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Vicki Burns

Vicki Burns has a pleasing wide-ranging voice, crystal clear diction, and she knows how to sing as if she means it.” Bebop Spoken Here

“Avoiding the predictability of safe havens, her music brims with many more surprises and uncharted delights... Vicki Burns is irresistible.” Dr. Herbert Wong

Jazz singer Vicki Burns is the complete package. With her three-octave range, sure sense of rhythm, and perfect intonation, she can scat convincingly, swing like a horn, and write hip songs worthy of attention from other vocalists.

She has produced three CDs as a leader: Siren Song (2005), Live at Anna’s Jazz Island (2008), and her 2022 release Lotus Blossom Days. Jazz writer Marc Myers said, "Vicki's voice on Lotus Blossom Days is warm and round, sophisticated and optimistic with shades of blue. She also takes terrific risks that pay off.”

As a performer, Vicki Burns has been delighting audiences for years with her impeccable taste and glorious tone. She has performed at some of the top jazz clubs and festivals around the country, such as Ryles, 1369 Club, the Starlight Roof, and The Hilton Boston Back Bay in Boston, as well as The Garden City in San Jose, The San Jose Museum of Art’s “Women in Jazz” series, the San Jose Jazz Festival, The Great American Music Hall with the Oakland Jazz Choir, Kimball’s East, and the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival. She has opened for Billy Taylor and Max Roach in the “Bright Moments” Concert series in Amherst, MA., and she was featured on “Music America,” a syndicated WGBH public radio broadcast.

She grew up in Maine and has been singing just about her whole life. She decided at the age of six to be a singer and performed throughout her early years in school musicals and choirs. Her father, a college English professor and a bit of a bohemian, was a major influence, and she began writing plays and musicals when she was 11 years old. By the time she was 15, she was singing in a pop band that performed at school functions and casuals all around the state. She also started classical voice lessons and won 2nd place in a classical vocal competition. She became hooked on jazz when her father introduced her to Ella Fitzgerald’s music.

Burns studied music at the University of New Hampshire. While in school, she became the vocalist for a professional big band that toured throughout New England. After graduating, she moved to Boston and performed in clubs around the city.

She decided to continue her music education in California at San Jose State’s graduate program for improvised music. While living in San Jose, she frequented a popular jazz club called Garden City where the renowned pianist Smith Dobson held court several times a week. Burns relates, “I went to hear Smith so often, that he finally took notice and called me up to sing. He liked my voice, and after that, I sat in at least once a week. He became my friend and mentor, and he even accompanied me for my graduate recital.”

Burns became a popular performer in her own right, and with her reputation growing, she decided to move north to the San Francisco Bay area where she established herself on the local jazz scene. Although she was working steadily and had a solid fan base, she began to miss her family and the East Coast vibe, so decided to move back to Maine. However, there were few performance opportunities in Maine, so it did not take long for her to decide to move to New York to pursue her singing career.

Musically, moving to the Big Apple was a great decision for her. Burns says, “The best part of New York is playing with world class jazz musicians.” She currently performs regularly around town at top venues such as Birdland, Iridium Jazz Club, Jazz at Kitano, The Plaza Hotel, Zinc Bar and Mezzrow, an iconic jewel of a jazz venue in the heart of Greenwich Village. From 2013- 2018, she performed regularly at the legendary Cornelia Street Cafe before it's untimely closure and currently has a monthly residency at The Stayton Room in the Lexington Hotel. She has also performed recently at two iconic Manhattan jazz clubs, The 55 Bar and Mezzrow, intimate rooms where many nationally known jazz artists come to connect with the audience.

Burns has found success because she infuses each song with heartfelt expression, digging into the lyrics and melody to reveal their richness. It is a formula that has garnered her many fans and the respect of her peers, which is why Max Roach once described Burns’ singing as “a gold mine.”

“Brilliant vocals by Vicki… she can cast a love spell and she is, after all, quite the siren herself. An amazing range and you can hear the joy, the melancholy, the rapture, the devastation and all are equally convincing. Perhaps that is the final word on such a great talent as Vicki Burns, she is convincing.” The Jazz Owl by Travis Rogers, Jr.

“Like a master chef, Burns figures out what she needs to add to make the music delectable to the ear without overdoing it with unnecessary additives.” – All About Jazz

Awards

PPI Radio Award/National Radio Award 2008 for the radio series "Jazz on the Bay", hosted by Melanie O'Reilly and features interviews and the music of jazz musicians/vocalists of the Bay Area as well as international jazz artists such as Dave Brubeck, Marion Mc Partland, Chick Corea, and James Moody. The winning series included "Women of jazz on the Bay, " which featured artists such as Vicki Burns, Anna de Leon, Susan Muscarella, Frankye Kelly, Tammy Hall, Faye Carroll,and Denise Perrier.

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Louis Armstrong, Marilyn Scott & Vicki Burns

by Joe Dimino
September 25, 2022

From the chops of Boston-based jazz singer Vicki Burns, we begin the 770th Episode of Neon Jazz. From there, we hear from an artist that Burns saw and met in the mighty Ella Fitzgerald. Over the ensuing hour, we hear from some impressive artists with new material in Marilyn Scott, Steve Knight, Kate Wyatt and Joe Policastro. We also spin new music from Kansas City guitarist Jeff Shirley off his album Blue Gold. This episode comes to a rousing close ...

Album Review

Vicki Burns: Lotus Blossom Days

Read "Lotus Blossom Days" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
July 16, 2022

Who knew “Del Sasser" had lyrics? Part of the joy of listening to new recordings is finding such things out. And Vicki Burns does a convincing job of it. In this intriguing compilation of standards--yes, musicians can record from the Great American Songbook (GAS) without disgracing themselves, no matter what anyone says--bop heads and originals, Vicki Burns acquits herself admirably. She is solid evidence that the singer makes the song, rather than the other way around. ...

Album Review

Vicki Burns: Lotus Blossom Days

Read "Lotus Blossom Days" reviewed by Jeff Winbush

by Jeff Winbush
July 10, 2022

Whatever else can be said about jazz, there is little disagreement that it is best experienced in a live setting. Listening to Vicki Burns' Lotus Blossom Days is as close to a front-row seat in a New York nightclub as many of us are likely to get in these times of high fuel costs and crowded airports. Burns is not attempting to blow the roof off with vocal gyrations and tricks. She never oversings as she tries to ...

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Album Review

Vicki Burns: Live at Anna's Jazz Island

Read "Live at Anna's Jazz Island" reviewed by Jeff Winbush

by Jeff Winbush
January 7, 2010

Is it possible to love jazz and not possess the restless spirit of discovery? Probably not. Jazz is a restless art forum and, while it respects it's rich and varied history, it always welcomes talented young bloods to renew and replenish the pool of talent.Vicki Burns isn't a widely known jazz singer--yet. Some honcho at a record label needs to download Live at Anna's Jazz Island--currently only available as a digital download--and lock her up to a contract. ...

Interview

Interview: Vicki Burns on 'Lottus Blossom Days'

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
July 8, 2022

Last October, I received an email from vocalist Vicki Burns: Hello Marc. I'm not sure if you remember me. I wrote you years ago and asked if you'd consider reviewing a live album I did in 2008, Vicki Burns: Live at Anna’s Jazz Island. You wrote back with some excellent advice that I took to heart. You said I had a great voice but the standards I was singing were really over done and that I needed to find ...
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Event

Vicki Burns Quartet Performs A Tribute To Anita O'Day At The Metropolitan Room On April 23rd At 7:00pm!

Source: Vicki Burns
April 16, 2013

Vicki Burns will bring her stellar quartet to The Metropolitan Room in New York City on April 23rd, 2013 at 7:00pm. They will perform a Tribute to jazz singer Anita O'Day and feature ingenious arrangements by guitarist Ed MacEachen who is also performing with the Quartet. Also featured are Leonard Thompson on piano, Tom Hubbard on bass and Phil Stewart on drums. Vicki Burns will sing songs from O'Day's extensive repertoire focusing on the time period from the late 1950's ...
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Performance / Tour

Vicki Burns Quintet performs a Tribute to Anita O'Day At the Iridium Jazz Club, 9/13/11

Source: Vicki Burns
September 11, 2011

Vicki Burns Quintet at the Iridium Jazz Club Tuesday, September 13th 2011 at 7:00pm Performing a Concert in Tribute to Jazz Vocal Legend, Anita O'Day Featuring Vicki Burns- Vocals Ed MacEachen- Guitar and Musical Direction Leonard Thompson- Piano Tom Hubbard- Bass Anthony Pinciotti- Drums Weaving an informative narrative into a well-paced performance, featuring some of Ms. O'Day's most popular songs, jazz vocalist Vicki Burns ...
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Performance / Tour

Vicki Burns Debuts at Studio 100 in New York!

Source: Vicki Burns
January 3, 2011

Jazz vocalist Vicki Burns will be debuting at the Studio 100 jazz club in the Residence Inn by Marriott on Thursday January 13th at 7:00pm. With her will be Leonard Thompson on piano and Mike Karn on bass!

About Vicki Burns

Vicki Burns is a jazz singer who has been delighting audiences for years. A vocalist with impeccable taste, a sure sense of rhythm and a glorious tone, she infuses each song with heartfelt expression, digging into the ...
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Performance / Tour

Jazz Vocalist Vicki Burns Featured at Zeb's in New York August 18th 2010

Source: All About Jazz
August 9, 2010

Jazz singer Vicki Burns will be featured at Zeb's Jazz Vocalist series on August 18th in New York City. Leonard Thompson will be the featured pianist, with Saul Rubin on guitar, Ben Meigners on bass and Will Farrell on drums. Music from from Siren Song Burns' first recording as well as selections from her most recent CD, “Live at Anna's Jazz Island" will be featured. About Vicki Burns Vicki Burns is a jazz singer who has been delighting audiences for ...
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Performance / Tour

Vicki Burns Quartet CD Release on February 5th at the Iridium

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
February 4, 2010

Vicki Burns Quartet CD Release Friday, February 5th 6PM The Iridium 1650 BROADWAY (CORNER OF 51ST) NEW YORK, NY 10023 RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121 Vicki Burns: Hot New Jazz Singer In Town Barry Bassis Town & Village Vicki Burns is a jazz singer who has been delighting audiences for years. A vocalist with impeccable taste, a sure sense of rhythm and a glorious tone, ...
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Performance / Tour

Vicki Burns Quartet Debuts at the Iridium Jazz Club (NYC) on February 5

Source: All About Jazz
January 29, 2010

Jazz vocalist Vicki Burns celebrates her East Coast CD release with a concert at this premier New York venue, The Iridium Jazz Club! Her stellar quartet will include: Ed MacEachen on guitar, Tom Hubbard on bass and Anthony Pinciotti on drums. Selections from her critically acclaimed, “Live At Anna's Jazz Island" will be performed and will feature some new arrangements by Ed MacEachen. Reviewers have this to say about Vicki Burns Quartet Live At Anna's Jazz Island: “Vicki Burns isn't ...
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Performance / Tour

Vicki Burns and Ed MacEachen Perform on Tuesday January 5th at Uno Chicago Grill Bronx, New York

Source: All About Jazz
December 28, 2009

Jazz vocalist Vicki Burns and Master guitarist, Ed MacEachen team for a debut performance of a new duo at The Uno Chicago Grill in the Parkchester area of the Bronx. This performance is part of a dynamic new music series called Uno Music Tuesdays. 71 Metropolitan Oval Bronx, New York 718.824.8667 Vicki Burns Vicki Burns is a jazz singer who has been delighting audiences for years. A vocalist with impeccable taste, a sure sense of rhythm ...
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Performance / Tour

Vicki Burns and Ed Maceachen Perform on Tuesday November 17th at Uno Chicago Grill Bronx, New York

Source: All About Jazz
November 13, 2009

Jazz vocalist Vicki Burns and Master guitarist, Ed MacEachen join forces for a debut performance of a new duo at The Uno Chicago Grill in the Parkchester area of the Bronx. This performance is part of a dynamic new music series called Uno Music Tuesdays. 71 Metropolitan Oval Bronx, New York 718.824.8667 Vicki Burns Vicki Burns is a jazz singer who has been delighting audiences for years. A vocalist with impeccable taste, a sure sense of ...
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Performance / Tour

Vicki Burns Sings at North Square in New York on February 8th

Source: All About Jazz
January 27, 2009

On Lotus Blossom Days, released July, 2022:

“Burns comes out swinging and realizing a knockout punch.” C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz

https://www.allaboutjazz.com/august-2022-higher-ground-doa

“Happy days are here again for jazz aficionados, thanks to "Lotus Blossom Days," the warm and winning new album by Vicki Burns. Her vocals, subtle, sophisticated and appealing, achieve a rare level of intimacy and relatability. Her tone is engaging; her phrasing inventive, yet natural. With the first notes she sings, Burns will have you hooked and when you've reached the end of these delicious dozen tunes, you'll still be craving more.”

On Lotus Blossom Days, released July, 2022:

“Burns comes out swinging and realizing a knockout punch.” C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz

https://www.allaboutjazz.com/august-2022-higher-ground-doa

Paul Freeman, Pop Culture Classics

http://popcultureclassics.com/deja_202209.html#burns

“A consistently interesting program delivered with rhythmic acuity and abundant imagination… it’s her hat tips to fellow singers—like Tessa Souter’s alluring “You Don’t Have to Believe” and Carol Sloane and Roger Schore’s lyrics for Billy Strayhorn’s exquisite title track—that shine brightest. Burns’ work stands on its own, but she’s keeping some fine company.” Andrew Gilbert, JazzTimes

https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/vicki-burns-lotus-blossom-days-vibu-jazz/

"Vicki's voice on Lotus Blossom Days is warm and round, sophisticated and optimistic with shades of blue. She also takes terrific risks that pay off... " Marc Myers, Jazz Wax

https:/www.jazzwax.com/2022/07/interview-vicki-burns-on-lotus-blossom-days.html

http://travisrogersjr.weebly.com/music-reviews/vicki-burns-lotus-blossom-days?fbclid=IwAR1wkwGkN_EqTyRu2rQiLT5l-RuovWqqX2DpChu4fdpfTF7Ta4J1z6nl7y4

“Burns clearly put her heart and soul into Lotus Blossom Days... this is the jazz nightclub experience without the cover charge, but some may want to pour a glass of fine bourbon and enjoy it along with the music and the mood which Burns successfully recreates.” Jeff Winbush, All About Jazz

https://www.allaboutjazz.com/lotus-blossom-days-vicki-burns-vibu-jazz__32549

Neon Jazz podcast with Joe Dimino

https://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/2022/07/new-york-city-jazz-singer-vicki-burns.html

“There are literally tons of memorable and powerful moments on Lotus Blossom Days... Burns’ transcendent swirling scat passages dart and romp in a blissful, wild back and forth conversation with pianist Art Hirahara’s snazzy piano solos" Jonathan Widran, JW Vibe

https://www.jwvibe.com/single-post/vicki-burns-lotus-blossom-days

“She has a great voice and infectious swing, and a whole lot of chops. And a future.” Richard Salvucci, All About Jazz

https://www.allaboutjazz.com/lotus-blossom-days-vicki-burns-vibu-jazz

“An album from a very good jazz songstress who is accompanied by instrumentalists who are well on the money. Vicki Burns deserves better than the title of songstress. This lady has a pleasing wide-ranging voice, crystal clear diction, and she knows how to sing as if she means it.” Ann Alex, Bebop Spoken Here

https://lance-bebopspokenhere.blogspot.com/2022/06/album-review-vicki-burns-lotus-blossom.html

“A classic thrush vibe while not being tethered to the classic songbook, this album is a complete show... A right on bet for the jazz vocal fan.” Chris Spector, Midwest Record

http://midwestrecord.com/MWR1913.html

“A masterful collection that grabs your attention and never lets it go.” Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz

On Siren Song, released 2003:

Singer VICKI BURNS is next from her new release, SIREN SONG …(A) Bay area singer of jazz interpretation, Burns will blow your mind. A young Carol Sloane? I’ll try not to get to far out in hyper never land, but this lady has got it and it’s all on this CD. A June Christy like thrill… Sometimes the small labels create great music and VICKI BURNS is one to be reckoned with... Would a Helen Merrill comparsion apply here? “Bop’N” Dick Crockett “The Voice” 88.7 fm Sacramento, CA.

“Avoiding the predictability of safe havens, her music brims with many more surprises and uncharted delights in the jazz tradition. Vicki Burns is irresistible.” Dr Herb Wong, Bay Area Producer and reviewer, Jazz Education Journal, Nov./Dec. 2003

“ "Vicki Burns is poised to break out to wider recognition as the next decade begins. She lives up to her surname; she burns the mutha out."” - Jeff Winbush

— All About Jazz

“"Vicki Burns is a knockout with her beautiful vocals, and phrasing."” - Lee Prosser

— Jazzreview.com

“"Vicki Burns does indeed 'burn' on this recording. The stars were aligned just right when she was blessed with a singing voice that was made for the jazz idiom".” - John Gilbert

— ejazz.com

“ "Burns has a smooth full bodied voice with a nice silky finish, her swing goes down smooth...Vicki Burns is indeed the real deal."” - Brent Black

— @CritcalJazz

“Writing about the 2011 Vocal Jazz Festival at the Iridium Jazz Club: "Among the fabulous females is one of the most coolly competent — or just plain cool —- jazz singers I have heard so far this year: Vicki Burns, from the West Coast. She has a clean sound and a great technique that’s pretty dazzling.” - Rob Lester

— Nitelifeexchange.com

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Primary Instrument

Vocals

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

MA Improvised Music, San Jose State University May 2000, BA Classical Performance, University Of New Hampshire, 1983 Currently teaching both private students and classes at Blue Bear School of Music, San Francisco, CA