Amanda Soprano is originally from the great, gorgeous Garden State of New Jersey and moved to New Orleans in 1994. She attended Tulane University, majoring in Foreign Languages and International Business. She soon realized that her calling was to sing. She began practicing and auditioning to hone her talent. In 1997, she fronted her first Nola project called Elocin’s Medicine. Comprised of 5 members, EM was a rock/rap/funk fusion band. They performed regularly at such local clubs as Jimmy’s before disbanding in 1998.
In 1999, Amanda became employed by Andrew Jaeger at his Conti St. restaurant. She spent the next several years sitting in every night with the house band. The band consisted of such notables as the late, great Jeff Naideau on piano, Dr. John alum Fred Staehle on drums, Al Arthur on bass, and Big Fine Ellen Smith as featured vocalist. Amanda honed her performance skills and musical knowledge through this exposure and experience.
In 2005 Amanda began her solo career with a regular gig at Dominic’s in the CBD. The bar suffered major damage during Hurricane Katrina, and reopened in late 2006. Amanda worked a weekly Thursday gig at the club. The set included jazz, blues, rock and soul covers, done with Nola vibe and style. A change in management led to Amanda breaking out onto the NOLA scene and moving on.With the assistance and mentoring of Charmaine Neville drummer Gerald French, as well as Ms. Neville herself, Amanda has positioned herself to break out as a vocalist. Amanda is welcomed as a guest performer with such local acts as Charmaine Neville, Ingrid Lucia, Ellen Smith and more.
Amanda and her husband Jamie are committed to the rebuilding of New Orleans and have chosen to stay so that they may lend their talent and spirit to the city that has given them so much.
Myspace Layouts at Pimp-My-Profile.com / Fleur De Lis
