Bridging Worlds Through Jazz

Seattle-based Emy Tseng is a rising star in the world of modern and Brazilian jazz. Her critically-acclaimed debut album, Sonho ("dream" in Portuguese), established her as a formidable interpreter of these rich musical traditions. She's currently collaborating with some of New York's finest jazz musicians on her sophomore album, Love Fool. This innovative project reimagines 80s and 90s pop classics through the lens of jazz and Brazilian arrangements.

A Musician at Age Four

Emy was born in Taiwan and grew up in Seattle. Starting at age four, she learned classical piano and then began singing in high school. Even while pursuing degrees in math and physics at Brown University, Emy continued to sing. While in graduate school at MIT, she studied classical voice and sang in early music ensembles.

The Move That Ignited a Love for Jazz

It was a move to New York in 2001 that caused Emy to “discover” jazz. Inspired by artists like Luciana Souza and Paula Morelenbaum, she decided to pursue Brazilian music. 

Musical Journey and Influences

Emy's artistry has been shaped by an impressive roster of mentors:

• Pianist Marcos Silva (Flora Purim & Airto)
• Bassist Nilson Matta (Trio da Paz, Joe Henderson)
• Drummer Vanderlei Pereira
• Jazz vocalists Greta Matassa, Laurie Antonioli, Sandy Cressman and Aubrey Johnson

Her musical influences include include Paula Morelenbaum, Luciana Souza, Elis Regina, Kate McGarry, Gretchen Parlato, and Tracey Thorn from Everything But the Girl. 

Emy has performed in Seattle, New York, Washington D.C., Boston and the Bay Area.  She has sung at some of the country's top jazz venues including the Metropolitan Room (New York), Ryles Jazz (Boston), Blues Alley (Washington D.C.), Twins Jazz (Washington D.C.), An Die Musik (Baltimore), and music festivals such as the Boston Jazz Fest and the Strathmore Center's Sounds of Brazil.

Expanding Her Musical Horizons

After a fulfilling career promoting digital inclusion in underserved communities, Emy recently retired. She's now embarking on a new chapter, where she'll attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain.