Aynsley McLean grew up in the Ann Arbor, MI area and is a 1998 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, B.M.A. Jazz Studies. Aynsley’s lyrical yet powerful voice awakens the heart as she traverses seamlessly between musical genres. She performs concerts of various styles including jazz, classical, sacred, and traditional Irish folk music.
Aynsley studied voice with Professor George Shirley and Dr. Emily Bullock, and has pursued post graduate jazz study at the Nashville Jazz Workshop. She studied and performed musical theater, including the role of Lily in The Secret Garden at the Croswell Opera House in Adrian, MI. Locally, she has performed two shows with the Nashville Opera Chorus. Internationally, Aynsley sang with the Maynooth College Chamber Choir at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland. Later, she spent two years in Eastern Europe, singing and teaching at the SOZO International Music & Arts Festival. In attendance at the festival were over 600 people from 20 nations.
In March 2007, Aynsley made her solo debut with the Nashville Symphony, joining tenor John McDermott for A Celtic Celebration, part of the Pops Series at the new Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Shortly thereafter, she performed a half hour set of Celtic material for WPLN “Live in Studio C” program on Nashville Public Radio with over 100,000 people tuning in. In May 2008, Aynsley traveled to Washington, D.C. performing 3 songs for the National ALS Advocacy Day (Lou Gehrig’s disease) 5th Annual Candlelight Vigil. Most recently, Aynsley was the featured soloist for Jazz Night at Edgehill Studios Café, presented by the Nashville Jazz Workshop.
Aynsley released her first CD, “Passage”, in 2002. It is an eclectic inspirational collection of soulful spirituals, lush resonant jazz and Celtic lilt, mixed with contemporary and traditional gospel, as well as classical pieces. In 2006, she released her second CD, “Songs for Ella”, a beautifully sophisticated collection of lullabies from around the world.
Currently, Aynsley is the lead singer for JJ Saint James Band, as well as a free lance soloist for weddings, church services, and civic functions. She continues her position as a paid soloist and section anchor with the Nashville Symphony Chorus and Chamber Chorus.
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