As a composer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, Camille Thurman has quickly become one of the standard bearers for the form, making a considerable and dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes. Fluid and powerful on the tenor saxophone and highly inventive as a vocalist, she also plays bass, clarinet, flute, and piccolo. Her rich sax sound has been compared to Joe Henderson and Dexter Gordon, while her vocal approach—including an impressive scatting ability—has been classified alongside those of Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter.
In a few short years, Thurman has shared stages with such jazz luminaries as George Coleman, Roy Haynes, Dianne Reeves, Wynton Marsalis, The, Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Charles Tolliver, Jack DeJohnette, and Terri Lyne Carrington, among others. The New York City native has already amassed several distinctive honors for her musicianship: runner up in the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition, two-time winner of the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award and a winner of the Fulbright Scholars Cultural Ambassador Grant, The Chamber Music of America Performance Plus Grant and the Jazz Coalition Composers Grant.
Thurman also has four full-length recordings as a leader to her credit. Thurman toured internationally with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Thurman leads her band and is also a featured artist with the Darrell Green Trio. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall, and numerous respected international jazz festivals and venues. This will be her maiden voyage on The Jazz Cruise.