Suzi Stern

Biography

Recording: Award winning jazz vocalist Suzi Stern has been recording extensively since 1985.  Stern has released 9 CD’s to date under her own name and has performed on a myriad of other artists projects. Her release “Romancing the Dark” steps out of the jazz idiom and is a collection of her own original compositions and arrangements based on eleven poems by Stern.

Lyrics: Her lyrics appear in the Bill Evans second edition fake book and David Friesen’s book of transcriptions called ”Years Through Time,” both Hal Leonard publications. She has penned lyrics to a plethora of classic jazz compositions not typically performed by vocalists and has collaborated with numerous artists on their works such as Denny Zeitlin’s “Quiet Now,” Joe Henderson’s “Black Narcissus,” and Joshua Redman’s “Hide and Seek,” which have been recorded by artists worldwide.

Collaborations: Stern has performed and or recorded with brilliant jazz artists such as Leroy Vinegar, David Friesin, Randy Porter, Sara Caswell, Helen Sung, Jay Clayton, Peter Stolzman, Jessica Williams, Bud Shank, Harvie S, Denny Zeitlin, Bill Watrous, Rick Margitza, and Mal Waldron, to name only a few.

Producer: Stern is the artistic director along with jazz pianist Peggy Stern of Lulufest Berkshires featuring women band leaders the likes of Ingrid Jensen, Allison Miller, Claire Daily, Jane Bunnett, Su Terry, and many more. For over 12 years while living in Austin, Texas, Suzi and husband pianist / composer George Oldziey produced The Casa Karen Concerts Series which hosted renowned touring artists.

CLINICS AND TEACHING:
Suzi directs jazz/improvisation group clinics and teaches private sessions from her studio in Massachusetts as well as online classes all over the USA and as far as the UK, France, Nepal, and Sweden.

While living in Austin, Stern was involved with The New School of Music Jazz and Blues camp in partnership with saxophonist Don Braden and the Litchfield Jazz Camp.  She has taught luminaries such as Columbia recording artist Darden Smith, blues icon Angela Strehli, and coached the brilliant singer songwriter Jane Siberry to name only a few of her beloved past students, along with Downbeat Jazz poll student “best of” award winners in the vocal jazz improvisation category.

Awards: Suzi was inducted into the 2023 Austin Jazz Society Hall of Fame for her many contributions to the Texas music scene.  In 2001, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson awarded Stern with and honorary declaration making June 13^th Suzi Stern Day.

SPECIALTIES:

Vocal technique

Correcting vocal fatigue

Performance anxiety

Vocal improvisation

Pop and safe rock styles

Singing over progressions

Ear training

Trad jazz, free jazz, blues

Song writing

Arranging for voice

LANGUAGES:

English