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Olivia Foschi

Born in San Francisco and raised in Italy, jazz singer Olivia Foschi resides in New York and released her first album in March 2013, produced by Ulysses Owens Jr.

About Me

“Foschi is today’s vocalist, blazing the trail for a new style of jazz vocals, not adhering to traditional sounds or rhythms, but appealing to a new generation of listeners, while still honoring jazz as a tradition. She is truly original and far from the norm as a composer and as a vocalist.” (H. Allen Williams, JazzTimes)

OLIVIA FOSCHI was born in San Francisco and grew up dividing her time between Italy and the United States. In 2008, she met drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. and saxophone player Stacy Dillard while participating in The Orsara Jazz Masterclass (Orsara, Italy). This was the foundation of a friendship that would later become central in the recording of her debut album. In 2009, Olivia opened for blues artist E.C. Scott and presented her project Liv’n’Symposium, winning the vocal competition that took place during the “Jazz Women in Blues” festival (promoted by Naima Club, Forlì, Italy). She moved to New York in 2010 and has since been recording, performing and furthering her own musical studies under the guidance of Marc Mommaas and Jeremiah Abiah.

Her debut album entitled “Perennial Dreamer” was released on March 11, 2013, produced by Ulysses Owens Jr., with Miki Hayama (Keys), Michael Olatuja (bass), David Rosenthal (guitar), and Ulysses Owens Jr. (drums), and featuring Gregoire Maret (harmonica), Mike Cottone (trumpet), Stacy Dillard (sax), and Cory Pesaturo (accordion). Among other projects, Olivia started collaborating with The John Ehlis Ensemble in September 2012, giving her the chance to share the stage with bassist Chris White, saxophonist Joseph Jarman, and drummer Thurman Barker. She currently teaches at the New York Jazz Workshop and is getting ready to record a second album.

My Jazz Story

When I first heard Sarah's "Lullaby of Birdland" around the age of 11, I knew I wanted to become a jazz singer. There are few certainties in life and that, for me, was one of them.