Madeline Eastman, born June 27, 1954 in San Francisco, California, is an American jazz singer. Her bold, original interpretation of jazz and her energetic onstage presence are reasons audiences love Madeline Eastman. Madeline Eastman has a unique voice and is a talented singer. Madeline fell in love with Diana Ross’s portrayal as Billie Holiday at the age of 18, after watching the movie “Lady Sings the Blues”. Eastman was not yet aware of how serious and committed she would have to be as a jazz singer. Eastman has always listened to Miles Davis’ mid-’60s quintet, which included Wayne Shorter and Ron Carter, as well as Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, and Ron Carter. Her primary inspiration, among vocalists is Carmen McRae. She is one of jazz’s most brilliant lyricists. Eastman stated, “There’s the holy trio – Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan – but for me it was really Carmen since the beginning.” Ms. Eastman was awarded 3rd place in Down Beat Reader’s Poll for “Best Female Jazz Vocalist” in 2004 and was also recognized by Down Beat Magazine’s International Critics Poll for “Talent deserving Wider Recognition.” Eastman is known for her vocal talents, interpretive savvy and unrelenting sense of adventure. She has performed all over the world, including in Japan, Finland, San Francisco’s Yoshi and New York’s nightclubs. She divides her time between teaching and touring at Stanford Jazz Workshop’s vocal department. She was also the Department Chair for Jazz Vocal Studies at Jazzschool, Berkeley, CA. Five CDs have been released on her Mad Kat label, which she co-founded along with Kitty Margolis. Eastman has recorded with luminaries such as Cedar Walton and pianists.
