It is easy to see that the things that unify these great female singer-pianists, such as Nina Simone, Shirley Horn, and Laura Nyro, are not their unquestionable skills at the piano or their expressive voices. They had a message to convey. They are interpreting, representing and putting their own interpretations of life into music and words. The young German pianist-vocalist Olivia Trummer is no exception. Besides her exceptional piano skills, which have been awarded in both classical and jazz piano, and a clear, virtuosic vocal voice, she also has a message. She draws from a rich imagination and uses visual metaphors to create a space where contrasts can exist together. Her musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Bill Evans, Stevie Wonder and Elis Regina. She also feels connected to other artists such as Stevie Wonder and The Beatles, as well as female bandleaders like Esperanza Spalding and Gretchen Parlato, who are able to capture an audience with their light performances and, most importantly, the beauty and soul of their art. Olivia’s repertoire includes both jazz standards and original compositions. These songs are timeless and song-oriented and have great clarity. They also allow for honest and pure improvisation. The jazz arrangements of J.S.Bach and W.A.Mozart’s works also broaden the range, revealing Olivia’s strong classical background as well as her effortless, organic way of blending and unifying different music styles. Olivia, who has been fascinated by New York City and its music scene ever since she studied jazz piano at Manhattan School of Music in 2008/09 is currently recording her fifth album. Aaron Goldberg, a NYC-based pianist, will co-produce it in June 2013. The album will showcase Olivia’s amazing singing and songwriting skills. Love is the guiding force behind her open-minded, positive, and insightful songs. The album will feature Olivia’s musical originality and elegance in a solo setting with piano and vocals. It will be released in fall 2013. More information to follow. Visit www.oliviatrummer.de
