Linda Ciofalo

The innovative jazz singer Mark Murphy said it best: "Linda Ciofalo is an absolute bundle of joy. Wait ‘til you hear her sing, you're in heaven!"

Ciofalo’s repertoire ranges from such diverse sources as bluesman John Lee Hooker to Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway. Her voice can be both hard-hitting and gutsy, or lend itself to pure romance . "...she is blessed with a voice as warm, bright and shimmering as a smog-free country morning."Jazz Times.

At an early age she was accepted to New York City High School of Music and Art but due to parental disapproval of her musical aspirations, she was not allowed to attend. Subsequently, in later years she attended evening classes for classical vocal technique and musical theater at The Juilliard School.

Inspired by a televised performance of Sarah Vaughn, Ciofalo’s interest in vocal jazz was piqued. In the mid-80s, she competed with 300 singers to clinch the coveted featured vocalist spot in The Big Band Association 18 piece jazz orchestra. She has lent her voice to recordings as a backup vocalist and worked steadily as a vocalist versed in a variety of genres, from punk to reggae to classical. In 1999, a desire to sing music solely of her own choice paved the way for Ciofalo to form her own band. With her love for jazz and arranging music as a base, she recorded a CD of standards, jazz-pop and original works. Her debut jazz recording Take the High Road, took on a life of it’s own and brought her to the attention of a much wider audience. Very well received by critics and fans alike, it was rated 5 stars by Jazzreview.com. It led to performances at major New York clubs such as the Blue Note, Iridium, the 55 Bar, Old Westbury Gardens and the Long Island Distinguished Artists series. Beside headlining with her own groups, Ms. Ciofalo has also shared the stage with Jazz legends including her mentors vocalist Mark Murphy and guitarist Les Paul who advised her to change her last name because he,as well as others had so much difficulty pronouncing it [see 'ah fellow].

"a spirited singer with a bright , flexible voice and a firm grasp of bop and blues". ~ Time Out New York

Ciofalo released her second CD, Sun Set, in the fall of 2007. In his review for Rifftides - Arts Journal , Doug Ramsey writes "Matt Wilson, the drummer on the CD, suggested that I would like Ciofalo. I do. She is adventurous, but not to the point of disrespecting the material…uses time play in her phrasing without losing rhythmic consistency and has a light, creamy voice that now and then drops to surprising depth.

Since its release, Sun Set has received major airplay, and has been voted as one of the top Vocal CD's of 2007 CD's by Jazz Police and All About Jazz. Following her release performance at Kitano N.Y.C., Linda completed a very successful West Coast Tour and was invited to perform in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Diet Coke Women's Jazz Festival in Dizzy's Club Coca Cola to a sold out crowd. Linda Ciofalo is an advocate/activist of arts-in-education, was recruited by the Lincoln Center Institute/Tilles Center Education Outreach as a Music Teaching Artist in the New York State public school system, and is the head of the jazz vocal program for the Long Island High School for The Arts in Syosset, N.Y. In addition Ciofalo has received awards from NYSCA, NYFA and National Council of PTA among others.

Ciofalo's third recording project,"Dancing With Johnny" released in the summer of 2010 is one that has always been near and dear to her heart — a Johnny Mercer tribute. Says Ciofalo, "Johnny Mercer’s lyrics dance on a singer’s lips. His words are intoxicating and sheer pleasure to sing, which may be why the greatest singers in the world have, and continue to, record his music. It was no easy task making song choices for this project. I was lucky enough to work with some of the best instrumentalists in Jazz today, including pianist John DiMartino, trumpeter Brian Lynch, saxophonist Joel Frahm, guitarists Paul Meyers and Chieli Minucci, bassist John Benitez, drummer Ernesto Simpson and percussionist Little Johnny Rivero. In the course of the project’s evolution, there was a pull toward Latin rhythms and grooves, and we went with it. It was my intent to pay tribute to Johnny Mercer with a recording which is both romantic and moving. We hope it will make your heart feel like dancing..."

"Moody, magical, musical classic-this wonderful 13 song Johnny Mercer tribute is worth the wait. Creatively, Linda and her exceptional pianist John Di Martino have arranged and produced a major work of art." ~ In Tune International

"Sassy, Salty and Sultry"- San Francisco Chronicle pick list Show less

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Linda Ciofalo Vocalist

Album Review

Take the High Road by Dave Nathan
Take The High Road by Tom Pierce
Sun Set by Marcia Hillman
Sun Set by Michael P. Gladstone
Sun Set by Woodrow Wilkins

"I've had the good fortune to work with some terrific female singers,so you'll forgive my hubris if I tell you I know what I'm talking about when it comes to chick singers,Linda's the real thing.I really hope that somewhere along the way she catches a break and gets the chance to ride the wave that takes all dreamers to the sweet place. She really deserves it. Keep a light in the window" Joel Dorn, music producer

"...she is blessed with a voice as warm, bright and shimmering as a smog-free country morning." Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes.

"Matt Wilson, the drummer on the CD, suggested that I would like Ciofalo. I do. She is adventurous, but not to the point of disrespecting the material. She sings in tune, uses time play in her phrasing without losing rhythmic consistency and has a light, creamy voice that now and then drops to surprising depth. She is willing to take risks—for instance, singing with only drums or bass—and makes it clear that she enjoys what she does. Ciofalo is as convincing with a Beatles song as one by Gershwin or Rodgers. The band, John di Martino (p.), John Hart (g.), Joel Frahm (t.s.), Marcus McLaurine (b.) and Wilson (dr.), is splendid...." Doug Ramsey, Rifftides - Arts Journal

"...she is blessed with a voice as warm, bright and shimmering as a smog-free country morning." Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes.

" Here’s a great chance-taking vocalist bound to please many of you who are looking for someone who is most original. You will never forget her take on “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” (Rodgers/Hammerstein). It’s absolutely spectacular. " Dan Singer, In Tune International

"For her newly released theme album Sun Set (Lucky Jazz Music) Linda Ciofalo selected tunes that explore heat,times of day,weather light and other sunny topics. What her choices demonstrate, first , is how manygreat songs the sun has inspired and second,that gravitas isn't necessary to create serious music. Ciofalo is a sophisticated singer and her voice carries a smile it's a winning combination." Suzanne Lorge, AllAboutJazz, N.Y.

"Ciofalo shows off her talent from start to finish. The CD bears more than one listening to discover all of its pleasurable dimensions." more Marcia Hillman, AllAboutJazz, N.Y.

"Linda Ciofalo is a first class act" Gino Moratti,The Kitano N.Y.C.

"Vocalist LINDA CIOFALO has a sound that is crystal clear, and a musicality that brings you into her performance like a moth is drawn to a flame". more Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz

"Calling Ciofalo a talent deserving more recognition would be an understatement and anybody who is waiting to discover another great female vocalist should check out this album!" more Dan Bilawsky, Jazz Improv Magazine

"Ciofalo is clearly the star of this show, but the sidemen get plenty to work with. Whether in the background or performing a solo, each musician contributes significantly, striking a perfect balance between vocals and instruments. And it’s all done with a love for the art and a sunny outlook". more Woodrow Wilkins, AllAbout Jazz

"Linda Ciofalo has a voice that reaches out and grabs you. You just have to pay attention. Her vocal talent is among the best heard today. She is one of the few new musicians who can transfer the passion and emotion of their craft to the listener. She is truly an instrument on her own. My guess is that she would sound equally great without a band." more Michael Perry, Jazzreview .com

" I’ll bet she’ll soon be one of the bright stars in the jazz sky." more Andrea Canter, Jazz Police

“Ciofalo is a sophisticated singer and her voice carries a smile. It’s a winning combination.” All About Jazz NY

"The release of Sun Set will certainly result in Linda Ciofalo’s gaining the recognition she deserves as one of the finest jazz singers around". Scott Yanow, music critic www.ScottYanow.com

"Do You want a new sweetheart? Then go for Linda Ciofalo....In this cd she just twines around your heart!" Mark Murphy, Vocal Jazz Legend

"Oh what a beautiful voice! Oh what a beautiful person!…Joan Roberts (the American actress who created the role of Laurey Williams in the original Broadway production of Oklahoma!)

"Cool songs sung cool-ly" Michael Bourne, Singers Unlimited, WBGO

"Linda Ciofalo "A spirited singer with a bright , flexible voice and a firm grasp of bop and blues. Linda Ciofalo has shared the stage with the likes of Mark Murphy and Les Paul." Time Out NY

"...Linda Ciofalo has a beautiful instrument with great intonation - I like this CD very much!" Jazz trumpeter, Clark Terry

"Linda Ciofalo has a voice that shares beautiful sound imagery with the listeners and this CD belongs in the home library of everyone who enjoys great Jazz Vocals." (5 Stars) Jazzreview.com

"Linda Ciofalo is an absolute bundle of joy - wait 'til you hear her sing ...you're in heaven!" Mark Murphy, jazz vocalist

Frank Rubilino, Cadence Magazine

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Primary Instrument

Vocals

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Private Instruction Vocal technique Specialist in preparation for NYSSMA and college auditions Adult ed vocal clinics for info email [email protected] or [email protected] Vocal Jazz Department Long Island High School of the Arts Music Teaching Artist Tilles Center Arts Education grades Pre K-HS Member of National Association of Teachers of Singing Julliard School,Molloy College