Meet Darynn Dean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darynn Dean.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Darynn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was seven, I remember taking long road trips with my Dad and sister. On one of our cross country treks, my Dad played us Chaka Khan’s version of “My Funny Valentine”. It was totally jammin’ and when I heard it, my jaw practically dropped to the ground. I fell in love with everything about Chaka’s style, voice, and phrasing. From that moment on, I wanted to be a singer. I incessantly sang around the house, in hallways, at school, and my love for music and jazz began to grow. I didn’t become serious about it until my Uncle suggested that I audition to be the vocalist for Jazz America, a local youth big band founded by saxophonist Buddy Collette. Once I joined, it was on and poppin’ as they say! The band and I performed all over Los Angeles, including venues like the Catalina Jazz Club, Central Avenue Jazz Festival, and the Sweet & Hot Jazz Festival. As I delved deeper into the jazz scene I realized there was more to learn beyond the big band repertoire and I wanted to expand musically. I started attending Leimert Park’s Tuesday Night Vocal Workshops with pianist Howlett Smith and got weekly help on singing and performance.

During high school, I entered and won prestigious music competitions like the Music Center’s Spotlight Awards, Grammy Foundation Jazz Choir, The National YoungArts Foundation, NAACP’s ACT-SO Awards, and Charles Dolo Coker Foundation Scholarship. Very soon, the momentum started picking up and energy was flowing. Singing jazz became a way for me to really express myself beyond the typical songs on the radio. One of my favorite times on stage was when I sang for Quincy Jones at the LA Jazz Society Tribute. I knew for certain that I wanted to pursue my career as a vocalist, so I attended school at the New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston MA. I am happy to say life is opening up for me after graduating college in May 2019! Everything I did prior became fertile soil that allowed me to grow and reach more. I am creating my first ever EP with original music and new arrangements of jazz standards.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Everyone in the arts will tell you it’s never “easy”, cause if it was everyone would be doing it. I personally have to overcome the perception that jazz is my “grandparents” music. Although jazz was definitely popular during my grandparent’s era, it is still so relevant today. I dedicate my time to making music that is relatable to myself and my generation. There is a timeless quality about songs written from the 30’s and 40’s that have the potential of bridging the gap between the “old” and “young”. We all have had our fair share of heartbreak, successes, and failures; that hasn’t changed since the beginning of time! I seek to find the nuances of telling a story by using the rich jazz repertoire and making it come to life. Jazz is traditionally a live art form and that is what’s refreshing to me. I’m in the moment. It is my big dream to intentionally transform the narrative and co-create my own vision about what jazz feels like, looks like, and sounds like with my peers. I also care deeply about inclusion and equality and right before I graduated the New England Conservatory (NEC), I created an All Women’s Cross-Big Band between Berklee College of Music and NEC. Unfortunately, the same glass ceiling that prevents women from succeeding is also present in jazz culture too. As a woman myself, I am passionate about creating music with other women and manifesting opportunities that expand where jazz is headed.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a jazz vocalist and tell timeless stories that evoke healing, joy, and connection between people. I am extremely charismatic and probably best known for my huge smile on stage and delivering a hauntingly sweet ballad. I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to interpret a song and leave the audience feeling different than when they entered the room.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Luckily, I come from a very musical family and community. My grandfather Donald Dean Sr. is a world-renowned jazz drummer who has played with Les McCann and Eddie Harris. My cousin Jamael Dean is a phenomenal jazz pianist who has toured with Kamasi Washington, Flying Lotus, and Thundercat. My Dad Donald Dean has played drums with Kenny Burrell and Ricky Lee Jones. Dinner time in my family quickly turned into jam sessions and playlist sharing. If it wasn’t for my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My family is the foundation of where my music began and they constantly inspire me to keep reaching.

My second home growing up was The Leimert Park “World Stage” Performing Arts Community in Los Angeles CA. There, I met acclaimed jazz and blues singer Barbara Morrison, who took me under her wing and gave me a scholarship to take music theory classes and voice lessons at her performing arts center. She was my first mentor and taught me so much about the art of performance. I am so blessed to receive endless support from my community. All of the musical competitions I did in high school and college led to strong and meaningful mentors and teachers like pianist Jason Moran and jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater. The Harmony Project Foundation in Los Angeles has been a guiding hand by giving me resources and opportunities that have helped me achieve my goals.

I have so many cheerleaders that support me at every step of the way, especially in college, my teachers Dominique Eade, Frank Carlberg, and Ken Schaphorst taught me so much about singing, arranging, and pushed my boundaries. Like for instance, it was Ken Schaphorst, the Chair of the Jazz Department at NEC, who encouraged and helped me write my first big band arrangement. I would have never imagined that I could accomplish such a task. My friends are incredible human beings who inspire me to keep going. We constantly collaborate and work on new music, plan concerts, and share our dreams of reaching even greater heights. I have realized that success is never one-woman job, it takes a team of dedicated people. On my team is entertainment executive Lou “Buster” Brown, who has produced Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams in addition to many more. He has been a part of my team and has played a big role in the successes of my music and content. I can really relate to the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child” because so many people have helped me along the way. I am excited for what the future holds!

Contact Info:

• Website: darynndean.com
• Email: darynndean@darynndean.com
• Instagram: @DarynnDean
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darynnd/
• Twitter: @darynndean

Image Credit:
Chris Garcia, Donald Dean

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