Maria Speight

Born in Savannah, Georgia, Maria got a head start in the world of Jazz, as her birthplace is the home of kindred brother, lyricist Johnny Mercer. Maria, being the oldest of 5 children, was the first at the age of 6 years old, when her mother thrust her onstage at her local church to sing “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” and from that moment on, she was hooked. Her dad in his military tours had been exposed to everything from Opera to Jazz. While her mother, sometimes waiting with the children for the tours to be over, would teach Maria about Gospel music, of which she is still quite fond of singing. And with Maria being exposed to so many influences of music, she found that they all have found their places of prominence in her style.

With all the years of singing in church and school behind her, Maria ventured off to a local college to study voice for 4 years with renowned Hungarian operatic bass, Miklos Bencze. After her last recital had been performed, Maestro Bencze told her grandmother, “Opera is not for Maria. Her voice is not suited for the wear and tear of the work. But one day, perhaps after I die, Maria will find her niche and it will fit her like a glove.” Eerily, six years after his death, she found Jazz. Since that moment, Maria has never looked back.

After 14 years of touring professionally with a gospel band, she has paid the dues that have prepared her for the adventure of a lifetime in Jazz. Her style, much in the vein of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Peggy Lee, to name a few, is a timeless one. All the standards that she performs for her audience are favourites that have endured the years.

Now a new name on the Scottish jazz scene, Maria is an American jazz vocalist based now in Perth, whose deep roots from the South of Alabama weave rich colours and textures into every swinging note! And now performing with the Maria Speight Quintet, every song is a new experience, every performance fresh.

Get ready for new life in old classics......

Gear

Yamaha Stagepas 500, Sennheiser Microphone

Tags