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What Judi Silvano has been
able to accomplish thus far gives the appearance of multiple
artists' careers strung together -- but it's all Judi.
In fact, she's always got a new project ready to fly,
oftentimes dovetailing and overlapping her previous efforts.
Born in Philadelphia, with a degree (in both Music and
Dance) from Temple University, Judi made her way to New
York City in 1976 where she launched her career as an
improviser -- of dance at first. But jazz would not be
far behind.
An alchemist of music and movement, her career as a choreographer
and dancer led her straight to NYC's downtown music scene
where her improvisational spirit could run free. It also
steered her toward what would become a long-term collaboration
with saxophonist Joe Lovano that began in 1980 and continues
to this day.
Throughout the 80s, you could also find Judi on any given
Monday night at the Village Vanguard where the Mel Lewis
Jazz Orchestra held forth, soaking in the great charts
of Thad Jones. Before long, Judi could sing along with
all the lead trumpet parts. You can trace the roots of
her unique horn-like approach to vocalizing directly to
this experience.
To date, Judi Silvano has six recordings to her credit,
including 1997's Vocalise on the Blue Note label. She's
led multiple vocal groups from Voices of Juniper to Voices
Together, won numerous awards and grants (Meet the Composer,
New York State Council on the Arts), been named as one
of the Top 10 Vocalists in Down Beat magazine three times,
has held a post as a jazz journalist/columnist (All About
Jazz) and has been the subject of an original composition
("Sketches for Silvano" by Lori Dobbins).
As a gifted educator with a great heart (that comment
comes straight from her students), Ms. Silvano has passed
on her knowledge and experience to a multitude of young
musicians both privately and through her Vocal Improv
workshops in NYC, and at such esteemed institutions as
Banff International Center for the Arts and Rutgers University.
As a progressive composer and arranger, Judi Silvano's
work has been recognized by the industry in many ways,
including taking First Prize in The Brooklyn Lager Band
Search, with judging for the Search led by trumpeter Lester
Bowie. Silvano dons the "Producer's Hat" quite
often. Her most recent efforts are offered monthly at
NYC's Cornelia Street Cafe, where her presentations featuring
established and emerging vocalists have spanned a deliciously
eclectic array of themes including: "A Tribute to
Monk", "Sephardic Meets Jazz", "New
Songs for Singers" (which included 14 singers presenting
new repertoire), and with jazz journalist Lara Pellegrinelli,
an evening of alternative lyrics to songs entitled "Strangers
in the Night - An Evening of Uncommon Lyrics to the Great
American Songbook".
The roster of musicians with whom Silvano has collaborated,
performed, recorded and/or toured reads like a Who's Who
of Jazz. A short list of these stellar artists includes
Scott Lee, Kenny Werner, Joe Lovano, Tom Rainey, Billy
Drewes, Ratso Harris, Bill Frisell, Tim Hagans, Paul Motian,
Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette, Erik Friedlander, George
Garzone, Al Foster, Manny Albam, Dave Holland, Dave Douglas,
Mike Formanek, Gerry Hemmingway, Michael Abene, Rufus
Reid, Ingrid Jensen, Dick Oatts and Newman Taylor Baker
- and that's just the tip of the iceberg. She's performed
at a multitude of festivals and concert houses around
the globe, including the Montreal, Paris, London, Verona,
Perugia, Istanbul and North Sea Jazz Festivals as well
as the JVC Jazz Festival in NY.
Silvano's two latest recordings are both surprising and
healing. The first, Sound Garden - Spirit Music (JSL Music,
2003) is the first in a series of CDs of music for yoga,
meditation and massage Judi recorded playing an array
of woodwinds and percussion as well as singing. The latter,
Let Yourself Go (ZOHO Music, 2004) is a loving birthday
gift to her mom of her favorite standards with little
big band arrangements by Michael Abene.
You may have to stop and take a deep breath just from
reading what Judi Silvano has accomplished to date - but
she won't! Judi's ideas, spark, talent and enthusiasm
know no limits. She's off and running again, bringing
her abundant talents and tireless spirit to the next endeavor.
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