Gina has built an impeccable reputation in the L.A jazz and international music scene, as a professional jazz singer and overall performer. Gina is a vocal force, singing with technique, soul, heart and depth well beyond her years. She exercises a unique versatility in all genres and styles. Gina has a voice to experience. Her many current projects include Gina Saputo Jazz, Trinity Baptist Choir and Praise band, Translucent Ham Sandwich Band and Shakedown Lulu White. Recently awarded as The Big Stage Winner- Vocal Competition (2009) and Orange County Music Award for Best Jazz for THSB (2009), Gina has a long future ahead of her on the stage. She is a natural.
Driven to excel, she started performing at the age of 15 in jazz clubs and bars in Eugene, Oregon. She has performed at the top venues in Los Angeles, as well as venues in Colorado, Oregon, California, Washington D.C., United Arab Emirates, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. She had the honor of studying vocals privately with Carmen Lundy, Tierney Sutton, Carmen Bradford and Jennifer Barnes-Shelton and studied piano with Alan Pasqua. She has also had the opportunity to sing back-up vocals with Barbara Streisand, in the 2001 Emmy awards show, Kurt Elling, Barry Manilow, Neena Freelon, Bonnie Raitt, Frank Stallone, Phil Driscoll and Louis Bellson. Gina holds a Bachelors Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern California, 2003.
In February of 2004, Gina released her debut self titled album featuring the incredible talents of Gerald Clayton on piano, Dan Lutz on bass, and Kevin Kanner on drums. Grammy nominated TelArc recording artist Tierney Sutton also brought her incredible wisdom to this album and was responsible for the vocal production. Ginas CD is available at www.ginasaputo.com, www.cdbaby.com and www.towerrecords.com. In 2005, Gina toured and studied with the Thelonious Monk Institute for a semester studying under jazz legends like Terri Lyn Carrington, Stefon Harris, Wallace Roney, Hal Crook, and Ron Carter. During her time with the institute she traveled to Washington D.C. to perform at the United States State department with Terence Blanchard and traveled to Vietnam to perform with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Nnenna Freelon.
Gina recently was conducting Master classes, performing and teaching as a guest professor in Gwangju University, Korea. She recently toured Japan in September with grammy nominated pianist, Bill cunliffe, performed at the Wildish Theater with Benny Green, and played the Dubai International Jazz Festival with Joe Bagg and Judy Wexler.
Gina is currently set to release her sophmore album in September of '09
For upcoming performances go to www.ginasaputo.com.
For booking please contact:
Mark Miller
Artist Management
Corniche Entertainment
310.854.6000
www.cornicheentertainment.com
___________________________________________________________________________
Gina's approach to singing conveys the balance of a deep appreciation and respect for the melodic essence of a song, with an individual, creative and exploratory nature which is completely her own. Gina has a rich voice which serves to bring fresh beauty to the surface, from a very caring and personal choice of her repertoire and programming.
- Benny Green, pianist, Telarc recording artist, clinician, 2005
Gina led her band on a journey, as she sung her own poetry in completely improvised melody, while the band followed "freely" behind her. It was extremely moving to me, as it was her own personal expression, completely in the musical moment, taking risks and chances, always landing on her feet.
-Gretchen Parlato, Thelonious Monk vocal competition winner and Institute alumni, 2005
She has a strong pretty voice, good intonation, does a good job when she scats and sings a song with conviction. She has an easy, relaxed approach to her delivery and improvises with ease. I think she has a bright future.
- Bob Condon, L.A. Jazz Scene, 2005
Gina has the talent as well as the passion to stretch and think outside the box
- Tierney Sutton, Telarc recording artist, 2005
That bitch can burn!
- Ross Thompkins, legendary pianist, 2005
A gifted musician.and i don't throw that around easily.
- Terence M. Love, Steamers Cafe, 2003
"Vocalist Saputo in her early 20's and a student at USC, reminds some people of a young Sara Vaughan"
- Los Angeles Times, 2002
"With top tier musicians and a knock-out vocalist,the Gina Saputo Jazz Quartet has earned its reputation as one of the best up-and-coming acts in L.A."
- Orange County Weekly, 2002
LA440 - Pilot
Watch This Episode of Gina Saputo at www.theStream.tv
LA440 - PilotWatch This Episode on www.theStream.tv
