Imagine a cross between Ella Fitzgerald and Bette Midler, add a dash of Louis Armstrong, and you might get some idea of Suede's unique musical talents and abilities. One part rat pack and one part Rosie Clooney, Suede is the "Diva la Difference" and the swinginest singer in town! Think sophisticated pop/jazz, think naughty blues with a sizzling trumpet, think love songs that will make you swoon, think funny, think "wow-what a voice!"
This consummate entertainer sings original material and pop, blues and jazz standards like nobody you've ever heard. Suede accompanies herself on piano, trumpet, and guitar, or plays with her fabulous band: Mr. David Pearl on piano and either Mr. Max Murray or Ms. Sue Williams on bass. Mr. Steve Holloway on drums is the newest addition to this talented group.
A native of New York, Suede knew early on that she wanted to make singing her life. Her natural talent wowed friends and family throughout her childhood, culminating in her first "bar gigs" while still in high school. Completely self taught until her college years, Suede then began formal training in classical voice and trumpet, obtaining a Bachelor of Music degree before launching her musical career shortly after graduation. She started out in the Washington/Baltimore area playing locals clubs from Harrisburg, PA to Richmond, VA seven nights a week, booking the gigs, running her own sound and traveling in her trusty Toyota hatchback, which somehow fit all her instruments and sound gear. Indeed, the requisite dues have been paid, as Suede has evolved from playing 'Proud Mary' behind chicken wire to packing the best concert halls and jazz clubs in the US and Europe. Easily Suede Music, her own record label founded in 1988, allows Suede to maintain artistic control and make independent creative choices in her work. Suede has toured extensively in the US, Europe and as far away as New Zealand and Australia always to full houses and rave reviews.
The "Diva la Difference" has appeared on ABC's 20/20, NPR, MTV, and in the film "A Simple Matter of Justice". Her recording of "Remember Who You Are" was recently featured on the soap opera, The Young and the Restless and is featured on the newly released HRC compilation disc, Being Out Rocks with other such notable artists as Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainright, k.d.Lang, Harvey Fierstein, Janis Ian, Cyndi Lauper, The B52's and others. Her last CD release, On the Day We Met, won two OMA awards in 2001, one for best new release by a female artist and one for best new song (Emily Remembers). She also holds the distinction of being the first and only female member of the world renowned a cappella group The Flirtations, seen in Jonathan Demme's film Philadelphia. Her brand new release on DVD, Suede: Live at Scullers Jazz Club, has already garnered rave reviews from media and longtime fans alike. She is currently working on the group's fourth CD, slated for release in Spring 2005.
With a strong belief in the responsibility that comes with any celebrity status, she has helped raised tens of thousands of dollars for various causes she supports, including Breast Cancer awareness and research, AIDS funding, Alzheimer's Care and research, Animal rights and many others.
And, she is FUN! From unbelievable a cappella to "bring down the house" belting blues, Suede delivers it all with her own unique blend of warmth, wit and musical artistry.
