Jiana Hunter
Gospel and Jazz vocalist
After years of teaching music, Jiana Hunter is stepping out from behind the desk to the microphone. While directing Meridian 8 from the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati Ohio, Jiana helped to mold the vocal jazz ensembles award winning sound. Now, she is ready to share her artistry with the world. Jiana holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Kentucky State University and a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies Performance from Western Michigan University.
Jiana's first influences spoke to her through the records her mother played. Artists like Luther Vandross, Chaka Kahn, Cheryl Lynn, Stevie Wonder, Rachelle Ferrell, and Earth Wind & Fire introduced her to the language and love of music. Her mother is an accomplished vocal jazz singer. Jiana and her mother shared memorable moments of singing to the music of the artists mentioned. I'll always remember the times we attempted to harmonize at the same time then quickly looked at each and said, "Get off of my note!" She has always been my singing coach and partner. She taught me how to harmonize when I was 4. To this day we still harmonize to commercials, radio jingles, Gospel, R&B, and Jazz music.
Later, Jiana discovered Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Yolanda Adams, Daryl Coley, The Clark Sisters, Take 6, and Kim Burrell, drawing inspiration from their melodies and their message in the spirit of gospel and contemporary Christian music. While performing vocal jazz in Junior High at the School for Creative and Performing Arts, under the direction of Deborah Centers, Jiana was exposed to artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, New York Voices, Manhattan Transfer, Bobby McFerrin, Singers Unlimited, and The Swingle Singers. These artists fostered Jiana’s love for improvisation, harmony, and phrasing.
In the capacity of music ministry, Jiana has been active as a director and choir member at Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church which allowed her to work with outstanding gospel artists such as Pastor Michael F. Mack and Friends, New Vision, Phil Brown and God's Earth with Love, Charles Fold and the Cincinnati Chapter GMWA, John Gray of MannaGod Enterprises, and Myron Butler. While attending Western Michigan University, she was a part of the anointed praise and worship ministry at Christian Life Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan pastored by Joel A. Brooks Jr. Also a talented actress, her musical theatre credits include the role of Mother Ada in the original gospel stage play, I Use to Be a Church Girl, Auntie Em from The Wiz, and others.
As a result of freelance appearances singing jazz, Jiana has garnered attention throughout greater Cincinnati and in the Midwest. She has performed with Mike Wade and the Reality Band, The Phil DeGreg Trio (Phil DeGreg, Art Gore, Jim Anderson), National jazz recording artists, Bobby McFerrin, Janis Siegel from Manhattan Transfer, and Fred Hersch in the company of WMU's Gold Company. Jiana's ensemble work and blending tone quality has afforded her BGV opportunities with R&B artists, Phil Perry, L'Renee, Yolanda Johnson, Gordon Chambers, and Anthony Hamilton. Jiana was a member of a vocal quartet that recorded an original jazz project written and produced by Ron Di Salvio entitled Black and White: A Tribute to 10 Jazz Masters (not yet released) which featured jazz trumpeter Derrick Gardner, and the legendary drummer, Jimmy Cobb. Most notably, she caught the attention of jazz phenomenon Bobby McFerrin, who invited her to perform with him during the Gold Company 27th Annual Show at Western Michigan University. New York Voices founder, Darmon Meader recognized Jiana’s slick scatting skills and asked her to act as a demonstrator as he facilitated a master class for the Steve Zegree Vocal Jazz Camp. As a member of Gold Company, Jiana has performed at the International Association for Jazz Education Conference, Avery Fischer Hall of Jazz at the Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall.
An accomplished songwriter and arranger, Jiana's original songs and collaborations with James L. Johnson (Nusong Productions) and Darek Cobbs (GODSOURCE Music) will appear on her upcoming debut release. Her jazz/pop arrangements have been performed and recorded by Western Michigan University ensembles, including Gold Company, the celebrated collegiate vocal jazz ensemble.
Jiana is currently based in Detroit, Michigan. In addition to her active musical endeavors, Jiana teaches vocal music at the Marvin L. Winans Academy of the Performing Arts and is on the praise and worship team at Revival Tabernacle pastored by Tim Dilena.
For booking information, contact 513-252-6246 or [email protected].
My Music as I See It
The ministry of music represents a portion of the higher calling on my life. The soul of vocal jazz is in the lyrics and the improvisation. The combination of these elements has created an imprint in my style that best represents me, even in my gospel music. When I sing, arrange, or write music, I often see colors transforming through the sound. It is such a blessing to hear the final manifestation outside of my imagination. I am grateful for all that God has entrusted in me. I believe I have a story to share about my journey as a woman of God that has brought me to the place I am today. I will always delight in His gift of music!
