Upcoming Shows
Bio
Denise José (Yo-say) Kirkland was born on December 21, in Washington, D.C. She attended high school at Severna Park High School in Maryland and West Florence High School in S.C., where she performed in plays and musical theatre. She was a cheerleader and sang in school and church choirs. She took ballet, jazz and modern dance classes and studied piano.
In the midst of all this performance related education, she managed to get a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Francis Marion University. An accomplished actor and impersonator, her favorite character to play is Jackie “Moms” Mabley.
Denise didn’t begin singing professionally until her late 20’s but after discovering she could sing jazz & blues, she hasn’t looked back. Her musical influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, Abbey Lincoln, Billie Holiday, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bobby McFerrin, Carmen McCrae, Rachelle Ferrell, Alberta Hunter, Koko Taylor, Dizzy Gillespie, Bonnie Raitt, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Stanley Turrentine, and a ton of others that would fill an ocean. Denise listens.
In 2006, she moved from Philadelphia to Atlanta, where she sings in jazz and blues clubs, restaurants and for private functions. She is a songwriter and wrote lyrics and music for nine songs on her debut CD “Progressive Groove”, now in production. She writes jazz, blues, R&B, Southern soul, gospel and country songs for herself and other artists.
Straight ahead, smooth jazz, blues or slick R&B, The Kirkland Project delights their audiences with style and class. Kirkland's smoky vocals are brilliant and her band provides just the complementary counterpoint. Perfect for corporate parties. receptions, concerts and private events as well as restaurants and night clubs.
Denise says, “No matter what your obstacles, you have the will or can learn the skills necessary to create your own beautiful quality of life.” Her motto? “ I ain’t braggin, I’m confessin’!”