Tina Cernero
“A return” is how Tina Cernero describes her musical journey. “I started off singing in church, and now here I am again.”
It’s that simple, and it’s not. This resident of New York made a mark for herself in a city where it’s difficult to survive, let alone flourish in the music business. But that’s what Cernero set her mind to do when she first arrived in the East Village, and her deep, soulful voice found an immediate home in clubs around the city. From her years of singing and acting in off-Broadway productions to her tenure as a founding member of the band Dollhouse, Cernero forged ahead to make a name for herself as a vocalist who can morph seamlessly into any musical style.
As of late, Cernero is best known for her soloist position at the Middle Collegiate Church on Second Avenue. Her extensive training garnered her an audition at the church, but it was her passionate delivery that earned her the position of soloist in the highly acclaimed Middle Church Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir.
But Cernero’s talents are not limited to just voice. An accomplished songwriter, she has published music in genres ranging from R&B and jazz to ambient, house and rock and pop. A session singer for years, her broad-based talents include a specialization in Middle-Eastern vocals and keyboard programming, both of which can be heard on Integrity Music’s ambient praise record Garment of Praise by Kathy Shooster.
When asked what is next for her, Cernero says, “I’m here — and I’m staying. This is my spiritual home and my musical home. This is it for me. I do this because I feel it’s blessing people. It’s not about me — it’s about bringing a gift to other people. Everything that was before was a preparation for now, here, this time.”
“Post-modern gospel: soul with a modern edge” — that’s how one commentator described Cernero’s latest work. With this heartfelt return to her roots, it’s clear that she’s bringing a rich growth and new breadth with her that — much like her song Carry Me — is both fresh and memorable.
Tina Cernero can be seen performing with the Middle Church Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir at Middle Collegiate Church on 2nd Avenue and 7th Street at 11 a.m. two-three Sunday's per month in addition to a variety of venues throughout the New York City area. Her latest CD EP, “FREE” marks Tina’s first solo effort. Email tcernero@aol.com for bookings or inquires.
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