It is rare that you find gifted individuals in the world of music whose musicianship and artistry are reminiscent of the many legends and icons that have come before. Nadia Washington is among the prominent artists that connect the lines between music’s heart and soul. A Dallas, Texas native, Nadia is a twenty-year-old jazz vocalist who is currently attending Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) as a recipient of the prestigious Bill Cosby Presidential Scholarship. Presently in her junior year, Nadia continues to cultivate her craft and skills through many opportunities in and outside of the Berklee forum. But if her academic background is not impressive enough, her professional endeavors sure are. She has made a mark on the coasts of America, playing at the Blue note in New York as well as the Vibrato Grill and Jazz Club in Bel Air, CA. She is an affiliate of many ensembles, most notably the Ralph Peterson Ensemble which has toured the along the East Coast in cities like Washington D.C., as well as the Gibson/Baldwin Jazz Ensemble with which she has performed at Grammy events. She has appeared as a guest vocalist for many occasions including a musical tribute to Dave Brubeck in 2007 as well as a featured vocalist at the Lone Star Horse Park Races in Dallas, TX. She has also been involved in numerous recordings with major artists like Kirk Franklin, and jingle commercials both regionally and nationally with notable product companies like Frito Lay and McDonalds. Her talents have benefited her greatly in a plethora of awards that include being a scholarship recipient for Outstanding Jazz Vocals 2006 Monterey Jazz Festival. More Recently, Nadia was a headlining artist in the Trinidad Jazz Festival held in Fall 2008.
Often compared to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn, her style incorporates a fusion of different musical avenues. Her smooth, velvet-cloaked vocals draw in an audience with the slightest effort, leaving many feeling quite misty in a state of emotional bliss. With musical influences ranging from the rock group, Queen to Yolanda Adams, and most significantly, her mother Nelda Washington a well-known pianist/vocalist in her own right, Nadia is continuing to nurture and hone her unique sound. With plans that include a live recording and touring overseas, Nadia Washington is well on her way to becoming a musical pioneer of today’s generation.[LOVEMYFLASH]
