Jessica frequently works with Monk for President as well as other excellent local musicians.
Jessica also works closely with jazz pianist Alexandre Saada when in Paris as well as DJ Julien Lebrun creating NuJazz in various Paris lounges...
"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>
Influences
Carmen Mcrae, Sarah Vaughn, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Sheila Jordan, Chet Baker, Gal Costa, Gaetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Celia Cruz....
Sounds Like
.. CDBABY LINK for JESSICA MEDINA: Azul -->
JESSICA MEDINA: Azul
Travel from Brazil to Paris to New York. Beautiful vocals - Latin Jazz/Bossa with special guest Claudio Roditi
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.
The next step for Jessica was a move 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,Manahatta and Tavern on the Green.
Jessica’s first full-length cd, “Azul,” 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, with radio, tv and press acclaim.
Jessica will also perform in an exclusive event celebrating women in jazz this March 2008 in New York City.
Find out what she's doing next . . .
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I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
My gorgeous friend! I am so upset I couldn't make it to your last event. I was planning on going but then I got sick. Story of my life girlie! I hope all is well and I can't wait to see you soon. Let's plan it! xxxx
Hi Jessica .It's nice meeting you here on myspace. Thank you for ad. You have a very beautiful voice.I wish you much success with your music. Regards , Ron Mirro
Hi Jessica, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas day, a Happy New Years and a Happy Birthday. I wish you all the secces in the world with your music and what ever else you put your mind in to.
Jessica, many compliments for the work on your page... beautiful voice! I'm glad you've worked with Glafkos, Ed, Greg and Kazi from Hunter! They are incredible musicians... totally remember them :) You've gotta let me know when you are performing, I'll def come out to see you!
Thank you much for taking the time to view one of my Music pages. I appreciate the rQ :}
jessy..como estas linda..hace mucho no se de ti..espero que todo te este saliendo super..ahh! me dijo rita que tu no sabias que me caso..ayy pero con quien sera?? jajaja tqm.. besos! y mucho saludos para rosa!
How have you been? Did you get a chance to touch base with Mark from the Blue Note? I hope so - if not - we have to make it happen. You definitely are a perfect fit for that great place!!
I want you to know that we are playing this weekend, Sat. Nite at the Crash Mansion. Let me know you if you can make it. Details are below.
regardless - I hope you are well and it would be great to hear back from you.
Just wanted to stop by to not only say hi to very gifted singer and friend but to also thank you for the kind words you left on my page. Feelings are mutual. :o)
It was also great to see you again at Omar Alexander's show. Looking forward to not only working with you again but catching your performances. Keep me posted and keep doing yourt thing girl. :o)
Hey Jessica! It was great meeting you outside the BN. I truly enjoyed Omar's show. You have a nice page and your web page is great as well. Lets keep in touch and let us know of any upcoming shows. Peace and love, Maria :-)
Jessica! It was such a pleasure to meet you at my show. Johnny has so many wonderful things to say about you. I am really looking forward to seeing you perform. I also wanted to thank you for coming out and supporting what I do. It meant a lot and I can't wait to see you do your thing!!
Hey Jessica!! I was supposed to meet you the other night at Johnny party but unfortunately could not make it. I am sure we will have many more opportunities. Anyways - we're playing the Blue Note. If you can - it would be amazing to see you there. You are an unbelievable talent. Much respect to you and please keep in touch!
