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Alma was born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia. She started performing with a local quartet at a time in which jazz was making a big comeback in Belgrade: it was 1992, and somehow, jazz clubs bloomed all across town like mushrooms. Alma was singing three nights a week then, while attending high school in the morning. At 17, she started performing and touring regularly with the Radio Big Band, then entered Law School a year later. However, in 1995, with great help and support from her parents and family, she applied and was awarded a generous scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.
Alma began her studies as a voice major in 1996, and graduated in 1999 with a BM in Jazz Performance. It was at Berklee that she started leading her own quartet and performing at various local clubs such as Scullers as well as appearing at various festivals throughout East Coast and Europe.
In 2000, Alma Micic relocated to New York City. While making her mark on the jazz scene, she met current members of her quartet. She now leads a cohesive, intuitive group that includes bassist Sean Conly, drummer Israel Bannerman, and pianist Brandon McCune. While arranging, Alma also started writing lyrics and composing - her songwriting ability is beautifully displayed in “That April Day”, track 6 on her debut album.
“Introducing Alma” is the first solo effort of this extraordinary new jazz vocalist. Alma’s singing is steeped in tradition, yet completely fresh and original in style. It is described by Bob Young of the Boston Herald as “music that nods to the past and looks to the future.” Alma pays tribute to her roots in track 7, “Sejdefu Majka Budjase” (Sejdefa’s Sunrise), a Montenegrin traditional which laments on love lost. “Something To Live For”, track 4, displays her great appreciation of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, as does the airy arrangement of the opening track, “Day Dream”.
“Introducing Alma”, start to finish, is a work of a multi-talented individual whose voice and songwriting skills penetrate deeply into the soul and demand your attention... Alma Micic is a name you are not likely to forget.
1. Day Dream 5:06
5. Yesterdays 4:01
7. Sejdefu Majka Budjase 6:59
8. Infant Eyes 6:29
9. I Remember You 3:08
10. But Beautiful 5:27
Alma Micic - vocals
Brandon McCune - piano
Sean Conly - upright bass
Israel Bannerman - drums