May Flowers

Ayo: Ayo spent the first two years of her life in Nigeria, while her dad was trying to connect with his own roots. She was then brought back to be raised in Germany. Her mother faced addiction problems, forcing little Ayo to foster homes for several years. Nevertheless, she mainly recalls her childhood as a happy one and doesn’t feel she’s had to bear more than her share of scars.

Taylor Eigsti (Feat. Becca Stevens) @JazzPolice : Hailed by The New York Times as a “best-kept secret” with an “impressively absorbing” debut album, Becca Stevens has established herself as a singer/songwriter of enormous talent whose songs expand and blur the boundaries of folk, jazz, and pop while engaging the the listener through keen poetic observation, rich musical language, and beguiling singing.

Esperanza Spalding : Spalding was born and raised on what she calls “the other side of the tracks” in a multi-lingual household and neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Growing up in a single-parent home amid economically adverse circumstances, she learned early lessons in the meaning of perseverance and moral character from the role model whom she holds in the highest regard to this day – her mother.

Kira : After 8 years away from home, Kira returned to Copenhagen, put a band together (myspace/kiraandthekindredspirits) and released her first album (“Happiness saves lives”) in 2002 (The band split in 2007). Drawing from her experiences of relationships and her life on the road, she created a musical world, of deeply personal songs, with a rough edge and moody tales, in a style which she her self labeled “soul punk”, since none of the obvious categories fit. Eight years on, she has released 6 albums in Denmark. One of them being with her side-project The Gospel, co-written and produced by Tore Johansson (Franz Ferdinand, Cardigans est.), who also produced two albums with her previous band. (“This is not an exit” and “Kira and the Kindred Spirits”

Regina Carter : Regina Carter is a master of improvisational jazz violin. Though her work draws upon a wide range of musical influences–including Motown, Afro-Cuban, Swing, Bebop, Folk, and World–she has crafted a signature voice and style…Carter’s performances highlight the often overlooked potential of the jazz violin for its lyric, melodic, and percussive potential. Her early training as a classical musician is reflected in the fluidity, grace, and balance of her performance. Carter’s repertoire retains a firm connection with the familiar while venturing in new, unexpected directions…Through artistry with an instrument that has been defines predominantly by the classical tradition, Carter is pioneering new possibilities for the violin and for jazz.

Marianna Leporace : Marianna Leporace é uma artista muito atuante no cenário da música independente brasileira e vive em constante movimento. Nascida e criada numa família de músicos, a cantora, atriz, jornalista e produtora, utiliza todas as suas vertentes criativas para melhor desenvolver seu principal canal artístico: a música.

Maysa : While Maysa is no newcomer to the music scene, her ninth solo CD, Motions of Love (Shanachie Entertainment) that boasts cameos by the legendary Stevie Wonder and neo soul crooner Dwele, promises to introduce the veteran soul and smooth jazz vocalist to the widest audience of her career. She first gained fame as the featured voice on British acid jazz band Incognito’s defining `90s era hits such as “Don’t You Worry About A Thing”, “Still A Friend of Mine” and “Deep Waters.” She then launched a concurrent solo career with the hits “Am I Wrong (For Lovin’ You),” “Friendly Pressure” and “Hypnotic Love.” With a sultry alto on par with Phyllis Hyman and Patti Austin’s honeyed notes, Maysa should be one of the biggest names in the urban mainstream but instead she’s earned a loyal underground audience.

Barb Jungr : With rave international reviews and two prestigious New York awards (2008 Nightlife Award for Outstanding Cabaret Vocalist and Best International Artist 2003 Backstage Award), Barb Jungr is renowned for her unique vocal style, interpretation of song and radical approach to arrangements. Her acclaimed releases on Linn Records and Naim Label, and “revelatory” live performances have brought her to audiences all around the world.

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