One Sheet - Nicky Schrire

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Nicky Schrire
raised by All About Jazz for her “warm and supple instrument that serves as a dispensary of emotional power,” ,
Nicky Schrire is a vocalist, composer and arranger whose adventurous spirit reflects her international upbringing.
London-born, South African-raised and now based in NYC, Schrire graduated from the Manhattan School of Music
where she earned a Masters of Music Degree under the tutelage of Peter Eldridge, Theo Bleckmann and Dave
Liebman. She has attended master classes with Kurt Elling and Sheila Jordan, and has received private tutelage
from Dominique Eade, Gretchen Parlato, Kate McGarry, Jo Lawry, Norma Winstone and Ralph Alessi. Since moving
to New York, she has performed with her quartet at the 92Y, The Kitano, Cornelia Street Café, Rockwood Music Hall
and other venues around the city.
Schrire has performed with some of South Africa’s finest musicians, including Arno Carstens, Sibongile Khumalo,
Judith Sephuma and Abdullah Ibrahim. She was selected as a semi-finalist in the "Jazz Voices" Competition held in
Klaipeda, Lithuania, and as a finalist in the "Voicingers International Vocal Jazz Competition", held in Zory, Poland.
As a sideman, Schrire lent her voice to New York drummer, Brian Adler’s “Helium Project”, which featured artists
such as Kate McGarry, Dave Eggar and Ben Monder, and Basak Yavuz’s debut album which also features Dave
Liebman, Richie Barshay and Peter Eldridge.
An enthusiastic collaborator, Schrire performed at the 2012 Standard Bank Youth Jazz Festival in South Africa with
“The NY/SA Collective”; a “top-class international band whose collaborative credits range from Bob Mintzer, Joe
Lovano, Britney Spears and Dave Brubeck to the Modern Balkan Jazz Orchestra” (ArtSmart). She also led successful
2012 debut performances in London (featuring pianist Nikki Iles-known for her work with Norma Winstone) and
Dublin (with the Phil Ware Trio).
Her debut album, “Freedom Flight”, was released in 2012 to critical acclaim. The Jazz Session’s Jason Crane
described the project as “an album by a talented, confident singer with a fresh approach and the voice to bring her
ideas to life.” Crane also noted that Schrire is “a skilled arranger – clever without being precious, always serving the
song...her debut recording [is filled] with moments that remind us of the power of the human voice and its ability to
tell a story.”
“Schrire becomes part of the fabric of her
music. Her voice is a warm and supple
instrument that serves as a dispensary of
emotional power.”
-Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
“Freedom Flight” should have released under a
major label’s auspices, as Schrire’s voice is an
instrument transcending laryngeal norms.”
-Mark S. Tucker, FAME
“Freedom Flight” is vocalist Nicky Schrire’s
debut album, but it sounds like the work of a
seasoned veteran...Clever and understated...It
is an exceptional debut.”
-Steven Lewis, Hardbop Jazz Journal
“With a clear, clean, beautifully vibrato-less
soprano and ample control of her pitch, Schrire
brings together the essence of some of my
favorites among modern creative vocalistsKendra Shank’s global approach to song, Kate
McGarry’s vocalese, and Norma Winstone’s
inventive spirit, all with a vocal quality in the
realm of Sara Gazarek.”
-Andrea Canter, Jazz Police
“If you have been hooked by vocalists like
Gretchen Parlato and Becca Stevens, check
out Nicky Schrire-she’s on her way.”
-Peter Bacon, The Jazz Breakfast
www.nickyschrire.com
Contact: [email protected]