Bio
Emy Tseng is a DC-based jazz singer who performs bossa nova and jazz standards. "Lithe and graceful, with a sharp rhythmic sense, Emy's voice is honest and sublime." says Miles Willis, WPFW jazz radio. Emy moved from the Bay Area in 2009, and has performed in jazz clubs and other venues throughout DC and San Francisco areas.
Emy currently plays with some of DC’s best jazz and Brazilian musicians, including Matvei Sigalov (guitar), Leonardo Lucini (bass), Bruno Lucini (percussion), Wayne Wilentz (keyboard), David Jernigan (bass) and Roberto Berimbau (drums/percussion). She has played at venues ranging from intimate jazz clubs like Twins Jazz to outdoor stage at the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Singing bossa nova standards in Portuguese, Emy is noted for her Brazilian sound and feel. Emy currently studies with Nilson Matta, bassist with the world renowned Brazilian jazz group Trio da Paz in New York and Leonardo Lucini of the DC-based Origem. She was introduced to Brazilian music by pianist Marcos Silva at the Jazz School in Berkeley, CA. Marcos Silva was music director for Flora Purim and Airto, and played with such Brazilian music luminaries as Leny Andrade, Toninho Horta, Joyce and Dori Caymmi.
Emy's other musical influences include Paula Morelenbaum, Elis Regina, Joao Gilberto, Luciana Souza, Chico Pinheiro, Kate McGarry, Sarah McLachlan and Jonatha Brooke.
Emy began classical piano at age four and started singing in high school. She studied classical voice at the Longy School of Music and sang in early music ensembles in Boston and New York. In New York, she studied vocal improvisation with the esteemed jazz singer and teacher Jay Clayton. Emy currently studies voice with jazz singer Christine Crerar.
For bookings, email Emy at emy (dot) tseng (at) gmail (dot) com.
For information about Emy's career outside music, see www.emytseng.net.