For those unaware, Jennifer Madsen is a jazz vocalist and producer whose work reflects decades of performance, mentorship, and artistic leadership. Rooted in the American Songbook yet shaped by a contemporary perspective, her recordings blend interpretive depth with thoughtful orchestration—honoring tradition while allowing it to evolve.

Her latest project, Girl Talk, is a big band jazz album led by a female producer, placing a seasoned voice at the center of large ensemble storytelling. Conceived and produced by Madsen in collaboration with arranger Brent Edstrom and co-producer Sam Cardon, the recording reimagines classic repertoire through dynamic sectional interplay, inventive orchestration, and modern harmonic nuance. Featuring guest artists including Sean Jones, Jeff Coffin, and Ryan Keberle, the album reflects a clear artistic voice shaped by experience. Girl Talk has been submitted for Grammy consideration in the Best Large Jazz Ensemble category.

The project follows a growing discography that includes Reimagine, Kick Off the Covers, and I Still Believe in Love — recordings that trace Madsen’s evolving interpretive voice and collaborative approach. Earlier in her career, she released Consider Me (1983), recently selected by P-Vine Records for inclusion in its “Light Mellow” series highlighting influential recordings from that era. The international reissue underscores the lasting resonance of her work across decades and audiences.

1. BÉSAME MUCHO (Solo: David Halliday - Sax)
2. GIRL TALK (Solo: David Halliday - Sax)
3. YOU TURN ME ON, BABY (Solo: Sean Jones - Trumpet)
4. YOU AND THE NIGHT AND THE MUSIC (Solo: Brent Edstrom - Keys)
5. THERE’S GOTTA BE SOMETHING BETTER THAN THIS (Solo: Sean Jones - Trumpet)
6. MISTY (Solo: Brent Edstrom - Keys)
7. MY FUNNY VALENTINE (Solo: Corey Christiansen - Guitar)
8. ANY PLACE I HANG MY HAT IS HOME (Solo: Brian Woodbury - Trombone)
9. COMIN’ HOME BABY (Solo: Brian Woodbury - Trombone)
10. SPINNING WHEEL (Solo: Jeff Coffin - Sax)
11. THE LOOK OF LOVE (Solo: Ryan Keberle - Trombone)

Presenting a collection of familiar songs reframed through perspective, experience, and collaboration, Madsen opens her new recording on a dutiful hipsway that weaves within BÉSAME MUCHO and the decadent title track GIRL TALK and then we get the sheer elegance of YOU TURN ME ON, BABY, the warmly smooth YOU AND THE NIGHT AND THE MUSIC and the dancefloor swirls and twirls of THERE’S GOTTA BE SOMETHING BETTER THAN THIS is brought forth.

Drawing from the American Songbook, Broadway, and mid-century repertoire, up next is the dulcet balladry of MISTY which is backed seamlessly by the all-embracing MY FUNNY VALENTINE, the spirited ANY PLACE I HANG MY HAT IS HOME and the gently robust COMIN’ HOME BABY, before the new set rounds out on a brilliant take on SPINNING WHEEL, closing out on her impassioned rendition of THE LOOK OF LOVE.

Beyond the stage and studio, Madsen is deeply committed to education and mentorship. She serves as adjunct faculty at Snow College, working with jazz vocalists, singer-songwriters, and commercial music students—guiding both their artistic development and professional direction. Her involvement with the Jazz Education Network further reflects a dedication to sustaining jazz through intergenerational exchange.

As founder and curator of Broadway Loft Concerts, she creates performance spaces that foster mentorship, community engagement, and artistic growth. Through this work, Madsen bridges performance and pedagogy, modeling a form of leadership that shapes not only music, but musicians.

Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Madsen approaches jazz as living repertoire—music that invites ongoing reinterpretation, dialogue, and depth. Her work is guided not by trend, but by craft, experience, and a quiet, assured artistic voice.

PLAYERS & INSTRUMENTS:
Brent Edstrom - Piano, Keyboards; Clipper Anderson - Bass; Mark Ivester - Drums; Ronnie Strauss - Percussion; Corey Christiansen - Guitar; Austie Robinson - Trumpet; Tom Young - Trumpet; Daniel Burt - Trombone; Joe Chisholm - Trombone; David Halliday - Sax; Randal Clark - Sax; and Candido Abeyta - Bari Sax.

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