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Maria Speight
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