Dear Ms. Dearie Dawn Clement

• 1 The Gentleman is a Dope 04:08
• 2 Tout Doucement 04:08
• 3 Figure 8 05:31
• 4 Dance Only With Me 03:38
• 5 Hey John 04:38
• 6 I Like You, You're Nice 02:27
• 7 Our Love is Here to Stay 02:46
• 8 It's Love 03:31
• 9 I Know the Moon 04:59
• 10 I'm Hip 03:52
• 11 Lies of Handsome Men 05:14
• 12 Our Day Will Come 04:16
• 13 Once Upon a Summertime 04:56
• 14 The Party's Over 03:00
• 15 Home 03:49
• Total Runtime 01:00:53

Info for Dear Ms. Dearie

With Dear Ms. Dearie, pianist and vocalist Dawn Clement offers a luminous, deeply swinging homage to the singular vocalist/pianist, Blossom Dearie. Less a tribute than a tender correspondence across time, Clement inhabits the repertoire with wit and quiet daring amid the masterful accompaniment of bandmates John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, and Steve Kovalcheck. Together they reimagine 15 of Dearie's hits, including lush ballads like "Lies of Handsome Men" and "Once Upon a Summertime," the cool swing of "Tout Doucement," and the smartly snapping "It's Love," through Dawn's inspired arrangements that balance swing with intimacy, sparkle and hush. Produced by Matt Wilson and recorded by Steve Genewick in Los Angeles, the album superbly captures not only the humor, heart, and harmonic sophistication that defined Dearie's art, but Clement's own compositional grace—music that surprises, haunts, and heals in equal measure.

"...a distinctive voice, intellectually sharp, emotionally resonant, and rhythmically enthralling." (Paris-Move)

Dawn Clement, piano, vocals
Steve Kovalcheck, guitar
John Clayton, bass
Jeff Hamilton, drums

Recorded May 27-29, 2025 by Steve Genewick at Tritone Recording, Los Angeles, CA
Mixed by Steve Genewick at The Stewart House, Los Angeles, CA
Mastered by Christoph Stickel at CS Mastering, Vienna Austria
Produced by Matt Wilson

Dawn Clement
Pianist, vocalist, and composer Dawn Clement is a joyful and formidable force in the landscape of modern creative music. For over two decades, Clement has served as both a torchbearer of the jazz tradition and as a trailblazer in fresh sonic explorations. "In all this world of jazz, there are very few individual voices, no matter what the instrument, but Dawn has come up with a voice that's unique..." says legendary jazz trombonist Julian Priester.

Clement's original music is an expansive collection that features her distinctive musical voice in a variety of genres, styles, and settings. Her six albums as a leader showcase her impressive range from master of the jazz piano trio style, to avant garde improviser, to an expressive songwriter and vocalist effortlessly incorporating indie and alternative influences. According to Downbeat magazine, "the revelation is Dawn Clement's piano, always ready with the lyricism or structure the moment needs." 

Clement shines as a collaborator and is highly in demand as a touring and recording artist. She has previously performed with jazz luminaries including Jane Ira Bloom, Ron Miles, Matt Wilson, Rene Marie, and Julian Priester. Dawn recorded with säje on their GRAMMY-winning debut album and has toured with the ensemble in the U.S. and Japan. Clement has been busy recording of late with several exciting projects, including a trio album with guitarist Steve Kovalcheck and bassist Jon Hamar released September 2024. Forthcoming projects include an album with the Esthesis Quartet featuring Bill Frisell in Spring 2025, and a trio project with Buster Williams and Matt Wilson in Fall 2025. 

Integral in Clement's relationship with music is her role as an educator and mentor. She currently serves as Associate Professor and Area Coordinator of the Jazz and American Improvised Music Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver. In addition, Clement is a sought-after guest artist and clinician for jazz festivals. Most recently Clement was appointed the Artistic Director of the Centrum Jazz Workshop, taking over for the legendary bassist John Clayton. 

Dawn holds a Bachelor of Music from Cornish College of the Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Music Composition from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Denver, Colorado, and maintains strong ties with both the Seattle and Denver music communities. Dawn maintains a rigorous teaching and performing schedule while balancing the ever-fluctuating dance of parenting, composing, and supporting her local art scene.

This album contains no booklet.