Composer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, Camille Thurman very quickly became one of the leading standard bearers of the art form. She is making a considerable dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes.

A powerful fluid tenor saxophonist and highly inventive singer, she also plays bass clarinet, flute and piccolo. Her saxophone sound has been compared to that of Joe Henderson and Dexter Gordon, while her vocal virtuosity, including an impressive scattershot ability, has been ranked alongside that of Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter.

Thurman is the first female instrumentalist to perform full time with the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra of Wynton Marsalis as a saxophonist. Within a few years she has shared the stage with jazz and R&B luminaries like George Coleman, Roy Haynes, Dianne Reeves, (JALCO) with Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Charles Tolliver, Jack DeJohnette, Dr Lonnie Smith, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Hendricks, Harry Connick Jr., Jon Batiste, Audra MacDonald, Diana Krall, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Louis Hayes, Russell Malone, Nicholas Payton, Jacky Terrasson, Janelle Monáe, Alicia Keys, Lalah Hathaway, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu - to name a few!

“You’d be hard-pressed to find rising talents more exciting than Camille Thurman whose sound is as big and strong as that of Hank Mobley.” The New York Times

Languages spoken : English

Photo credit : Daryon Haylock