Jazz Violinist and Vocalist

Biography DIANE PERRY JAZZ VIOLINIST AND VOCALIST The violin section of a 100-piece symphony orchestra isn’t the place you’d expect to find a jazz musician, but that is where jazz vocalist and violinist Diane Perry has spent much of her time since graduating from Juilliard. “I grew up listening to the standards as much as I did classical music, and I was always singing and playing along. My vocal range meant I often needed a different key than most of the singers I listened to, so if I couldn’t sing the melody along with a recording, I would sing harmonies and counter-melodies. Luckily, I have always had a great ear, and this is one of the ways it developed.”

Composing extemporaneously over the harmonies of songs is the basis for jazz improvisation, but the Long Island, NY native didn’t regard what she was doing as the same thing as jazz at the time. “I was just exploring my individual musical expression in a way classical music didn’t allow, with the great songs that I loved so much.”

Putting aside aspirations to join the ranks of Sinatra and Ella, Coltrane and Evans, Diane Perry played all the jobs any busy freelance violinist in the New York City area would do, from Lincoln Center concerts to club dates, Broadway, operas and weddings. Then, Diane got the call to play with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks, one of the best and busiest swing bands in New York. It was her first experience playing in a big band as there is little call for violin in such ensembles. There she got to solo with, listen to, and learn from the biggest up-and-coming jazz talent around, since so many of the best young jazz musicians arriving in New York have come up in its ranks.

Developing her craft, Diane Perry pursued opportunities to play and record jazz as a sideman with many accomplished artists, among them Frank Wess, David Amram, Scott Robinson, The DMP Big Band, The Hot Club of Philadelphia, Frank Vignola, Dan Block, Jeff Tyzik, Tom Harrell, Dan Levinson, Luis Bonilla, Dan Barrett, and even groups of other genres like George Usher Group and The Trailer Park Troubadours. Her jazz group was interviewed and performed live on WNYC Radio’s Around New York with Steve Sullivan. She also helped produce recordings for composer, arranger and trombonist Scott Whitfield, and co-produced the soundtrack for Woody Allen’s Everyone Says I Love You.

Gradually, Diane inserted more vocals into her instrumental jazz performances, and the audience reactions, as well as those of her colleagues, were tremendously encouraging. “I have had people come up to me and say that they got goose bumps, and even actually cried tears after some of my songs. These experiences told me that it was imperative to record my singing, and to get to perform more for people as a vocalist.” She continues, “Connecting to an audience in a visceral way and really communicating something important is the function of all art, and knowing that I had perfected my craft enough to move people that way is intensely gratifying.”

Diane Perry’s debut solo recording is slated for completion in May 2011, and the release, containing standards, quirky upbeat tunes and her own original compositions, is sure to transport this talented artist out from under the radar and onto the world stage. Bookings throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and festivals worldwide, as well as radio interviews, are being scheduled to support its release. For Bookings or More Info Contact Diane Perry [email protected] 908-447-1395 dianeperryjazz.com 1515 Brookside Drive, Union, NJ 07083 DIANE PERRY JAZZ VIOLINIST AND VOCALIST From the first mellifluous phrases of “Stardust,” it is immediately apparent what makes Diane Perry’s playing so unique. Clearly, the classical traditions of violin playing are well represented in her lush tone, superior intonation and impressive technique. But just as evident is the true spirit of jazz improvisation: as in “Moody’s Mood for Love,” just a few notes of the original melody remain. Creatively, the next track, the mournful lullaby “Summertime” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess is recast as an upbeat Latin tune.

But it is the richness of the vocals on Diane Perry’s debut recording, scheduled for release in spring of 2011, that is most surprising; emotionally riveting, they charm, disarm and bewitch. In her signature song, “Skylark,” the sincere yearning in the lyric shines through; her melodic violin solo and plaintive vocals on “Emily” are appropriately wistful; and her fresh rendition of Doris Day staple “It’s Magic” is heartfelt.

Also notable, in “Pick Yourself Up,” a Bach-inspired group improv gives the lively tune a baroque twist, and “Love is Here to Stay” is a rousing blues. Diane Perry is superbly supported by top-notch musicians: Matt King on piano; Flip Peters, guitar; and Marc Schmied, bass.

Demo Track Listing: (underlined tracks are recommended for airplay) 1 Stardust 2 Summertime 3 It’s Magic 4 Pick Yourself Up 5 Emily 6 Love Is Here To Stay 7 Skylark

Here’s what people are saying about Diane Perry: “Diane Perry is a true musician’s musician and singer’s singer and the jazz artists who have stood the test of time all fit this same definition. She doesn’t copy anyone and doesn’t need to. She tells her own story in a compelling style that makes you want to go back and hear more. She plays violin and sings with a soulfulness and brilliance that captivates audiences as much as her performances thrill the musicians who play with her and come especially to hear her. SHE IS THE REAL DEAL!!!” David Amram, legendary jazz musician, composer, author and conductor “This only happened once in my 30 years of producing concerts: Halfway through her first song, I was already on the phone with our booking agent, saying, “We’ve got to have her.” The performer was Diane Perry. Her exquisite vocals were at once emotionally penetrating and technically exhilarating. I was overwhelmed when I heard the same passion and elegant proficiency from her instrument as I had from her voice.” Mark Schaffer, Board member and former President of The Folk Project, a non-profit organization that produces over 100 concerts, dances and festival events every year For Bookings or More Info Contact Diane Perry [email protected] 908-447-1395 dianeperryjazz.com 1515 Brookside Drive, Union, NJ 07083 From the first mellifluous phrases of “Stardust,” it is immediately apparent what makes Diane Perry’s playing so unique. Clearly, the classical traditions of violin playing are well represented in her lush tone, superior intonation and impressive technique. But just as evident is the true spirit of jazz improvisation: as in “Moody’s Mood for Love,” just a few notes of the original melody remain. Creatively, the next track, the mournful lullaby “Summertime” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess is recast as an upbeat Latin tune.

But it is the richness of the vocals on Diane Perry’s debut recording, scheduled for release in spring of 2011, that is most surprising; emotionally riveting, they charm, disarm and bewitch. In her signature song, “Skylark,” the sincere yearning in the lyric shines through; her melodic violin solo and plaintive vocals on “Emily” are appropriately wistful; and her fresh rendition of Doris Day staple “It’s Magic” is heartfelt.

Also notable, in “Pick Yourself Up,” a Bach-inspired group improv gives the lively tune a baroque twist, and “Love is Here to Stay” is a rousing blues. Diane Perry is superbly supported by top-notch musicians: Matt King on piano; Flip Peters, guitar; and Marc Schmied, bass.

Demo Track Listing: (underlined tracks are recommended for airplay) 1 Stardust 2 Summertime 3 It’s Magic 4 Pick Yourself Up 5 Emily 6 Love Is Here To Stay 7 Skylark

Here’s what people are saying about Diane Perry: “Diane Perry is a true musician’s musician and singer’s singer and the jazz artists who have stood the test of time all fit this same definition. She doesn’t copy anyone and doesn’t need to. She tells her own story in a compelling style that makes you want to go back and hear more. She plays violin and sings with a soulfulness and brilliance that captivates audiences as much as her performances thrill the musicians who play with her and come especially to hear her. SHE IS THE REAL DEAL!!!” David Amram, legendary jazz musician, composer, author and conductor “This only happened once in my 30 years of producing concerts: Halfway through her first song, I was already on the phone with our booking agent, saying, “We’ve got to have her.” The performer was Diane Perry. Her exquisite vocals were at once emotionally penetrating and technically exhilarating. I was overwhelmed when I heard the same passion and elegant proficiency from her instrument as I had from her voice.” Mark Schaffer, Board member and former President of The Folk Project, a non-profit organization that produces over 100 concerts, dances and festival events every year For Bookings or More Info Contact Diane Perry [email protected] 908-447-1395 dianeperryjazz.com 1515 Brookside Drive, Union, NJ 07083 Biography DIANE PERRY JAZZ VIOLINIST AND VOCALIST The violin section of a 100-piece symphony orchestra isn’t the place you’d expect to find a jazz musician, but that is where jazz vocalist and violinist Diane Perry has spent much of her time since graduating from Juilliard. “I grew up listening to the standards as much as I did classical music, and I was always singing and playing along. My vocal range meant I often needed a different key than most of the singers I listened to, so if I couldn’t sing the melody along with a recording, I would sing harmonies and counter-melodies. Luckily, I have always had a great ear, and this is one of the ways it developed.”

Composing extemporaneously over the harmonies of songs is the basis for jazz improvisation, but the Long Island, NY native didn’t regard what she was doing as the same thing as jazz at the time. “I was just exploring my individual musical expression in a way classical music didn’t allow, with the great songs that I loved so much.”

Putting aside aspirations to join the ranks of Sinatra and Ella, Coltrane and Evans, Diane Perry played all the jobs any busy freelance violinist in the New York City area would do, from Lincoln Center concerts to club dates, Broadway, operas and weddings. Then, Diane got the call to play with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks, one of the best and busiest swing bands in New York. It was her first experience playing in a big band as there is little call for violin in such ensembles. There she got to solo with, listen to, and learn from the biggest up-and-coming jazz talent around, since so many of the best young jazz musicians arriving in New York have come up in its ranks.

Developing her craft, Diane Perry pursued opportunities to play and record jazz as a sideman with many accomplished artists, among them Frank Wess, David Amram, Scott Robinson, The DMP Big Band, The Hot Club of Philadelphia, Frank Vignola, Dan Block, Jeff Tyzik, Tom Harrell, Dan Levinson, Luis Bonilla, Dan Barrett, and even groups of other genres like George Usher Group and The Trailer Park Troubadours. Her jazz group was interviewed and performed live on WNYC Radio’s Around New York with Steve Sullivan. She also helped produce recordings for composer, arranger and trombonist Scott Whitfield, and co-produced the soundtrack for Woody Allen’s Everyone Says I Love You.

Gradually, Diane inserted more vocals into her instrumental jazz performances, and the audience reactions, as well as those of her colleagues, were tremendously encouraging. “People have come up to me to say that they got goose bumps, and even actually cried tears after some of my songs. These experiences told me that it was imperative to record my singing, and to get to perform more for people as a vocalist.” She continues, “Connecting to an audience in a visceral way and really communicating something important is the function of all art, and knowing that I had perfected my craft enough to move people that way is intensely gratifying.”

Diane Perry’s debut solo recording is slated for completion in May 2011, and the release, containing standards, quirky upbeat tunes and her own original compositions, is sure to transport this talented artist out from under the radar and onto the world stage. Bookings throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and festivals worldwide, as well as radio interviews, are being scheduled to support its release. For Bookings or More Info Contact Diane Perry [email protected] 908-447-1395 dianeperryjazz.com 1515 Brookside Drive, Union, NJ 07083 DIANE PERRY JAZZ VIOLINIST AND VOCALIST