​BIOGRAPHY

           Canadian vocalist, band-leader, educator and visual artist, Kalya Ramu, is a rising star in Toronto’s current Jazz scene. As a performer, Ramu has a passion for storytelling and reinventing old Jazz music. She began her musical journey at the age of 12, participating in Toronto Jazz jams and performing with community big bands, including the Toronto All Star Big Band. At 22 she graduated from the Humber College Bachelor of Music Degree Program and jumped straight into building her career as a performer. She has performed with several heavy-weight musicians in the Toronto scene including Barry Harris, Ted Quinlan, Jackie Richardson, John Sheard, Ross MacIntyre and Reg Schwager.

          In 2019 Ramu released her debut full-length album, Living in a Dream, from which the title track (an original song) was featured on the soundtrack of CBC show Frankie Drake Mysteries. Ramu’s latest work, Duo, is a five-track album of all original material performed, intimately, by piano and voice. All the songs were cowritten with and feature pianist Ewen Farncombe.
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          As a visual artist, Ramu focuses on watercolour portraiture. She is currently working as an illustrator for smART Magazine (by Lighthouse Immersive) and was recently published in their first print issue! She has designed album art for Canadian musicians Marshal Herridge, Chris Platt, Tayua, Claire Coupland, Shealagh Rose, and Trevor Peverley.

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​​PRESS QUOTES

“She is one of the most captivating vocalists to come along in several seasons.”  ​– Chris​ Spector, The Midwest Record​​​

“She swings like a kids jungle gym. " – George W. Harris, ​​Jazz Weekly

​“Ramu's voice has a warmth, depth and maturity to it that belies her years. ” – Sharna Searle, The WholeNote Magazine

​“Ramu's pitch, phrasing, intonation and lyrical interpretation are exquisite.” ​– Ron Weinstock, In a Blue Mood
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"The muffled voice of Billie Holiday, the sensuality of Rita Hayworth and the playfulness of Doris Day." – Georges Tonla Briquet, Jazz Halo​​