BIOGRAPHY
Kalya Ramu, Canadian jazz vocalist, composer, educator, and visual artist, has carved out a distinctive presence within Toronto's vibrant jazz community. From the age of 12, Kalya found herself immersed in the world of jazz, frequenting jam sessions and touring with community big bands. Her musical journey led her to pursue higher education, culminating in her graduation from the Bachelor of Music Degree Program at Humber College. A storyteller at heart, Kalya has a remarkable ability to reinvent classic jazz tunes while infusing her original compositions with fresh, evocative narratives.
In 2019, Ramu released her debut full-length album, "Living in a Dream", generously supported by FACTOR. Shortly after this release, the title track was featured on the soundtrack of CBC show "Frankie Drake Mysteries." Ramu’s second album, "Duo" (2021), is a close collaboration with pianist and composer Ewen Farncombe. The five-track album of original material highlights their artistic synergy. In the past year Ramu released two singles with Brazilian guitarist André Valério. The first, "Algo Contigo” (2023), features the composition of Argentinian songwriter Chico Novarro, and the second “Hold Me Close” (2024) is an original composition by Ramu and Valério and features the playing of flutist Rob Christian. Currently Kalya has been working on a brand new album called Trio, coming out in late November 2024.
Beyond music, Ramu is a talented visual artist, specializing in watercolor portraiture. Her illustrations grace the pages of Cannopy Magazine (@cannopyarts), with her work featured on multiple print issues and covers. She also undertakes portrait commissions and album artwork projects for clients across Canada and the US.
Photo by Calm Elliott-Armstrong.
In 2019, Ramu released her debut full-length album, "Living in a Dream", generously supported by FACTOR. Shortly after this release, the title track was featured on the soundtrack of CBC show "Frankie Drake Mysteries." Ramu’s second album, "Duo" (2021), is a close collaboration with pianist and composer Ewen Farncombe. The five-track album of original material highlights their artistic synergy. In the past year Ramu released two singles with Brazilian guitarist André Valério. The first, "Algo Contigo” (2023), features the composition of Argentinian songwriter Chico Novarro, and the second “Hold Me Close” (2024) is an original composition by Ramu and Valério and features the playing of flutist Rob Christian. Currently Kalya has been working on a brand new album called Trio, coming out in late November 2024.
Beyond music, Ramu is a talented visual artist, specializing in watercolor portraiture. Her illustrations grace the pages of Cannopy Magazine (@cannopyarts), with her work featured on multiple print issues and covers. She also undertakes portrait commissions and album artwork projects for clients across Canada and the US.
Photo by Calm Elliott-Armstrong.
NEWS
NEW ALBUM "TRIO" ON THE WAY:
Kalya Ramu's new album Trio, is coming out this fall! Pre-save the first single “You Go to My Head” on Spotify or Apple Music HERE!
Trio, Ramu's third studio album showcases a captivating collaboration with guitarist Julien Bradley-Combs and upright bassist Duncan Hopkins. This album beautifully captures the intimacy of a Jazz trio setting, allowing listeners to appreciate the rich timbres and textures of the instruments as they harmonize seamlessly. Featuring seven selections from the Great American Songbook, one original Ramu composition, and a bewitching piece by Israeli composer Yoni Rechter, with Hebrew lyrics by Yehonatan Geffen—a song that holds special significance from Ramu’s childhood—this album offers a diverse musical experience. Ramu’s warm and dynamic vocals evoke a sense of nostalgia, drawing comparisons to jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and Anita O’Day. Ramu has deeply absorbed the influence of these iconic artists, bringing a fresh yet timeless quality to her music. Recorded live off the floor by Nick Bonin at Artscape Daniels Launchpad, Trio is self-produced and arranged by Kalya Ramu and mixed/mastered Rob Christian. The full album will be officially released on November 29, 2024 and will be celebrated with a concert at Burdock Music Hall in Toronto on December 8 2024 at 7pm.
Kalya Ramu's new album Trio, is coming out this fall! Pre-save the first single “You Go to My Head” on Spotify or Apple Music HERE!
Trio, Ramu's third studio album showcases a captivating collaboration with guitarist Julien Bradley-Combs and upright bassist Duncan Hopkins. This album beautifully captures the intimacy of a Jazz trio setting, allowing listeners to appreciate the rich timbres and textures of the instruments as they harmonize seamlessly. Featuring seven selections from the Great American Songbook, one original Ramu composition, and a bewitching piece by Israeli composer Yoni Rechter, with Hebrew lyrics by Yehonatan Geffen—a song that holds special significance from Ramu’s childhood—this album offers a diverse musical experience. Ramu’s warm and dynamic vocals evoke a sense of nostalgia, drawing comparisons to jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and Anita O’Day. Ramu has deeply absorbed the influence of these iconic artists, bringing a fresh yet timeless quality to her music. Recorded live off the floor by Nick Bonin at Artscape Daniels Launchpad, Trio is self-produced and arranged by Kalya Ramu and mixed/mastered Rob Christian. The full album will be officially released on November 29, 2024 and will be celebrated with a concert at Burdock Music Hall in Toronto on December 8 2024 at 7pm.
|
HOLD ME CLOSE: Kalya Ramu's second single, HOLD ME CLOSE came out on February 9, 2024. The song was written with and features André Valério on guitar, with special guest Rob Christian on flute. Artwork by Kalya Ramu. Listen on: SPOTIFY BANDCAMP APPLE MUSIC |
MUSIC VIDEO: for Kalya Ramu's original song Laugh It Off, co-written by and featuring Ewen Farncombe. Music Video produced and directed by Maytham Jbara of Trash Production. WATCH NOW! |
VR GAME SONG: In collaboration with vocalist Nathan Ford and producer Michael Wyckoff, an unexpected rendition of Bing Crosby classic "Don't Fence Me In" is featured in the closing scene/credits for new Stress Level Zero VR game, Bonelab! OUT NOW! |