Monica Shaka was born in Italy and started singing at a very early age with her father, famous American jazz clarinet player Tony Scott. (www.tonyscott.it) Her sensitivity to music and jazz was nourished as she grew up to the sounds and encounters of real jazz legends.
The first discographic collaboration with her father happpened at age 12, when she recorded the song Lush Life for a CD in which Tony interpreted the song in 12 different versions, including one with Bill Frisell. She also participated in jazz radio programs at a very young age on the Italian National Rai station, singing with her father.
After living in several European countries, Monica continued to work on her music in Boston attending Berklee's Summer Program, and in New York with lessons, workshops and masterclasses. During her stay in Japan she continued training through private lessons (classical and soul), aswell as pursuing a successful modelling career.
During these years, Monica worked as a vocalist in various groups performing soul/r&b aswell as having a jazz formation with American pianist Jonathan Katz (in Tokyo).
Next stop was Paris, where she continued her studies full time, with Michelle Hendricks at the IACP School of Music, Viviane Ginapé (vocals and expression), and Hervé le Beau (acting coach) whilst pursuing her musical activities in the prestigious Parisian clubs. She was also member of an electro-world/jazz project performing multimedia shows with live interactive video projections and dance improvisations (see the video)
A CD project started with her father before he passed away last year will be coming out next year, also featuring Glenn Ferris and Richard Razafindrakoto on piano. (Listen to 'Misery' for a preview! )
Back in NYC now, Monica lives and learns from all that life has to offer, making it her best school, and continues to perform and express it all through the beautiful form of...voice.
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I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4Live improv at Opus Café, Paris, with Maido Project
