Born: August 19 Primary Instrument: Vocal
With the critically acclaimed release of her debut recording 'Sonho' (meaning 'Dream' in Portuguese), DC-based singer Emy Tseng establishes herself as a foremost interpreter of modern and Brazilian jazz. She regularly performs with DC's best jazz and Brazilian musicians.
Her musical influences include Paula Morelenbaum, Luciana Souza, Joao Gilberto, Kate McGarry, Suzanne Vega, Jonatha Brooke and Everything But the Girl.
Emy began classical piano at age four and started singing in high school. She studied classical voice at the Longy School of Music and sang in early music ensembles in Boston and New York. In New York, she started her jazz studies with the esteemed jazz singer Jay Clayton. Her subsequent teachers include world-renowned Brazilian musicians: bassist Nilson Matta (Trio da Paz, Joe Henderson) in New York and pianist Marcos Silva (Flora Purim & Airto) in Berkeley, CA. Upon moving to DC three years ago, she quickly became part of the DC jazz scene and credits local musicians such as Matvei Sigalov, Wayne Wilentz, David Jernigan and Leonardo Lucini for mentoring her and helping her develop her musical voice.
“...she has the charm, knowledge, technique, and creativity to make her a real contender.” Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
“... Emy Tseng is real. A remarkably clear voice. An adept student working hard at her craft. More than that, a gifted artist starting on a long path.” Brian Arsenault, International Review of Music
“Sure of pitch and full of nuance, she really gets Brazilian rhythms, and vivaciously gives them their due.” Rad Bennett, Ultra Audio
