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Nancy Marano

About Me

Recognizing my recording, “If You Could See Us Now” with the 62-Piece Metropole Orchestra, arranged by Manny Albam, I was named one of the Top 4 Jazz Vocalists of the Year by IAJE Journal. I have been profiled by Whitney Balliett in The New Yorker, and also by CBS Sunday Morning TV program.

I have recorded eight CDs to date as leader, and I have also been very fortunate to record as a guest vocalist with Benny Carter and Dick Hyman. I sang as guest soloist in concerts with the Radio Big Bands of Kohn and Slovenia, and sung at North Sea Jazz three times, Sea Jazz in Helsinki, Marca Jazz in Italy, and on The Norway Floating Jazz Festival. In this country,

I have sung in the JVC Festival, IAJE, Women In Jazz at the Kennedy Center, The Alec Wilder Festival and at The Charlie Parker Festival with Benny Carter. I have sung with Barry Harris in concert in his series called, “Family Jazz” at Town Hall in New York City. I am also currently teaching Jazz Voice Classes for “Jazzmobile” in Harlem, NY. I also led an accordion duo for 9 years, called Marano & Monteiro,

I teach Jazz Voice, coach Ensembles and classes in Ear-Training and Sight-Singing, as well as Jazz Choir at Manhattan School of Music in NYC(19 years) and have taught at William Paterson University for 9 years.

I have given Master Classes internationally, with emphasis on Holland - Amsterdam Artist in Residence, and Rotterdam for Clinics, as well as in Delft, and have been the Jazz Vocal Faculty for the Summer Jazz Program at Amsterdam Conservatory 3 summers.

I also am the vocal editor Bill Evans Fake Books, (Volumes I and II) and plan on publishing my first methods book called “Musicianship for the Jazz Vocalist”, based on my private lesson sessions with Jazz Singers in Voice, Piano, and Ear-Training. I give frequent Vocal Workshops in NYC called “Sessions in Song & Swing” on Thursday Evenings in New York City.

Myrecording, You're Nearer, was included on the Downbeat List of “Best CDs of 2000.” It was recorded in Holland on the Munich Records label.It is an all Dutch band. My new CD release date is January, 2011. It is entitled “MAGIC” and features Michel Legrand on the title song, a vocal duet with Grady Tate, solos by Claudio Roditi, Joel Frahm and John Mosca, and a wonderful rhythm section, Jack Wilkins, Mike Renzi, Steve LaSpina and Grady Tate on drums.

“Nancy Marano is a winning and highly personal interpreter of songs that are rarely done,and done with a poise and poignancy that makes them fresh and emotionally vital.” Gary Giddins

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because... my Dad was a professional Pianist and taught me I was first exposed to jazz... My Mom and Dad listened to great jazz singers & instrumentalists I met [musician name]... Gerry Mulligan The best show I ever attended was... Count Basie Band with The Hi-Los The first jazz record I bought was... Sarah Vaughan My advice to new listeners... Keep listening to the very best - study an instrument you love. Or whatever else you have in mind.