Cecilia Monte Canadian tour and CD launch August 9, 2012

Argentine-born bossa nova, samba, jazz vocalist Cecilia Monte tours Canada and celebrates the launch of her first full-length album – ‘Open Air’ – with two unique GTA showcases. One is in Toronto at The Trane Studio (964 Bathurst St.) on Thursday, August 9 at 8:00 p.m., and one is at the Markham Jazz Festival (McKay Art Centre, 197 Main St., Markham, Ontario) on Sunday, August 19 at 2:00 p.m.

For Markham Jazz Festival info visit; www.markhamjazzfestival.com. The new album will be available for purchase at all performances, and subsequently available through CD Baby and iTunes.

Cecilia Monte, fresh from receiving a standing ovation at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival on Canada Day, states, “‘Open Air’ is my first release featuring my original compositions. The songs were born from travels, loves and desires to discover.

I feel very excited and grateful to be sharing my music with Canadian audiences. I’ve had the warmest welcome at the Vancouver Jazz Fest and I’m really looking forward to the second part of my tour in Toronto, where I’ll be presenting my new album.”

‘Open Air’ was recorded in Argentina and features 10 tracks in a variety of Portuguese, Spanish and English; five original songs written by Monte, and five renowned jazz standards (such as “Old Devil Moon”, “My Favorite Things” and “I Hear Music”), in which Cecilia adds a personal touch with her own arrangements.

Monte has previously released two EP’s: Haunting and romantic bossa nova classics on ‘Cecilia Monte Sings Jobim’ (2011), and a set of notable jazz standards on ‘Cecilia Monte Jazz Band’ (2012).

Born into a musical family, Cecilia began her music education at age four. Studying extensively in Argentina, she learned vocal technique, jazz and improvisation. In 2009, she made the move to Canada where she furthered her training in Vancouver with vocal teachers Steve Maddock and Karin Plato.

Monte enhanced her musical skills in 2011 as a member of the Toronto Jazz Chorus (directed by Howard Rees) and voice lessons with Montréal’s Ranee Lee. She also participated in vocal and improv workshops in New York with jazz master Barry Harris, and at the Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival with USA’s Dominique Eade.

Quotes:

“Of the 150 or so free shows presented by the (Vancouver) Jazz Festival this year, Cecilia Monte’s night of bossa nova at Performance Works on July 1 might have been the sultriest.” – Music writer Adrian Mack, Georgia Straight, 2012.

“...beautiful music that will transport and wrap you in warmth and sensuality, Cecilia Monte keeps the tradition alive with her genuine artistry and soulful approach to a music that affects its listeners.” – Jazz vocalist Ranee Lee, Montreal, 2011.

Cecilia Monte is a young singer-songwriter, with grace, subtlety and a distinct soulful vocal expression. She divides her home bases between Canada (usually Vancouver/Toronto) and Rosario, Argentina. She is currently performing a series of concerts in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada, however, throughout her career she has toured widely in Argentina, Canada and the USA.

For artist information visit; www.ceciliamonte.com, and view the ‘Open Air’ sampler at, http://youtu.be/xqteTViHTYA.

Official Website: http://www.ceciliamonte.com