Judi Silvano’s achievements so far give the impression of multiple artist’s careers being woven together, but it’s just Judi. She always has a project in the works, sometimes overlapping and dovetailing with her previous projects. Judi was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University in Dance and Music. She moved to New York City in 1976, where she began her career as an improviser of dance. Jazz would follow. Her career as a choreographer, dancer and musician led her to NYC’s vibrant downtown music scene. There she could let her creative spirit run wild. This led her to a long-lasting collaboration with Joe Lovano, which began in 1980 and continues today. Judi was also a frequent visitor to the Village Vanguard, where the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra performed, and she enjoyed the great Thad Jones songs. Judi was soon able to sing along with the entire lead trumpet section. This experience is where you can see the roots of Judi’s unique, horn-like vocal style. Judi Silvano currently has 11 recordings, including Vocalise, 1997 on the Blue Note label. Her original songs have been recorded as well as classic songs, in various ensembles, including Duo (her newest release, 2014: My Dance with Michael Abene and another with Mal Waldron, Riding a Zephyr), Trio (voices, piano, and trumpet: Indigo Moods), Quartet, Quintet, and Septet. She has also released two recordings for Meditation u0026 Healing: Sound Garden-Spirit Music features Judi on flute, alto flute and Joe Lovano on woodwinds and percussion. Sound Garden-Celestial Voices features her vocal group’s soothing soundscapes. Ms. Silvano is the recipient of numerous awards and grants, including Meet the Composer, New York State Council on the Arts, and Best Jazz Vocalist, Hudson Valley. She has also written columns for All About Jazz/ NY Jazz Report, and was the subject of an original composition, “Sketches for Silvano”, by Lori Dobbins. Ms. Silvano is a talented educator and has a huge heart. This comment was directly from her students. She has passed her knowledge and experience to many young musicians, both privately and through her Vocal Improv workshops at NYC and other prestigious institutions like Rutgers University, Banff International Center for the Arts and University of Vermont, as well as international workshops and Master classes. Judi Silvano is a pioneering composer and arranger. She was awarded First Prize in The Brooklyn Lager Band Search. Lester Bowie judging the Search. Over 45 of her jazz and chamber music compositions have been recorded and performed on stages and recordings in the US and Europe. Silvano often wears the “Producer’s Hat”. The monthly shows she presented at NYC’s Cornelia Street Cafe featured both established and new vocalists. She is an advocate for American Women Composers, ie her Women’s WorkCD. Every year she also collaborates with Thelonious Monk Birthday concerts in New York City and Hudson Valley. Silvano’s list of collaborators, performers, recordings, and/or toured with is like a Who’s Who of Jazz. A few of these outstanding artists include Kenny Werner and Joe Lovano as well as Charlie Haden and Jack DeJohnette. Bill Frisell, Ratzo Harris and Bill Frisell are also included. She has performed at many festivals and concert halls around the world, including in NYC, Paris, London and Verona. Judi has been a painter her entire life. She recently started showing her Watercolor, Pastel Oil, and Encaustic paintings in solo and group shows throughout the eastern US. She is a member of Woodstock Artists Guild, Wallkill River School of Art and the Woodstock School of Art. She has been awarded the Mary Evelyn Whitehill Award for her watercolors and the First Prize for a Pastel at juried shows. Just reading the accomplishments of Judi Silvano, you may need to take a deep breathe and stop. But she won’t. Judi Silvano’s imagination, talent, and enthusiasm are unbound. She is back on the road again, bringing her endless talents and unwavering spirit to every new endeavor. from http://judisilvano.com
