Gina Saputo and Jamie Shew sing at the Jazz Station in Eugene
- Gina Saputo voice
- Jamie Shew voice
- John Storie guitar
- Tyler Abbott bass
- Matt Mayhall drums
Together again: Jamie Shew joins Gina Saputo and former LA bandmates for a special night of duets, features, and jazz voice at its best.
With a “luminous” voice that melts hearts (Jazz Weekly) and a playful charm that lights up every stage, Jamie Shew has emerged as one of Southern California’s most celebrated jazz vocalists. Hailed as “a swinging thrush that knows how to deliver” (Midwest Record), she captivates audiences worldwide with expressive storytelling, effortless phrasing, soulful arrangements, and an unmistakable presence. Her style blends the timeless elegance of jazz with a modern edge, creating a sound that resonates across generations.
Renowned jazz critic Scott Yanow writes, “Jamie Shew has a strong, clear and attractive voice, sounding very comfortable in all registers. She can swing at every tempo, sounds at home interacting with jazz musicians, and is a subtle but creative improviser.”
Her latest release, Spicy, Classy (and a little) Sassy (May 2025), is a vibrant celebration of love in all its forms - bold, tender, complicated, and sometimes delightfully irreverent. Following her deeply personal 2018 album, Eyes Wide Open, a tribute to her late husband, the new album is a testament to resilience, rediscovery, and the transformative power of music. Featuring nine reimagined standards and three original songs, the album showcases Jamie not only as a vocalist but as a thoughtful arranger with a gift for creating fresh textures and emotional nuance. The all-star West Coast band includes Jeremy Siskind, Kait Dunton, Mike Scott, Lyman Medeiros, Mark Ferber, and guest vocalist Mario Jose. Bebop Spoken Here calls the album “an enticing, most enjoyable, and downright fun visit,” praising Shew as “an extremely talented singer and arranger” who makes “time, melody and lyrics playful—the key parts of her creative sandbox.”
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, she reminds us that vulnerability is strength, storytelling is healing, and jazz is as much about reinvention as it is about tradition. As JW Vibe notes, Jamie’s music “paints the narrative of emotional survival and fresh mercies of meaningful new love…sparkling, soulful, swinging, sensitive, and yep—often sassy.”
“Street wise like Carmen McRae yet as strong as Sarah Vaughan.” - Jazz Weekly.
By the age of 15, Gina Saputo was already commanding the stage in the jazz clubs of her native Springfield, Oregon. A prodigy who began classical training at 8 and landed her first paying gig at 11, Gina's early passion for jazz set her on a path of extraordinary success. She pursued jazz studies at the University of Southern California on a scholarship and further honed her craft at the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute, now known as the Herbie Hancock Institute.
Gina’s career is a testament to her multifaceted talent and dedication. As an internationally celebrated jazz performer, recording artist, and session singer, she is also a sought-after clinician, model, actress, and author. Her impressive resume includes co-directing the Applied Music program at Santa Monica College, where she also served as the department equity coach, driving initiatives to foster inclusive practices. Her role as an award-winning full-time instructor at Musicians Institute in Hollywood for 8 years underscores her commitment to both performance and education.
Her latest project, the “Women Talk” EP, received critical acclaim upon its digital release in December 2023. Gina's album "Duetto," released on Swingfest Records in October 2019, soared to #4 on the iTunes Jazz Charts. Her collaboration with Jeff Goldblum, featured on his Decca Records album, showcased her talent alongside industry giants like Miley Cyrus, Fiona Apple, Inara George, and Gregory Porter. The upcoming record, “Daydream,” set for release in 2024, promises to further her remarkable trajectory.
Globally renowned, Gina has toured with jazz legends such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Jack Sheldon, gracing stages at iconic venues and festivals including headlining Club Nokia at LA Live, the Savannah Jazz Festival, and the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival to name a few. Her performances have captivated audiences across Asia, the Middle East, Canada, Europe, and the US, earning her standing ovations wherever she goes.
Her debut album, "Swingin’ on a Star," received rave reviews and reached #3 on Japan’s Swing Journal charts, while her promotional release "Live at the Omni," featuring saxophone virtuoso Plas Johnson, further solidified her place in the jazz world. Gina’s 12-year collaboration with Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, along with her performances at venues like The Rockwell in Los Feliz and The Blue Note in Hawaii and Milan, highlight her versatility and enduring appeal. She was also a featured vocalist for Disneyland's longest-running swing orchestra, showcasing her talent at events such as the Royal Swing Ball and Disney’s exclusive Club 33.
Beyond the stage, Gina is a three-time published author, currently finalizing her fourth book, "Vocal Technique for Songwriters." Her media presence includes appearances on Amazon Prime’s "The Last Tycoon," Good Day LA, and Entertainment Weekly.
After a vibrant 23 years in Los Angeles, Gina recently relocated to Portland, Oregon, with her husband, jazz organist Joe Bagg, their corgi Olive, and their daughter Hazel. Their newest addition, baby boy Sebastian, was born in 2024. Gina continues to be a pivotal figure in both the Los Angeles and global jazz scenes, celebrated for her artistry, commitment to jazz education, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her dynamic presence and dedication make her a standout voice in contemporary jazz.
