Infectious! That’s how many people would describe 11 time ASCAPlus Award Winner, Jennifer Vazquez. You will find yourself humming her upbeat and eternally optimistic catchy tunes for days. Inspired by artists such as Carol King, Sheryl Crow and Jewel, her music is a perfect blend of pop, folk – rock, with a hint of country. Jennifer’s music creates stories people can grab onto, reflect upon and enjoy. The music is honest, hopeful and humble mixed with a little bit of mystery. Jennifer’s songs grab multiple musical tastes and teaches without preaching.
As a solo artist, Jennifer performs everywhere, from the New York subways and The Third Street Promenade to the stages of “The Bitter End” and “The Mint”. She has entertained many audiences during the past 15 years including those throughout New York, Los Angeles, Pennsylvania, Nashville, Phoenix and London.
Jennifer’s journey towards music and performing came about at a very young age. She says how she knew exactly what she wanted to do around the age of three. “I remember performing in my first dance recital with Miss Elaine’s Dance Company, held at Lehman College in The Bronx. There were about eight of us little girls on a huge stage wearing these Raggedy Ann costumes and we did a tap dance to some song; I don’t remember the name of it. I do remember feeling this immediate surge of fear the moment before the number began, but then, once it started, I felt this absolute calm inside, like nothing else mattered or existed.”
Over the years to follow, Jennifer got involved in anything that could recreate that feeling. She was involved in plays and musicals throughout her educational years. She grew strong in her writing and vocal abilities by honing her skills by performing anywhere she could and asking for feedback. Eager to perfect her craft, Jennifer sought out groups that could support her growth as an artist; including an extensive stint with vocal coach Matt Farnsworth. Although, Jennifer was as equally passionate and talented as an actor, music spoke to her soul; and thus, at the age of 24 she decided to pursue it full time. “I would have to say that music chose me, and I followed along with the journey.” While Jennifer never received a degree in music, she did receive a BA in English and minored in theater performance. At the age of 21 she began teaching herself guitar. Jennifer was the lead singer for four years for the cover band, Next Of Kin; later it transformed into the original band, Blush. It was, Blush, that gave Jennifer her first guitar! They told her to learn how to play so she could play as well as sing in the band. After she was able to hold her own, she made the leap as a solo artist and never looked back.
Besides being the recipient of the ASCAPlus Award for the past 11 years, Jennifer has earned accolades from much of the music industry; including the prestigious Billboard Contest, where four of her songs from her album, Bend, have been recognized for her hit songwriting skills. Music Connection named her one of the Hot 100 Unsigned Artists and LAMA nominated her album, Bend, for Triple A Album of the year.
Over the past years, Jennifer has sold a few thousand albums from her past albums. She has been a musical guest on Midday Arizona, Univision, BronxNets’ Shows “Open” and “The Rhythms Of New York”, and Laff It Off With Grace. She has been a featured guest on radio shows such as Lady J Live and Rockland World Radio, to name a few.
In 2011, Jennifer won “Demo Tape”, a singer / songwriter competition produced by James Kinney Live and Gig Maven. In addition, Kenton Magazine had her as their August Spotlight Artist. She has recently been a featured artist on Hay House Radio: Sound Wave (The Muse Behind The Music), and can now be heard regularly on Women Of Substance Radio (HOT AC Show), Jango and LastFM.
She is currently working on an ongoing blog series called, “365 Blogs To Finding Pinocchio A Home”, which involves her journey of finding one of her songs, “Pinocchio”, a home in the TV and Film world. It is turning out to be something bigger than what she had envisioned and is very excited about the continued journey! She is currently collaborating with a few people and continues to perform regularly on the East Coast.
Giving back to the community is very important to Jennifer. As a fervent supporter of music education, when Jennifer resided in Los Angeles, she participated in several elementary after school and summer programs like that of the Hollywood School House and Day Jams where she would teach songwriting to the children, give concerts and share her stories and knowledge with them. She is a true believer in encouraging the youth to follow in one’s passion and dreams.
As an equal supporter of the environment and human growth, she performed at the 10th Annual Kayak For A Cause, which raises money each year for a few different charities in the Southern Connecticut area that work to preserve and protect the environment, as well as create opportunities for the less fortunate. The charities included: Save The Sound, The Maritime Aquarium, Builders Beyond Borders, Outward Bound and Canine Companions for Independence.
In addition, Jennifer can be found on a NEW CD: “USA Country 2011 - Saving Lives Through Free Music”. For the first time in history FREE music is being used as a vehicle to spread drunk driving awareness. Jennifer’s song, “Lone Pine”, appears on this CD. She is a true supporter of this project for more reasons than one and truly hopes it will move people to think twice and take responsibility for themselves and their actions.
Jennifer is currently a part of Musicians on Call, a volunteer program that focuses on the healing power of music by delivering live, in-room performances to patients undergoing treatment or unable to leave their beds. Jennifer cannot say enough about how grateful she is to be a part of the program. “The music definitely adds a dose of joy to their lives and it is such a small thing to give for such a great reward one receives in giving of themselves through song.” In addition to MOC, Jennifer has recently teamed up “BookPals”, (Performing Artists For Literacy in Schools), a volunteer program administered by SAG, consisting exclusively of professional performing artists who donate their time and talent to read aloud to classrooms of children attending public elementary schools.
Jennifer currently lives in New York City.
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Discography:
Pinocchio (Single) - Release Date in 2012
A Very Jenny Christmas (Album) – November 2010
Lone Pine (Single) – November 2007
bend (Album) – May 2005
Silenced (Acoustic Album) – June 2004
Just Me & My Taylor (Acoustic EP) – August 2003
Another Day In The Dark (Debut Album) August 2000
Videography:
Nothing Without You - 2006
I’m No Saint – 2004
Running Out Of Time - 2002
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