Biography

     Jennifer May is a bassist who lays the foundation for soloists to perform their best. Noted for her great swing feel, she is also a soloist unafraid to take on a challenge. In addition to "layin' it down" on the bass, Jennifer is also a songwriter, vocalist, show producer, and CD producer.

     Jennifer began her playing career as bassist with big bands back in 1985. She has played with many different groups, from duets to big bands, throughout her professional career. She founded her own six piece group, Ladies First, an all female jazz ensemble, which played for four years in the Buffalo area. In 2002 Jennifer reformed that original group into the 15-piece all-female Ladies First Big Band .

     In 1998, after a stint as bassist for the blues/rock band Barb Wired, Jennifer joined Taylor Made Jazz, an international touring R&B group. With TMJ, she completed six worldwide tours performing at military bases and embassies from Iceland to Mozambique.

     Jennifer's playing can be heard on CDs from Taylor Made Jazz, Lance Diamond, Michael Mirand, and guitarist Walt Sopicki. She can also be heard on a vocal release CD single entitled "Thru the eyes of a child".

     While performing with Taylor Made Jazz, Jennifer received "Buffalo's Best R&B Bassist" award from the Buffalo Night-Life Magazine in 1999, 2001, and 2002. Taylor Made Jazz received awards for "Best R&B Group" in 2001 and 2002, and the Ladies First Big Band recieved Best Big Band honors in 2004.