Jillaine Chaston

My big, bluesy voice shocks audiences with authenticity that is never pitch-shifted in performances or recordings. With retro-glamour, I appeal to octogenarians, children and everyone in between. Comparisons to Ella, Carole King and Aretha Franklin are typical. My deep, rich vocal overtones fill musical space.
Even people who hate jazz feel a kinship with jazz at my performances. Guitarists are shocked by my energy. Teens love the unexpected nature of my singing. Children get up and dance. Jazz lovers hear the richness of past great blues singers in voice. Audiences revel in my powerful renditions of rock favorites “Final Countdown” and “Hold the Line.”
My first demo in a recording studio was done at 10 years of age. Four more demos preceded my first CD, “You Really Meant It,” released April 2009. My second CD will be released in September 2010.
While in college the last five years working toward a jazz studies degree with vocal emphasis, I have done over 80 performances on and off campus. Particularly significant to me are the benefits for United Way, Utah Regional Medical Center Neonatal and Pediatric units, and SA Lifeline Foundation.
I have sung with big bands, small combos, rock bands, funk bands with horns, just guitar or piano—even stride piano. At the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Festival 2007, I sang a Dixieland “Salt Lake City Blues” to a standing ovation from jazz experts.
As bandleader for my band, I arrange all the music and do the charts. As a composer, I have written, recorded and performed 13 of my songs as well as songs by other young composers.
My brother, Erik, and I established Jillaine Records jillaine.com. On my video page, there is a BYU Weekly segment about my life as a performer. It also highlights Erik.
For years sound engineers broadly compressed my voice thus distorting my unique vocal qualities. Erik studied and worked in sound recording so that he would have the skills to make my recordings sound close to the way I sound when I sing live. It is rare for a brother and sister to have such unique yet complementary talents. Every time I sing, I share with the audience my unusual vocal qualities, compelling stage presence, and a masterful command of the music.