Her voice is smoky with a tart twist of lemon. Her style has been described as both recognizably traditional yet unmistakably contemporary, as she puts her personal stamp on a repertoire that spans over eight decades. “Scratch her witty tough-girl-from Jersey patter,” wrote The Washington Post, “and you’ll find a sensitive artist (but not frail) with a wide-ranging boldly colored voice and an open ear for off-beat material.”
MARY FOSTER CONKLIN has appeared in theatres, jazz clubs and cabarets in the metropolitan New York area and throughout the United States and Canada. A New Jersey native who came to New York to pursue acting, she ended up working more as a vocalist. Her transformation from actor to jazz singer began over ten years ago when she joined drummer/composer Art Lillard’s 15-piece Heavenly Band and her song selections naturally shifted from show tunes to blues, Latin and bebop. As a leader, her choice of songs has always been an eclectic mix of contemporary material and standards, creating a hybrid sound that combines big band swing, straight ahead jazz, traditional pop and cabaret. She also has a passion for discovering lesser known standards.
In New York, Conklin’s talents have earned her a place on the stages of The Blue Note, The Iridium, Nuyorican Poets Café, Sweet Rhythm, and the Triad Theatre.
On the West Coast she has performed in San Francisco at The Plush Room, as well as the In House Jazz Series in Los Angeles and the Jazz Bakery. She has appeared in Chicago at the Cultural Center and at Park West. Ms. Conklin was awarded the 1999 MAC Award for Jazz Vocalist, and has been praised by The New York Times as “a highly creative singer whose style blends cabaret and jazz so thoroughly as to defy any easy categorization.” Her debut CD, Crazy Eyes, was listed as one of the ten best CDs of 1998 by In Theatre Magazine, and won the 1999 Bistro Award presented by Backstage Magazine for Outstanding Recording. Her second recording, You’d Be Paradise, was released in September 2001 to critical acclaim, worldwide airplay and was a jazz bestseller for two years on www.CDBaby.com.
In 2003, what began as a simple quest for some lesser known Matt Dennis material (she recorded “Everything Happens to Me” on her last CD) quickly became an all-out obsession, which began at the Library of Congress. The following year, she teamed with LA vocalist Mark Winkler at the Triad in New York City and later at The Vic in Santa Monica to present a bi-coastal tribute to the music of Bobby Troup and Matt Dennis. She returned to the studio in May 2005. Her latest recording, Blues For Breakfast - Remembering Matt Dennis (Rhombus Records) is a collection of songs by the late Matt Dennis, best known for his hits “Angel Eyes” and “Violets for your Furs”. The award winning CD has been hailed by the press as ”delightfully dramatic” (Jazz Times) “a work of art and heart” (powerlineblog.com), and “an overdue reminder of the honored place of Matt Dennis in American music” (Jazz Society of Oregon). She can also be heard on Art Lillard’s latest recording “Reasons to Be Thankful”, on Summit Records.
Ciao,Mary Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, Band, and stupendous voice. compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis, I feel great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather a lot! I hope to listen soon to you, in italy .. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal
What is this day ... all about? I am not lost... I just need to find out...
I don't want a moment... to go wasted... With all its honey and sugar... not tasted...
Let me soak my heart... right to the core... But today... let me do it, like never before...
Ahhhh...How warm it feels... at the core... Let me remember the key... and the door...
What is this moment... all about? It's never to early... and never too late... to find out... The ultimate secret... hidden in the soul... "YOU HAVE TO FIND ALL THE PIECES...TO MAKE WHOLE" welcome biri
Hello Friend. I want to take the time out to personally thank you for adding me to your friends list. It is truly an honor. While i'm here, i want to drop this in your sprit. I am Currently On tour With My Group Annointed By Chrsit (A.B.C) promoting This Album I Produced call the "New Generation Of Gospel Music". I am extending an invitation unto you to experience this ministry live that God has ordained me to share with the Body of Christ.
<br />There is no Fee involved however we do have c.ds that we sell after each concert. If you are interested in us coming to minister at you church than feel free to contact me. Just let me know that time and date and we will make ourselves available to be there. Thank You For Your Time.
<br />God bless
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Hi Princess!thanks for your support!your music sounds great,very cool and tasty!I am also honored by your add and so much fairness!from Argentina!best wishes and keep in touch!
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