BIOGRAPHY
Argentine-born bossa nova, samba, jazz vocalist Cecilia Monte is a young singer-songwriter, with grace, subtlety and a distinct soulful vocal expression. She divides her home bases between Canada and Argentina. She is currently performing a series of concerts in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada, however, throughout her career she has toured in Argentina, Canada and the USA.
Most recently, she received a standing ovation for her headline appearance at the 2012 Vancouver International Jazz Festival. According to the Georgia Straight’s Adrian Mack, “Of the 150 or so shows presented by the Jazz Festival this year, Cecilia Monte’s night of bossa-nova at Performance Works on July 1st might have been the sultriest”.
Cecilia has recently released her first CD ‘Open Air’, which was recorded in Argentina and features 10 tracks in a variety of Portuguese, Spanish and English; five original songs, and five arrangements of renowned jazz standards (such as “Old Devil Moon”, “My Favorite Things” and “I Hear Music”) and bossa nova classics (like "Fotografia" and "O Pato").
Monte states: “‘Open Air’ is my first release featuring my original compositions. The songs were born from travels, loves and desires to discover.”
She has previously released two EP’s: Haunting and romantic bossa nova classics on ‘Cecilia Monte Sings Jobim’ (2011), and a set of notable jazz standards on ‘Cecilia Monte Jazz Band’ (2012).
Born into a musical family, Cecilia began her music education at age four. Studying extensively in Argentina, she learned vocal technique, jazz and improvisation. In 2009, she made the move to Canada where she furthered her training in Vancouver with vocal teachers Steve Maddock and Karin Plato.
Monte enhanced her musical skills in 2011 as a member of the Toronto Jazz Chorus (directed by Howard Rees) and voice lessons with Montréal’s Ranee Lee. She also participated in vocal and improv workshops in New York with jazz master Barry Harris, and at the Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival with USA’s Dominique Eade.
Quotes:
“Of the 150 or so free shows presented by the (Vancouver) Jazz Festival this year, Cecilia Monte’s night of bossa nova at Performance Works on July 1 might have been the sultriest.” – Music writer Adrian Mack, Georgia Straight, 2012.
“...beautiful music that will transport and wrap you in warmth and sensuality, Cecilia Monte keeps the tradition alive with her genuine artistry and soulful approach to a music that affects its listeners.” – Jazz vocalist Ranee Lee, Montreal, 2011.
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