Member Since: 10-14-2008
Jessica Medina
http://www.gigsalad.com/jessicamedina
- Talent Category:
- Jazz Singer
- Based In:
- Brooklyn, New York
- Travel Range:
- over 3000 miles
- Performance Fee:
- $500 and up
About Jessica Medina:
New York City jazz singer, Jessica Medina, has been gaining the attention of the jazz world as a bright young star and extraordinary talent who's latest recordings boasts an all-star line up that includes special guest trumpeter Claudio Roditi. Her diverse blend of musical styles in four languages (including spanish, portugese, french and of course english)as well as her captivating beauty and sultry jazz vocals makes her a compliment to any setting and a favorite for night clubs, corporate events, festivals and parties. Jessica usually travels with a trio or quartet of excellent musicians and many times, in addition to jazz, may throw in some Latin, Blues, Soul and R&B for good measure.
Biography:
Known for her captivating, sultry voice and her exotic interpretation of jazz, Jessica Medina melds culture, beauty and song in stunning harmony. Fluent in three languages, she fearlessly crosses borders with a fresh, seductive flavor that mesmerizes the senses. Her broad range, rich with provocative tones and colors, conjures a world lush in culture and deep in character.
Born in New York City of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, Jessica’s initial musical education came through her parents, whose own vocal and musical talents fostered her appreciation for music. With Spanish and English as her native tongues—and New York City as her home—Medina quickly developed her musical talents alongside a keen interest in culture and languages. Today, Jessica creatively blends Spanish, French, American and Brazilian sounds in a vocal style infused with an international spice.
Throughout her childhood, Jessica worked with gifted choir masters and dance teachers, each of whom was struck by her talents. Jessica studied acting and musical theatre at HB Studios in New York, one of the most sought-after performing art schools on the East Coast. She learned musical theory, theatre, and co-starred in the children’s off-off-Broadway musical Amazing Grace in Tribeca. Jessica went on to participate in a highly selective dance workshop held by Twyla Tharp in New York. She completed her training performing “The 100’s” with the dance company and Ms. Tharp herself.
It was in college that Jessica first fell in love with jazz. “I was immediately taken by its vivid poetry, romance and arresting beauty” says Jessica. “Inspired by the music of legends Sarah Vaughn, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker and others, I chose to dedicate myself to jazz. It was a natural step—a perfect fit that I knew held something special for me.” Jessica entered a vocal workshop at Hunter College in New York, where she further developed her talents in tune with her love of jazz. Jessica soon began performing alongside top jazz musicians such as pianist Glafkos Kontemeniotis, saxophonist Greg Moore, bassist Ed Kollar and drummer Kazi McCoy, among others. Jessica contributed to an ensemble CD, released in 1999, titled Eyes on the Prize. Her rhythms, hypnotic voice and unique grasp of culture brought her immediate attention, and she was asked to perform for New York State senators in a prestigious private fundraising event in Albany.
In 2000, Jessica met jazz legend and respected educator Sheila Jordan. Taken by Jessica’s talent and unique sound, Jordan, trained her through private coaching and small master classes. Learning alongside Ms. Jordan proved to be an incredible experience for Jessica, further cementing her mastery of jazz theory and vocal technique.
Jessica then moved to Paris, where she spent more than two years performing throughout the city with well-respected musicians and artists. She has also sung in Rome, London and Barcelona. Today, Jessica lives in New York City, and appears regularly in jazz clubs throughout the city, such as Triad, Cleopatra's Needle, Mannahatta and Tavern on the Green.
Jessica’s first full-length CD, “Azul,” was released in May 2007. The album delivers song in four languages and boasts an all-star band including special guest Claudio Roditi. The album was recorded at the famous Bennett Studios and was mastered by Kurt Lundvall, Lundvall Masters.
Jessica was recently asked to be the spotlight artist in the exclusive Hennessy X.O Jazz Smooth and Mellow Asian Tour. May 2007, Jessica performed as the solo vocalist with her group of talented musicians. The ten-day tour reached Shanghai, Taipei, Kaohsiung and Kuala Lumpur, reaching radio, TV and press acclaim. Jessica will also perform in an exclusive event celebrating women in jazz this March 2008 in New York City.
There is little doubt that Jessica Medina is paving the way for an exciting career and is well on her way to being recognized as a young outstanding talent of a new generation of jazz vocalists.
Live Performance Overview:
"Sultry Songstress set to Sizzle...WITH influences from six different countries, Jessica Medina is not only well travelled but also a captivating performer who is dedicated to the art of jazz" Debbie Chan - The Star, Malaysia "Jazz makes this Queens bird Sing...because jazz chose her " Sasha Austrie- Queens Press, NYC "American jazz singer Jessica Medina thrilled the crowd...on her first trip to Asia...enthralled the audience with flawless vocals... was just the right balance of upbeat yet mellow harmonies that blanketed everyone in the room in a warm and relaxed atmosphere." Music Spotlight -Faces Magazine "...a singer who's sultry voice spans jazz, cabaret and international." Nick Angelo - Musician/Critic "Jazz singer gets the crowd tapping. HER seasoned voice marked a sensual note in the ambience ...classy showmanship ... highlight of the night was when Medina sang the song Azul that really got the audience hooked. Azul is also the title of her recently released debut album." Debbie Chan-The Star, Malaysia
Typical Gig Duration: 40 - 120 minutes
Set/Song/Sequence List:
Chega de Saudade
Days of Wine & Roses
Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
Misty
Autumn Leaves
What a Difference A Day Makes
Fever
Teach Me Tonight
Deixa
Azul
Flor de lis
At Last
First Song
It Could Happen To You
Cuban Medley:Como Fue
Summertime
Red House