Daria is a well-known jazz singer with a lovely voice, an excellent understanding of the lyrics and a passion for World Music. She has been making vital and enjoyable music for many years. Daria’s latest venture is Strawberry Fields Forever, Songs By the Beatles. It is an innovative exploration of the Beatles music. Daria says, “I have been a huge fan of the Beatles ever since I was a child.” Their music is my favorite. I have chosen songs that I love. They’ve been rearranged, giving them new rhythms (including Jazz and Brazilian, Afro-Beat, and Afro-Cuban), and melodic structures, while still keeping the essence of each song. The results are enjoyable to listen to. Sam Bevan, bassist, co-arranged and produced Strawberry Fields Forever, songs by the Beatles. Fans of the Beatles will be delighted to hear the timeless songs in a new light. Daria’s dynamic vocals, however, will be much appreciated by those who love her voice. Daria was born in San Francisco and grew up in a creative family. Her mother was fluent in five languages and was a professor at San Francisco State University. She is also a published author. Her father was a first violinist in the San Francisco Symphony. He was also a solo artist and a magician by a slight of hand. My father began taking me to the symphony rehearsals when I was six years old. “I remember watching all the musicians on the big stage. I knew that music was my passion and I knew it very quickly.” She also had the chance to meet famous people such as Danny Kaye and Phyllis Diller as a child. Daria studied classical piano for ten year, but her voice is not to be ignored. Early experience in singing was gained through choirs, choruses and glee clubs. When she was 13, her life turned around. One day, she turned the radio on and discovered a station playing jazz from the 1920s to the 1930s. “I was hooked on that station and couldn’t stop listening to it. “I became more and more fascinated in the various jazz styles and harmonys and was blown over by everything I listened too.” Daria’s father encouraged her to continue her piano and classical voice studies, but Daria knew that her music career would take her in a new and innovative direction. Daria started performing in jazz clubs after completing her studies at San Francisco State. Daria developed her own unique and original style over time. Daria studied improv with Bobby McFerrin and was mentored in the art by Mark Murphy and Maye Cavallaro. She also studied Brazilian music under Celia Malheiros. These master singers allowed her to improvise and to use her three-octave range, soulful and sensuous voice as an instrument. They encouraged her to use the rhythms of World Music, which she loved. Daria recorded her first album as a band leader in 1998, The EP Just The Beginning. It was originally created as a demo. However, it received great reviews and gained international airplay, establishing Daria as an important new artist. Just The Beginning was a modern take on standard songs and featured Japanese Love Affair as one of her original tracks. Her next CD, Feel The Rhythm (produced and arranged by Frank Martin, and Wayne Wallace), was a huge step forward. The CD showcased Daria’s vocal talents and also featured three original songs. The Billboard World Music Competition awarded Honorable Mention to the title track, Feel The Rhythm. Daria sings songs that are as much World Music and jazz as she is. Her singing sounds effortless in odd time meters, exotic African, Rhumba, and Brazilian rhythms. Her intonation and range are perfect. She celebrates the richness and diversity of Latin and other world cultures with each note. “Five Big Shining Stars!” – The Jazz Review: “Daria is the real thing.” – All About Jazz Daria has performed at festivals and clubs in the SF Bay Area, as well as other places such L.A. and NYC. Bob Dorough, Ricki Le Jones, Bonnie Raitt and Elvis Costello have shared the stage with her. Daria’s shows are captivating, entertaining, and original. This has made her a popular singer who transcends boundaries between jazz music and World Music. Daria has been touring the globe as a singer, percussionist, and melodica player for Dan Hicks and Hot Licks for over 10 years. Daria has recorded voice-overs on radio commercials and contributes her talents to performances for Bread and Roses charity, which recently awarded her a twenty-five-year award of appreciation. Daria’s singing abilities have grown and matured over the years, gaining strength and sensibility. “I sang in 30/40’s swing and was in several jazz fusion bands in my early days. I also sang Pop, R, and Gospel.
