Photo Credit: Calm Elliott-Armstrong
”A fully realized, unique, and brilliant voice in the Canadian music scene.”
– Ross MacIntyre, Juno Nominated Canadian Bassist
Kalya Ramu, Canadian jazz vocalist, composer, educator, and visual artist, has carved a distinctive presence within Toronto’s vibrant jazz community. Known for her warm, dynamic voice, she draws inspiration from vocalists of the 1940-60s including Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, and Carmen McRae. Her interest in music and performance led her to graduate with honors from the Contemporary Music Degree program at the esteemed Humber College in Toronto.
Her first album, Living a Dream, was released in 2019, followed by Duo in 2021 with Ewen Farncombe
Kalya’s most recent release Trio 2024) earned widespread acclaim, with Midwest Book Review calling it “masterfully performed and recorded, immersive, and beautiful… highly recommended for vocal jazz connoisseurs.”
Kalya performs throughout the GTA with various bands including The Bettys (joined in 2013) and her own group The Nightbird Band. She has shared the stage with several heavy-weight jazz musicians including Barry Harris, Reg Schwager, Doc Severinsen, Brian Barlow, Ross MacIntyre, Ted Quinlan, George Koller, and NYC trumpet player and vocalist Benny Benack III. Kalya has been featured in Jazz festivals such as the TD Jazz, PEC Jazz Festival, Kensington Jazz, Jazz Sudbury, and the Brantford Jazz Festival and has graced the iconic stages of The Jazz Bistro (Toronto), The Django (NYC), Ronnie Scotts (London), and Shablul Jazz Club (Tel Aviv).
Personnel:
Kalya Ramu (vocals)
Ewan Farncombe (piano)
Ian Wright (drums)
Chris Adriaanse (upright bass)
Check out: “I got it Bad and that ain’t Good” “Don’t be that Way”
