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Linda Ciofalo

The innovative jazz singer Mark Murphy said it best: "Linda Ciofalo is an absolute bundle of joy. Wait ‘til you hear her sing, you're in heaven!"

Ciofalo’s repertoire ranges from such diverse sources as bluesman John Lee Hooker to Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway. Her voice can be both hard-hitting and gutsy, or lend itself to pure romance . "...she is blessed with a voice as warm, bright and shimmering as a smog-free country morning."Jazz Times.

At an early age she was accepted to New York City High School of Music and Art but due to parental disapproval of her musical aspirations, she was not allowed to attend. Subsequently, in later years she attended evening classes for classical vocal technique and musical theater at The Juilliard School.

Inspired by a televised performance of Sarah Vaughn, Ciofalo’s interest in vocal jazz was piqued. In the mid-80s, she competed with 300 singers to clinch the coveted featured vocalist spot in The Big Band Association 18 piece jazz orchestra. She has lent her voice to recordings as a backup vocalist and worked steadily as a vocalist versed in a variety of genres, from punk to reggae to classical. In 1999, a desire to sing music solely of her own choice paved the way for Ciofalo to form her own band. With her love for jazz and arranging music as a base, she recorded a CD of standards, jazz-pop and original works. Her debut jazz recording Take the High Road, took on a life of it’s own and brought her to the attention of a much wider audience. Very well received by critics and fans alike, it was rated 5 stars by Jazzreview.com. It led to performances at major New York clubs such as the Blue Note, Iridium, the 55 Bar, Old Westbury Gardens and the Long Island Distinguished Artists series. Beside headlining with her own groups, Ms. Ciofalo has also shared the stage with Jazz legends including her mentors vocalist Mark Murphy and guitarist Les Paul who advised her to change her last name because he,as well as others had so much difficulty pronouncing it [see 'ah fellow].

"a spirited singer with a bright , flexible voice and a firm grasp of bop and blues". ~ Time Out New York

Ciofalo released her second CD, Sun Set, in the fall of 2007. In his review for Rifftides - Arts Journal , Doug Ramsey writes "Matt Wilson, the drummer on the CD, suggested that I would like Ciofalo. I do. She is adventurous, but not to the point of disrespecting the material…uses time play in her phrasing without losing rhythmic consistency and has a light, creamy voice that now and then drops to surprising depth.

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Tags

146
Album Review

Linda Ciofalo: Sun Set

Read "Sun Set" reviewed by Marcia Hillman


Linda Ciofalo's Sun Set has connected all the dots to make for an impressive listening experience. Starting with a concept--songs with the word “sun" in the title, or sun-related--the package offers an eclectic collection of selections, innovative arrangements and performances by an engaging vocalist with major chops and choice instrumentalists: John di Martino (piano), John Hart (guitar), Marcus McLaurine (bass), Joel Frahm (sax) and Matt Wilson (drums). Ciofalo's vocal clarity is refreshing and she knows what to ...

101
Album Review

Linda Ciofalo: Sun Set

Read "Sun Set" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


"Sunny, in addition to being a description of the weather, can be used in reference to a positive disposition. Linda Ciofalo creates a sunny atmosphere with Sun Set. Complemented by a small ensemble of sidemen, she delivers an album worthy of Janis Siegel or Tierney Sutton. Inspired by a televised appearance of the legendary Sarah Vaughan, Ciofalo took an interest in vocal jazz in the 1980s. She earned a spot in a big band jazz orchestra, which led ...

140
Album Review

Linda Ciofalo: Sun Set

Read "Sun Set" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


Jazz singer Linda Ciofalo has been working at her vocation for some time as one of the busiest vocalists on Long Island, New York, appearing at a variety of jazz clubs, venues and wineries.

On Sun Set, her second album, Ciofalo has the good fortune--or good friends--to provide A-List musicians including saxophonist Joel Frahm, guitarist John Hart, pianist John di Martino, bassist Marcus McLaurine and ubiquitous drummer Matt Wilson. The album has a concept, with five ...

205
Album Review

Linda Ciofalo: Take The High Road

Read "Take The High Road" reviewed by Tom Pierce


Timbre, taste and time are three admittedly subjective considerations that resonate most with this listener, with respect to Jazz vocalists.

With Take The High Road, New York based Linda Ciofalo's sparkling clarity of tone, sensitive interpretation of lyrics and consistent ability to swing effortlessly, represent positive examples of these traits.

“You Do Something To Me", a seldom heard Cole Porter song, provides a spirited up-tempo opener. Her distinctly bright sound projects itself immediately, with swinging bass and guitar support.

Abby ...

183
Album Review

Linda Ciofalo: Take the High Road

Read "Take the High Road" reviewed by Dave Nathan


Now comes another entry on the expanding female vocalist register with New York's Linda Ciofalo's first album featuring a program of standards and contemporary pop sprinkled with two of her originals. Ciofalo exhibits a high degree of vocal versatility and flexibility with a variety of singing styles. On Cyndi Lauper's contemporary adult pop tune “Time After Time" she assumes that disillusioned, bored-with-the-world stance that seems to shape the delivery of today's pop singers. Her own “Lost Ticket Blues" is a ...

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65

Recording

Recent Listening: Linda Ciofalo

Recent Listening: Linda Ciofalo

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey

As always, the Rifftides staff is trying to keep up with new releases. It can't be done; the inflow never ceases and listening time is at a premium, but in the next few days we'll alert you to a few.

Linda Ciofalo, Dancing With Johnny (Lucky Jazz Music). The dancing partner of the title is Johnny Mercer.Ciofalo applies her smooth, rangy voice and flexible phrasing to some of his best-known lyrics. She interprets Mercer beautifully, capturing the joy and irony ...

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Performance / Tour

Linda Ciofalo's West Coast Tour Features Her CD Tribute to Johnny Mercer, Dancing with Johnny

Linda Ciofalo's West Coast Tour Features Her CD Tribute to Johnny Mercer, Dancing with Johnny

Source: Sound Visions Media

(New York, NY June 22, 2010) Linda Ciofalo makes her West Coast tour to sing selections from her latest CD, Dancing With Johnny. Ciofalo understands how to deliver a great lyric and on Dancing With Johnny, a special tribute to Johnny Mercer, she shines. Since Mercer is known for his endless brilliance as a first class writer of over 1,000 songs, Ciofalo is breath taking in her element. The songs showcase her tasteful vocal style and Ciofalo allows the strength ...

56

Performance / Tour

Vocalist Linda Ciofalo Performs @ The 4th Annual Diet Coke Womens Jazz Festival

Vocalist Linda Ciofalo Performs @ The 4th Annual Diet Coke Womens Jazz Festival

Source: All About Jazz

Jazz Vocalist Linda Ciofalo performs live at: The 4th annual Diet Coke Womens Jazz Festival Monday, September, 22 9:30 Featured Performers: Linda Ciofalo - voice John DiMartino - piano Joel Frahm - saxes Marcus McLaurine - bass Alvester Garnett- drums Dizzy's Club Coca Cola Frederick P. Rose Hall JALC Broadway @ 60St. New York, NY 10023 Cost: $20.00 plus $10 ...

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Event

Linda Ciofalo Sings Cool Monday Series Feb. 25

Linda Ciofalo Sings Cool Monday Series Feb. 25

Source: Two for the Show Media

Have you heard Linda Ciofalo's Sunday Set? February, 25 at Barnes and Noble 1972 Broadway @ Lincoln Center 66 St., NY, New York 10023 Cost : free Cool Mondays Concert Series Linda Ciofalo with pianist Tedd Firth 1/2 hour concert and Meet & Greet following the concert COOL MONDAYS is a series that celebrates the best in jazz performers and music. Each week at 6:00 p.m. we invite ...

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Performance / Tour

Linda Ciofalo CD Release for Sun Set at the Kitano, NYC, December 6th

Linda Ciofalo CD Release for Sun Set at the Kitano, NYC, December 6th

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Lucky Jazz Recording Artist Linda Ciofalo CD Release for Sun Set at The Kitano, NYC, December 6th

On December 6th, 2007 Vocalist Linda Ciofalo will be performing with her quartet at The Kitano, 66 Park Avenue @ 38th Street, NYC in celebration of her new CD release Sun Set (Lucky Jazz Records). Set times: 8:00 PM & 10:00 PM; Reservations: 212-885-7119; no cover, $15 minimum. Ciofalo will be joined by John Hart - guitar, Joel Frahm - sax, Marcus McLaurine ...

"I've had the good fortune to work with some terrific female singers,so you'll forgive my hubris if I tell you I know what I'm talking about when it comes to chick singers,Linda's the real thing.I really hope that somewhere along the way she catches a break and gets the chance to ride the wave that takes all dreamers to the sweet place. She really deserves it. Keep a light in the window" Joel Dorn, music producer

"...she is blessed with a voice as warm, bright and shimmering as a smog-free country morning." Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes.

"Matt Wilson, the drummer on the CD, suggested that I would like Ciofalo. I do. She is adventurous, but not to the point of disrespecting the material. She sings in tune, uses time play in her phrasing without losing rhythmic consistency and has a light, creamy voice that now and then drops to surprising depth. She is willing to take risks—for instance, singing with only drums or bass—and makes it clear that she enjoys what she does. Ciofalo is as convincing with a Beatles song as one by Gershwin or Rodgers. The band, John di Martino (p.), John Hart (g.), Joel Frahm (t.s.), Marcus McLaurine (b.) and Wilson (dr.), is splendid...." Doug Ramsey, Rifftides - Arts Journal

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Primary Instrument

Vocals

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Private Instruction Vocal technique Specialist in preparation for NYSSMA and college auditions Adult ed vocal clinics for info email [email protected] or [email protected] Vocal Jazz Department Long Island High School of the Arts Music Teaching Artist Tilles Center Arts Education grades Pre K-HS Member of National Association of Teachers of Singing Julliard School,Molloy College

Clinic/Workshop Information

Jazz Workshops,Vocal technique,Improv Clinics are tailored according to age group

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Sun Set

Lucky Jazz Music
2007

buy

Take the High Road

Lucky Jazz Music
2000

buy

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