Laila Biali

Audiences and critics spotted it from the moment composer, pianist and singer, LAILA BIALI, broke onto the music scene in her early twenties: she is an artist with a singular sound evolving out of a broad and eclectic blend of influences…from Chopin to Keith Jarrett, Joni Mitchell, and Bjork…to becoming wonderfully her own. Honoured as both SOCAN Composer of the Year and Keyboardist of the Year at the 2005 National Jazz Awards, Laila has already showcased her original music at world-class venues spanning five continents, including New York City’s Carnegie Hall, the acclaimed North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, the International Jazz Festival in Lima, Peru and the Cotton Club in Tokyo, Japan - evidence that her compositions, playing, and singing are garnering not only national attention but world-wide recognition as well.
One of Laila’s most prominent qualities is her musical diversity. Not limited to one genre, she is an incredibly versatile musician who can seamlessly move between all styles of music, displaying a keen jazz sensibility, the sensitivity and technical command required by classical music, and the strong rhythm and groove needed to play more pop and funk-oriented material. This versatility comes as no surprise since Laila’s own compositions typically cross several different genres, putting her music in its own category. Her versatility has won her touring engagements with top-tier artists over the past few years, from jazz trumpeter Chris Botti to sophisticated singer-songwriter, Paula Cole, and platinum recording artist, Suzanne Vega.
Laila’s latest project, FROM SEA TO SKY, was released in June 2007 to rave reviews. The Toronto Star named it a “surefire winner” (four out of four stars); the Montreal Gazette called it an “exceptional recording” by an “extraordinary talent” with cause for “celebration and recognition” (five out of five stars – Instant Classic); and the Vancouver Province claimed “this screams ‘Juno.’ It even whispers ‘Grammy.’ Superb.” On her 2008 Canadian summer tour, Laila’s trio brought audiences to their feet in every city and on-site vendors were barely able keep up with the CD sales following the concerts.
Aside from her very active performing schedule, Laila is also frequently invited to join the faculty for the widelyacclaimed Stanford Jazz Workshop at Stanford University, where she has spent several summers teaching and performing. Following a year of study abroad on a Canada Council grant, Laila now divides her time between New York City and Toronto, where she is currently working on material for her two new recording projects.