Jamille Jam Hunter - Sassy's Return: The S.V Project (2017)

These album notes are titled “The Journey” because that is indeed what has transpired over a significant period of time. My emotions have run the gamut during this experience. Everything from determination to frustration; from excitement to fatigue. But yet, here we are. The story began several years ago with a concert. An acknowledgement to my greatest influence. Sarah Vaughan had mesmerized me from the first time I heard her sing on a cassette tape I picked up from a secondhand record store. I wanted to acknowledge the music of someone who I was completely fascinated with. I’d listened to her magical voice and studied her style day after day, song after song. The concert was so well received, that Keenan (my MD) and I agreed we should do it again but this time, we’d record it! Thus, the SV Project truly began to live and breathe. My initial thought when I decided to do what I like to call, an “appreciation album” to the legendary Sarah Vaughan, was ‘how does this work?’ Do I imitate, emulate or recreate everything? A ridiculously large repertoire to choose from left me overwhelmed from the start! At first I wanted an orchestra but my budget would not support that particular vision. So I decided to gather my band Mood Swing and just make it happen! My respect for Sarah Vaughan is so real and so honest, I wanted the music to speak for itself. Some songs we held true to form and some we let loose on and let our creative juices flow. I am truly proud of this project. My musicians are stellar to say the least! Every rehearsal was a jam session!! Sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed to this album, including my own kids. (“More cowbell!!”—Inside joke!) Thank-you to my friends and family who support and encourage me no matter what. Thanks to the DJs who shout me out and play my music. Thank you Lord for the gift and continual inspiration and for placing the right people in my path. Please enjoy the music. Respectfully submitted, I AM JAM!