Jaimee Paul performs in Beaver Creek

BEAVER CREEK — While Jazz vocalist Jaimee Paul has sung back-up for both country superstar Wynonna and most recently for Kelly Clarkson, her powerful pipes are more than capable of filling a room when she sings solo.

Paul visits Beaver Creek for a show this evening. It’s her third time performing at the Vilar Center and while she’s toured around the world, performing in theaters large and small, she calls the Vilar a “spectacular venue.”

“The acoustics are exceptional, and all of the staff is above and beyond what anyone could ever ask for,” she said.

Paul took the time to answer a few questions for the Vail Daily.

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Vail Daily: You spent the last year touring with Kelly Clarkson. Tell me how that’s gone?

Jaimee Paul: I had an amazing experience on the road with Kelly. She is an incredible talent and a fantastic employer. I was singing background vocals for her.

VD: How did that gig come about?

JP: In 2009, my husband, Leif Shires, toured with her as part of her horn section. He and her music director, Jason, became great friends. Our families also began to become great friends, and they started coming to my shows. Then Jason thought that I would be a good fit for Kelly. When a background vocal position opened up, he called me and asked if I would fill the spot, and I enthusiastically said yes.

VD: Can you share a great memory from one of those shows, something that will stick with you always?

JP: I will always remember playing at the Hollywood Bowl. I sat up in the bleacher seats in the middle of the afternoon and could see the Hollywood sign. That was pretty awesome.

VD: Your latest record, “Hear My Prayer,” is a devotional album of hymns, which was nominated for a Dove award for Best Inspirational Album. What made you want to record that album?

JP: I am a Christian. I have been since I was 7. I’ve wanted to make a hymns record for a long time, and when I first signed to Green Hill Music that was one of the records that was on the bill to record at some point. I was thrilled when we recorded it, and I was even more thrilled when it was nominated for a Dove Award. I have always sought after God’s will for my life. I have faith that God wants the very best for me and my life … even through the rough patches. I’ve always said, you have to go through a valley in order to appreciate the mountain top. I have no doubt that God is for me, and if I want what God wants for my life, then what more could I possibly want?

VD: Will your husband, Leif Shires, be performing with you in Beaver Creek?

JP: Most definitely! He is an integral part of the show, and I absolutely love performing with him!

VD: Are you working on a new album now? Or what have you been up to most recently?

JP: We are focusing on the performance aspect of our careers right now; however, we are looking to go into the studio soon and record some originals. I’m hoping those turn out really well.

VD: Anything I haven’t asked that I should know?

JP: We have just signed on with a fall and winter tour of our own! We will be in the north and midwest in October and then again in February. We are really looking forward to this!