Minstrel of Malibu Jacqui Hylton

Soul Stories

Dr Randall sits down with the Minstrel of Malibu Jacqui Hylton!
Jacqui Hylton singer, songwriter, composer continues to captivate her audiences locally and through her recordings. Having earned the moniker, The Minstrel of Malibu, her work as a jazz singer includes gigs at the most reputable venues: Catalina’s, The Baked Potato, Beverly Hills Hotel, The Mint, Genghis Cohen, Ford Amphitheatre to name a few. As a songwriter, her sound is an acoustic blend of pop, jazz, classical and blues. Ms. Hylton recently recorded one of her original songs entitled “Beautiful” alongside Oscar nominated composer, arranger and conductor David Campbell and his 22-piece orchestra ensemble. Notable musicians on this recording also include bass player Nathan East (member of group ToTo, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion), Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa) and pianist Tamir Hendleman (Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Michael Buble).
Ms. Hylton lures audiences with lush vocals and composes vibrant melodies, generously supporting songs that touch the heart of human experiences. She was classically trained on piano at a young age through the Royal Conservatory of Music which grew into a love for jazz after being introduced to her father’s jazz collection which featured Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. These legendary musical influences spurned a love for writing, singing, stage performance and frequenting jazz clubs. After relocating from Toronto Canada to Los Angeles, she became a student of voice builder to the stars Gary Catona and vocal coach Annette Warren Smith. Ms. Hylton currently resides in Agoura Hills CA. Ms. Hylton has created a following in the Malibu and Beverly Hills communities performing at Savory Malibu, Sage Room, Malibu Music Festival, Malibu Golf to End Cancer Benefit Concerts, Sofitel Hotel with Ryan Cross, DOMA Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills Rotary Club and Nic’s Beverly Hills.
Ms. Hylton has shared the stage and performed with accomplished musicians bassist Reggie Hamilton, saxophonist Katisse Buckingham, drummer Joey Hereida who are members of multi Grammy award winning Billy Childs' band.
2016-2019, Ms Hylton continues to perform in the greater Los Angeles Area at distinguished jazz clubs and abroad and is a volunteer member of Maria Newman’s Westwood Choir and Orchestra. Vocalist Annette Warren Smith, 95, shadow singer for Lucille Ball in Fancy Pants and Ava Gardner in Show Boat presented Ms. Hylton as a special guest performer at Catalinas jazz club in Hollywood. Ms. Hylton also joined the stage with Multi Grammy winning double bassist/orchestral arranger James Leary (Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Count Basie Orchestra) at The World Stage Theatre.
On Dec 15th 2018 Jacqui Hylton & Friends performed a jazz concert and Holiday Toy Drive to benefit The Children's Lifesaving Foundation at Aldabella's in Westlake Village. Musicians included) Katisse Buckingham-sax and woodwinds (associated acts Herbie Hancock, Billy Childs, the late Prince), Chris Cadenhead on keys, (associated acts the late Prince, Fourplay, Justin Bieber, Tony Moore Drums, (Norman Brown, Jeff Lorber ) John Hart bass (Gladys Knight). The evening featured original compositions by Jacqui Hylton as well as jazz covers.
Jan 2019- March 2020 Jacqui Hylton secured a residency at The Hilton Checkers Hotel in Los Angeles
In Feb 2021 Ms. Hylton performed a virtual concert for MJCS' annual Purimspiel in Malibu, CA.
Beginning Sept 2021, Ms. Hylton created Jazz Sundays, performing weekly on Sunday nights at Nonna Restaurant in Westlake Village CA.
Tune in!