Biography

Aimee Allens intimate connection with music began as a child. Her childhood was quite literally scored with classic jazz, because of her mothers intense love of the music. The influence of the jazz tradition can be heard in Aimees musical style and interpretation choices. But Aimees listeners can also hear her individual voice, nuanced and sparkling with soul and sensuality. Singing came early for Aimee. But she first began to sing professionally as a college student. At Yale University Aimee was an active member and soloist with two a cappella singing groups performing a jazz repertoire. After graduation, Aimee lived in Paris and performed regularly in clubs and at music festivals. There, her understanding of the place of jazz in the world deepened and her interpretive style began to flourish.

The intense relationship between the francophone audience in Paris and Brazilian bossa nova, long one of Aimees musical loves, led Aimee to form a group dedicated to bossa and jazz: Les Bossa Novices. Aimee performed frequently in and outside of Paris with Les Bossa Novices.

As part of New Yorks jazz community for the past few years, Aimee has continued to navigate traditional and modern jazz, infusing her craft with a personal and intimate style. In addition to selections from the great American songbook, Aimee sings some not-so-standards, pays homage to Brazilian bossa, and frequently includes a French lyric. Her touch is always sincere and her sound authentic. Her singular voice and soul has garnered the love of many of the citys best young musicians.

On her debut CD, Dream, features inspired original arrangements of standards, classic bossa nova, and, of course, a bit of blues. Listen to Aimees truly imaginative renditions of My Favorite Things, Cry Me A River, and Nature Boy, and her sparkling interpretations of familiar Brazilian bossas, sung in their native Portuguese, and faithful to the tradition of saudade. In yet a third language, Aimee sings the French version of Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes), recorded here with the rarely sung verse. The album also includes a moving rendition of the wistful Ellington ballad, Daydream, a Cry Me A River rich with irony, and a playful blues penned by Aimee herself.

Aimee is joined on Dream by pianists Dave Cook and Toru Dodo. Dave brings thoughtful and innovative attention to rhythm as well as rich, original arrangements. Toru accompanies with his classic lush style and a modern soulfulness. Bassist Ben Campbell joins with great musicality, and drummer Brian Woodruff provides a backdrop to it all with panache, sensitivity, and imagination. Aimee is also joined in a duo by the inspired guitarist Richard Padron.