LAILA BIALI
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I was honoured to be invited by CBC Music to present three categories at this year’s JUNO Awards virtual watch party on June 29. If you didn’t catch the JUNOS live, click the button below to see this year’s nominees and winners. Next up in JUNO-land: the 50th anniversary in Toronto, 2021! 
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Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how my new album, Out of Dust, came together. Enjoy cameos of Larnell Lewis, Rich Brown, George Koller, Ben Wittman, Alan Ferber, Mike “Maz” Maher, John Ellis, Remy Le Boeuf, Michelle Willis, Jo Lawry, Dennis Collins, and the Venuti String Quartet. Watch the video on YouTube.
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As summer jazz festivals go virtual, I’m honoured to be a part of two upcoming presentations: Saturday, July 11, catch Ben & I in a live interview and live-to-tape performance for the TD Niagara Jazz Festival’s LIVESTREAM.LOVE.JAZZ Series from 7 – 8 pm ET. Click here for details. Then, on Saturday, July 25, Ben & I contribute a live-to-tape mini set to Beaches Jazz Festival. Find more info here.
We are gearing up for our first global livestream as a trio! Following months apart while in lockdown, our longtime bassist George Koller will join the fold this Friday, June 5 at 3 pm EST (12 pm PST / 9 pm CET) – physically distanced and wearing a mask. We will broadcast the concert live over Facebook from JAZZ.FM91’s headquarters in Toronto. Thanks to Crossover Media Promotions, 18+ media and radio outlets across North America will share the livestream to their unique Facebook pages – a true community online event! *JAZZFM.91 listeners can also tune in via terrestrial radio. For more info and to RSVP, visit the dedicated Facebook Event Page here.
I’m thrilled to share that Out of Dust has been getting wonderful reviews around the world! Here are a few highlights:
“The album’s production is shimmering, the arrangements are lush and Biali’s voice – spanning registers – is pure and warm. She’s also fearless on piano and, above else, in her imagination. ★★★★” – DownBeat Magazine
“There’s no boxing Laila Biali in … Capable of making you laugh and cry all at once, her delivery Out of Dust is divine. 4.5 stars.” – All About Jazz
“Out of Dust sparkles like a soundtrack for spring.” – The Vancouver Sun
“Biali provides the positive, come-together messaging we need in these challenging times.” – PARADE (US)
“… moving, inspiring, and life-affirming songs.” – SOCAN (CA)
“Out of Dust is another big step toward global stardom.” – JAZZ FM 91
„Mit feinem Pinsel hingetuschte Instrumentalarrangements wechseln sich mit Laila Bialis perlendem Timbre ab.“ – Kulturnews (DE)
“This is a big-sounding album … Everyone delivers” – London Jazz (GB)
Thank you for supporting Out of Dust by streaming, downloading and purchasing physical copies. This means more now than ever.
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If we can’t tour the world, why not bring my songs to you via an online “virtual stage”? Introducing Quarantunes – live one-take videos captured individually by the world-class musicians who recorded on Out of Dust, plus special guest Rob Christian, who was set to tour the new release extensively. Each musician filmed and recorded themselves at home, and what you see and hear is a true compilation of these performances. Not a note has been changed, enhanced or added. Ben and I wanted you to experience a virtual stage where the performers get one shot, together, and this is the result. Special thanks to Maclean’s for featuring this new video series.
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My song, The Monolith, was inspired by my cousin-in-law, Gwyneth Leech, and the story behind her construction painting series. The lyrics come from an award-winning mini documentary that tells Gwyneth’s story. You can watch that documentary here. Filmed by Southern Souls, this acoustic video was captured in one take at Trinity St. Paul’s United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts in Toronto. Watch the video on YouTube here. *Special thanks to IMAGO Arts for making this video possible.
My new album, Out of Dust, is now available!(*Note: the album will release in Japan on April 8.) My hope is that, in these unprecedented times, this music will be an encouragement to you. It was written during a tough season for me, personally, and while the songs explore more serious subjects, they reflect my fundamental belief that something good can come out of life’s hardships. My heart is in this music. Thank you for listening.
Click here to stream or download Out of Dust, digitally,
across Europe, the UK, South Korea & Turkey
Click here to stream or download Out of Dust, digitally,
everywhere else including Canada & the USA
Click here for a physical copy of Out of Dust in Europe
Click here for a physical copy of Out of Dust within North America
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We made a video for my song, Revival! It stars the wonderful young dancer, Angel Walton, who discovered dance as a means to rise above the bullying she once experienced in school. She lights up the screen with her radiance. This was filmed in NYC earlier this year, and Angel’s story of overcoming, to me, represents the tenacity and indistinguishable vibrance of NYC. Click here to watch Revival on YouTube.
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Exciting news: our first official livestream concert – live from our living room – has been scheduled for Friday, April 17 at 2 pm EST! (We chose an earlier time to include our friends across the pond.) It’s a huge honour to be part of this National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts #CanadaPerforms initiative co-sponsored by Facebook Canada, Slaight Music, SiriusXM Canada & RBC.
To join Ben and I, mark your calendars and then come on over to my artist page on Facebook. “Like” or “Follow” me now and we’ll be sure to keep you updated. Can’t wait!
My new single, a cover of Gregory Porter’s Take Me To The Alley, is now available everywhere. This one is especially personal. It was one of my late friend Wendy’s favourite songs, which Ben and I played at her memorial service. The track features a beautiful group of background singers including Jo Lawry (Sting, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel) Michelle Willis (David Crosby) and Dennis Collins (Aretha Franklin), GRAMMY nominee John Ellis on saxophone, Glenn Patscha on organ, George Koller on bass, and Ben on drums. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for listening, and sharing. Click here to stream and download to Take Me To The Alley.
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Last month, we filmed a live acoustic performance of Take Me To The Alley, captured by one camera in one take by Southern Souls at Trinity St. Paul’s in Toronto. It features the same rhythm section as the studio track, plus special guest Rob Neal Christian on tenor and keys. (Rob will be touring with us this spring!) Thanks so much for watching, and please know that your likes, comments and shares go a long way to help artists like me. Click here to watch Take Me To The Alley on YouTube.
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This week, I was thrilled to get the news that Amazon Music’s Editors selected Take Me To The Alley for the top position on their Fresh Jazz Playlist. This is a huge honour! You can check out the playlist here.
My new single, Sugar, is out now! Sugar is a song I wrote about my love/hate relationship with all things sweet. It’s cheeky and playful, but there’s a serious message at its core. The lyrics are inspired by a poem on sugar addiction written by Rebecca Reynolds. The track features some of my favourite musicians – Lisa Fischer, Rich Brown, Larnell Lewis, a horn section put together by GRAMMY nominee Alan Ferber, and more. I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for listening!! Click here to listen to Sugar.
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Here are our upcoming tour dates:
Feb 07 – Langley, BC – SOLD OUT
Feb 08 – Edmonton (Sherwood Park)
Feb 09 – Calgary, AB
Feb 10 – Penticton, BC
Feb 11 – Seattle, WA
Feb 12 – Bellingham, WA
Feb 13 – Duncan, BC – SOLD OUT
Feb 14 – Regina, SK (*Valentine’s Show!)
Feb 15 – Swift Current, SK
Feb 16 – Saskatoon, SK
Feb 23 – Sarasota, FL
Feb 28 – Gainesville, GA
Feb 29 – Gainesville, GA
Winter Jazzfest Debut!
Winter Jazzfest is an annual event in New York City that features some of the best talent in the world. I’m thrilled to have my debut with WJF as part of an evening Saturday, Jan 11 at SubCulture featuring The Cookers, Kat Edmonson, and other fantastic artists. That lineup is part of a larger “Manhattan marathon” that includes a huge range of talent like the multi-GRAMMY winning Robert Glasper! For my set, I’ll be joined by Ben Wittman (the hubs), Ike Sturm and special guest Mike “Maz” Maher of Snarky Puppy acclaim. For more info and the full list of artists, visit the Winter Jazzfest website.
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2020 Tour Dates!
2020 is here and we are ready to hit the road! Here are some upcoming stops across North America:
Feb 07 – Langley, BC
Feb 08 – Edmonton (Sherwood Park)
Feb 09 – Calgary, AB
Feb 10 – Penticton, BC
Feb 11 – Seattle, WA
Feb 12 – Bellingham, WA
Feb 13 – Duncan, BC
Feb 14 – Regina, SK (*Valentine’s Show!)
Feb 15 – Swift Current, SK
Feb 16 – Saskatoon, SK
Feb 23 – Sarasota, FL
Feb 28 – Gainesville, GA
Feb 29 – Gainesville, GA
Mar 21 – Ottawa, ON
Mar 28 – Toronto, ON
Apr 05 – Topeka, KS
Click here for more info and to get tickets.
*Stay tuned for more shows being added in the coming weeks, and Europe in April & May!
Holiday Jazz in Ottawa!
I am super excited to share news of a once-in-a-lifetime experience awaiting me in Ottawa: December 10 & 11, I will join the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces for two holiday concerts at the Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe! Captain John Fullerton will lead the charge, and listeners can expect an exciting variety of holiday fare – two very special nights to fill your holiday spirit!
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Winter Jazzfest NYC Debut!
Winter Jazzfest is an annual event in New York City that features some of the best talent in the world. I’m thrilled to have my debut with WJF as part of an evening Saturday, Jan 11 at SubCulture featuring Becca Stevens, Kat Edmonson, and other female powerhouse artists. And that lineup is part of a larger “Manhattan marathon” that includes a huge range of talent like the multi-GRAMMY winning Robert Glasper! For my set, I’ll be joined by Ben Wittman (the hubs), Ike Sturm and special guest Mike “Maz” Maher of Snarky Puppy acclaim. For more info and the full list of artists, visit the Winter Jazzfest website.
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APAP 2020 in NYC!
I’ll be back at the APAP Conference this January in NYC with three performances – the Winter Jazzfest show listed above, plus an official showcase spot at the Hilton Midtown Sunday, Jan 12 at 11:30 am, followed by a full set at Rockwood Music Hall’s Stage 3 at 8:30 pm. Last year, our Rockwood show sold out, so if you’d like to join us in that wonderful intimate space, I would recommend booking your tickets in advance.
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2020 Tour Dates!
2020 is already looking to be a busy year! The new album will release in March with several singles rolling out beginning in January. We’ve already got some tour dates on the books and would love to see you out there as we launch the new music. Here’s what we’ve got so far:
Feb 07 – Langley, BC
Feb 08 – Edmonton (Sherwood Park)
Feb 09 – Calgary, AB (TBA soon!)
Feb 10 – Penticton, BC
Feb 11 – Seattle, WA
Feb 12 – Bellingham, WA
Feb 13 – Duncan, BC
Feb 14 – Regina, SK (TBA)
Feb 15 – Swift Current, SK (TBA)
Feb 16 – Saskatoon, SK (TBA)
Feb 23 – Sarasota, FL
Feb 28 – Gainesville, GA
Feb 29 – Gainesville, GA
Mar 21 – Ottawa, ON
Mar 28 – Toronto, ON
Apr 05 – Topeka, KS
Euro Tour Part 1
We’ve had a blast touring all over Europe! In Belgrade, we performed for hundreds of listeners and a few of the world’s top Jazz journalists. From there we went on to Cork, where it was up to us to keep the dance floor popping. Then, we hopped over to London for our debut at the original Pizza Express, where we were given a lovely review by London Jazz News and stopped in at Jazz FM to talk about the new album. That was followed by Sandvika, where we brought a festive Halloween twist to Bærum Kulturhus. Then, we received a beautifully warm reception at Jazztage Dresden. Last night, we were treated to world-class hospitality in Prague, and tonight we return to Berlin’s Jazzclub A-Trane to wrap up the first leg of this tour. It’s been grand!!!
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**We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council for all European tour dates between Oct 26 – Nov 16.
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Palermo, Italy Nov 15 & 16!
Next week, after a brief time at home in Toronto, we’re back on the road to finish our European tour with four shows in Palermo, Italy! We have been invited to perform at Teatro Santa Cecilia Nov 15 & 16 with shows at 19:00 & 21:30. I’ll be joined by George Koller on bass and Ethan Ardelli on drums. Arrivederci!!
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Aurora, Ontario Nov 22!
Friday, November 22, following a full European tour together, George, Ben and I bring our trio to the Aurora Cultural Centre. We perform as part of the Brevik Hall Signature Series. Join us!!
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With Kadri Voorand for Estonian Music Week!
This month, Toronto celebrates Estonian Music Week, and I get to perform in a very special double bill with the brilliant Estonian artist, Kadri Voorand November 29 in Hamilton and November 30 in Toronto! Kadri is AMAZING. Don’t miss this!!
