Melissa Stott

For her 2005 debut, Why Now, Anglo-Chinese jazz songwriter and vocalist Melissa Stott was hailed by Chris Parker (Vortex, London) as “a witty, accomplished songwriter with the ability to deliver her material with beguiling, informal intimacy…her ability to write clever but affecting original songs that sound like standards in the making should see her establish herself in the top flight of vocalists in short order”. Her new 2007 release The Picture for Leo Feigin’s Feetfirst Records (a division of the avant-garde Leo Records), sees that promise about to be fulfilled.

All songs on The Picture were penned by Melissa, proving that her talent for writing catchy tunes with interesting harmonies and witty, touching lyrics continues to blossom. From the up-tempo dismissal of a lover in “Romance Addio”, to the haunting Evans-esque “The Picture”, or the aching, melancholic “Wish It Wasn’t True”, each and every one of Stott’s original songs casts a spell which is hard to forget. Melissa Stott is “conversational, mature and engaging...far more than just a singer.” (Jazz Review, UK)

As a vocalist, her style is natural and understated, yet “an almost conversational intimacy combines with subtle power” to produce feelings that it’s hard to put your finger on. She also has, in her “precise diction, fluidity of her phrasing and perfect intonation, some of the best strings to her bow” (All About Jazz).

Both her songwriting and vocal skills have received high praise from musicians and vocalists, and several songs from both releases are being performed internationally.

She performs in clubs and festivals (S.Elpidio Jazz Festival, Toscana Jazz, Appennino Music Festival, Cork Jazz Festival, etc.) all around Italy and in Europe, and is the resident vocalist for the Sleeping B Quartet with the Orchestra of Massa and Carrara.

Melissa is currently living in Italy.