Mila Dores

Mila Dores is a jazz singer; experimental musician and composer. Born on 25th of September, 1983 in Porto, Portugal, she began her music studies at the age of six having studied classical piano and singing. Mila has been learning the language of jazz from 2000. The study of traditional jazz led into exploring the avat-garde and experimental approach of the genre as well as contemporary classical music and extended vocal techniques. In parallel to the jazz studies at Leeds College of Music she explored her interest in free jazz and free improvisation. She graduated from the Leeds College of Music Jazz (BA Hons) degree in 2009 where she also studied Northen Indian Classical Music and Improvisation for three years. Over the years she studied under the mentoring of Matthew Bourne, Christophe de Bezenac, Jamil Shariff, Joel Purnell, Ian Shaw and Simon Purcell, among others.

‘With an ear towards contemporary composition and improvisation, Mila is a vocal sculptress - extending the palate of the human voice toward Berberian proportions. (…) Maria's talent and ability to apply herself to any given musical situation with versatility and ears that are WIDE open....’ (Matthew Bourne, 2001 Perrier Young Jazz Musician of the Year)

A strong reconnection with the Portuguese musical roots grew from moving to England in her early adulthood. ‘Fado’ and ‘Cantares Alentejanos’ are now a big influence in her music alongside with Jazz and Hindustani music. Mila also works as a performance artist and play writer.

Awards

Jazz Yorkshire Futures Scheme, 2009

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