Ask jazz vocalist Leonisa Ardizzone about her earliest musical memory and she’ll say “Puccini, in utero.” Raised by two opera lovers in a house filled with music, she learned at a young age the art of interpreting songs. Leonisa's musical ability was apparent early on and starting at age four, she began studying piano, later focusing on the violin, but also playing oboe, clarinet, flute, and saxophone. Needless to say, she also sang. Originally a soprano – studying opera and classical music – her voice dropped in her twenties (you'll have to ask her about that) and she discovered her love for singing Jazz.
In college, Leonisa focused her energy on her biology degree but shortly after graduation found a way to have both science and art in her life. Studying music and dance in-between teaching science to at-risk teenagers in Seattle, Ithaca and Central America, Leonisa settled into a teaching job in Ithaca, NY and met guitarist Chris Jennings in 1994. A jazz duo was born, which developed into a series of combos in the ensuing years.
The New York City-based Leonisa Ardizzone Quartet which features Jennings on guitar, Bob Sabin (or Bob Bowen) on bass and Justin Hines on drums, has been playing together for more than eight years – and it shows. They support and feed one another, creating a tight, energetic jazz experience. Recently, the band has expanded, adding Jess Jurkovic on Piano. The Leonisa Ardizzone Quintent interprets jazz standards and originals in a way that will in turn have you weeping for a lost love and smiling with joy.
Leonisa’s credits “her guys” – all graduates of the Manhattan School of Music who have helped her mature musically over the years – for her jazz education, as well as self-directed study and private lessons with Veronica Burke, Steven Stull, Marion Cowings and Suzanne Pittson.
The Quartet released their debut CD in January 2007 to rave reviews. The mood of the CD fluctuates between silly and sad, intense and light-hearted, bold and sublime. The band enjoys creating fresh arrangements for standards as well as writing and arranging new tunes together. The Quintet continues this tradition and has recently gone into the studio to record.
Balancing her musical life and her professional life as an educator is one of Leonisa’s strong suits (not to mention raising a wonderful daughter!). Her diverse interests and experiences shine through in her singing, live performance and writing. Leonisa holds a Ph.D. in International Educational Development (with a specialization in Peace Education) and was a university professor for five years. Currently Leonisa is the Executive Director of the Salvadori Center – a not-for-profit that uses the built environment to teach teachers and children about architecture, engineering and urban planning. SUNY Press recently released a book based on her work with NYC youth peace-builders entitled “Gettin’ My Word Out: Voices of Urban Youth Activists”.
