EMILY SCHIAVI
**Emily Schiavi has spent years of musical expression, developing her song-writing skills, playing in different bands in different lands and in different languages and singing on numerous albums recorded in Jerusalem and other various cities around the world! :) When finally, in the fall of 2007, she began the process of recording her own first full length album, bringing the many lyrics and chords and melodies to life. And so, "The Sky is Still the Same" was officially released in April 2008. The album has 14 songs total - one hymn and 13 originals (mostly written during her 5 years as a volunteer in the Middle East) as well as a song created spontaneously in a 'live' studio recording. Some greatly talented musicians either flew in or came and supported the project by using their skills to make such a nice complete sound. Thank you all who helped make my first album an experience to remember! **
The Life and Times
(Written by Nicole Jansezian)One can find Emily Schiavi illegally playing pianos she may happen upon at sundry hotel lobbies, restaurants and even, once, at the World Council of Churches in Geneva.
Her penchant for world wandering and her eccentric wardrobe has had her mistaken for being evasive and unconventional. But as expressed through her lyrics, the deep content of Emily's heart is to fly high and wide and free, to know the truth...
Emily grudgingly began playing the piano at age 6 before it became a passion and college major. Her unique playing style and lyrics belie an earthy realism, yet an ungovernable hopefulness. Listeners are drawn in by her combination of soulful vocals and fresh, inquisitive lyrics.
Having been raised in the metropolis of New York City for most of her 31 years, at 26, Emily unexpectedly moved to Jerusalem, Israel and lived there for 5 years as a volunteer.Starting with a small 'gig' of playing for an old ladies monthly bible study, Emily then started playing regularly at a 24-hour music center in Israel’s capital as well as with a few bands in the city and several solo acts as well.It was during this time that her music grew by leaps and bounds and she became an avid song-writer and also comfortable with the whole 'stage' aspect of performing, playing in front of crowds of 10 people to 5000 or more. This time of living in Jerusalem, a city rife with both talent and tension, has squeezed out many more of Emily's songs from her soul onto paper, and, more importantly, recording devices.
The family's musical genes began (as far as she knows) with Emily's grandfather, Pete Spagnoli, known in Italian restaurants across New York City for his expert accordion playing.
Emily's passions include English tea, London, all things Italian, not sitting still for an extended period of time and of course music, both its science and art. World travel and piano playing have taken her to the Middle East and the far corners of Europe including a visit to her grandfather's musical roots in the mountains of northern Italy. Next on the table for Emily is a far off land called New Zealand where she will be joining many other artists, Kiwis and others, in playing at Parachute Festival 09. Who knows what will be next?
