Results for "female composer"

Sophie Hassfurther

A compelling and adventurous voice in contemporary European jazz and improvised music, Austrian saxophonist Sophie Hassfurther blends deep compositional insight with fearless improvisation. Born near Salzburg in 1979, Hassfurther studied saxophone and flute at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Sh further expanded her artistic horizons through her involvement in New York’s vibrant music scene. 

Hassfurther’s work is characterised by its wide stylistic reach, bridging jazz, contemporary classical sensibilities, and free improvisation. As a bandleader and composer, she has developed a rich body of original music, from her early ensemble projects to recent large-scale works that situate improvised interplay alongside structured compositional frameworks. Her music has been featured at major festivals and venues across Europe and beyond, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Jazzfestival Saalfelden, Wien Modern, and Moers Festival. 

Kymberlee O'Brien

Born: February 17

Kymberlee O'Brien is a multifaceted artist blending the rich nuances of Jazz, Latin, pop, and R&B with a soulful, powerful voice that tells stories of resilience, love, and self-discovery. An award-winning singer, songwriter, and choreographer, Kymberlee brings an undeniable warmth and authenticity to her music. She draws on her experiences and influences to create a sound that resonates deeply with her audience, combining her training in musical theatre, dance, and world percussion to create unforgettable live performances and recordings. Her dedication to her craft and her love for storytelling make her a unique voice in today’s music scene.

Hillai Govreen

Hillai Govreen is a clarinetist, saxophonist and composer based in New York. Hillai’s upcoming album Every Other Now is a collaboration with bassist/composer Ben Meigners, and features some notable names of the NY music scene such as Steve Cardenas (guitar), Eric McPherson (drums), Café Da Silva (percussion) among others. The album is set to be released in August 2025 under the Fresh Sound label.

Her previous album “Allusions” (2021) is a duet with pianist Nitsan Kolko. Their duet feature spontaneous musical dialogue and alludes to various ancient fables. In addition, Hillai arranged music for a nonet consisting of strings and woodwinds.  

Holli Scott

Jenny Maybee

Jenny Maybee is “equally talented as a vocalist and pianist.” Her “piano playing and vocals…are altogether eloquent and heart-stopping…her voicing is expertly balanced…and her phrasing sings wonderfully throughout the repertoire.” Her vocals have been described as “exquisite,” “hauntingly beautiful,” and “in the same league” with Billie Holiday—music that “you could close your eyes to and nod out blissfully in a deep groove…”

Her piano style has been compared to Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, and Cecil Taylor. Jenny “make(s) beautiful music expressing the sheer joy of being alive. You sense it in the augmented chords that Maybee plays on her piano, then leaping like a mad gazelle to catch its essence with her voice.” As a classically trained jazz pianist and vocalist, Jenny’s “unique style seems fairly sedate on the surface, but is capable of sudden intensity whenever the music demands.” This mixture of sensitivity and boldness weaves through her original compositions and interpretations of jazz standards.

Denise Mangiardi

Alyssa Allgood

Born: September 5, 1992

Named a “Rising Star Female Vocalist” in the 2024 and 2025 Downbeat Magazine Critics Poll and voted “Best Individual Jazz Musician” in the 2024 Chicago Reader Poll, Alyssa Allgood has captured attention for her dynamic vocal command, sophisticated songwriting, and captivating performances. Showcasing modern sensibilities, Allgood is a fearless vocalist known for her confident musical interaction, fierce improvisation, and vulnerable expression. Downbeat Magazine has praised her “boldness, swagger, and surefooted musicianship” while the New York City Jazz Record has recognized her “force, clarity and jazz integrity.”

Katy Jungmann

Christianne Neves

Christianne Neves is a Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and musical director. A passionate creative artist, Christianne has released four original instrumental music albums: Refúgio (2000), Duas Madrugadas (2005), Eyin Okan (2011) and Noite e Dias (2022). Her sophisticated compositions feature complex, unexpected harmonies and a rich texture of rhythms ranging from Latin American to African. She has also released two albums of arrangements: Andata e Ritorno (2014), with Italian and Brazilian artists and artistic production by Max de Tomassi of Italian network RAI, and Retalhos do Brasil (2017), a piano and voice collaboration with 13 Brazilian singers. 

Patricia Barber

Born: November 8, 1955

In 2011 Patricia Barber has just finished a new 'live' album of the Patricia Barber Quartet recorded ' by Chris Grabowski at the wildly popular Green Mill residency. “Monday Night, vol2” is available through her website: patriciabarber.com She is also putting the finishing touches on other Floyd Records projects, one a DVD entitled Patricia Barber & Kenny Werner— 'Live' in Concert . This chronicles a resplendent evening with Patricia and Kenny and two 9' Steinway pianos at the sold-out 1000 seat Pick- Staiger Auditorium—this DVD will be available in the spring