A multi-instrumentalist who plays Acoustic & Electric Guitar as well as Keyboards; has in a relatively short time, actualized myriad accomplishments that would have taken some a lifetime to achieve. As a songwriter, famed Guitarist George Benson selected Jeanne’s “Love Remembers” for the title track of his Warner CD; Anita Pointer chose “Thorny Rose”, “Always”, and “Stronger than Pride” for her upcoming CD; Chaka Khan recorded “Don.t Ask Me.” for a WEA release; and Tony Ransom recorded “Take It To Heart” and “Turn To Me”. for his Expansion/EMI solo album. Jeanne lends background vocals to two of renowned saxophonist Steve Coleman's tracks on his groundbreaking CD 'The Sonic Language of Myth' [RCA/Victor].
Her song 'Simple Pleasure' was recently chosen for The Weather Channel's first ever commercial CD release, titled 'The Weather Channel Presents: the Best of Smooth Jazz' which reached #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart for 7 weeks. The Weather Channel routinely features Jeanne’s music in regular rotation.
Ms. Ricks composed music for Francis Ford Coppola’s movie, “Assassination Tango”, starring, Robert Duvall, which was critically acclaimed. She has also scored a half-dozen short films including the Wright Bros. Photoplay film, The Path of Least Resistance; which won high praise from the IFP. She has penned a number of successful jingles and produced independent projects for several aspiring artists. Recently, she was asked to join Gemini Entertainment as musical director for their animated features, which focus on teaching children values and wisdom through African folklore.
Listening Room, was Jeanne’s first solo CD with the help of a few friends like Branford Marsalis, Lisa Fischer, Darryl Tookes and Hubert Eaves III lending their talents to music which she composed, arranged, produced and mixed under the Rickso Facto Music label under her artistic pseudonym, “Jenjii”. Three songs from Listening Room are featured in the film, „Better Days.
Her new CD ‘Make it Work!” highlights the talented Walter Beasley on alto saxophone and Robert Irving III (former Miles Davis alumni) on Acoustic Piano.
She can also be seen regularly performing with her band in and around Manhattan.
