded jazz performers. Based on her achievements to date together with evident ability, Amandah Jantzen continues advancing toward comparable recognition.
Albums
