Simona Smirnova: Bird Language

Simona Smirnova is a Lithuanian born jazz vocalist, composer and folk zither - kanklės player based in New York City. By press described as "Eastern European-tinged jazz/exotica", she is a fixture in the New York live scene when she’s not touring the world, including Australia, New Zealand and Europe. This Rockwood Music Hall show will be her first show upon her return from her new album release summer tour in New Zealand.

Smirnova’s genre-bending style has a unique theatrical flavor and uncanny vocal improvisation techniques. She deftly implements folkloric chants, Lithuanian zither – kanklės, theremin and electronics into foundations of jazz and rock. Smirnova’s new album “Bird Language'' — channels groundbreaking artists like Björk and Joanna Newsom while exploring the ways that humans are connected to nature.

"There is an aura of mystique to Smirnova's Bird Language, a stunning blend of Baltic folklore, jazz, pop, and rock, infused with nature- themed sounds. The album was brought to life through the ethereal sound of Lithuanian kanklės, Smirnova's virtuosic, sultry signature vocals, and mimicked bird shrieks, interpolated with jazz piano-driven solos, and sinuous, enticing arrangements." - "All About Jazz"

Simona's performances are lively, entertaining, theatrical and interactive. The band members Caili O'Doherty on piano, Maksim Perepelica on bass, Maxime Cholley on drums, and Andrew Cheng on electric guitar are phenomenal musicians who bring virtuosic jazz improvisations to the act. Simona is an Alumna of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where she studied Contemporary Writing and Production, she is a voting member of Grammy Recording Academy, a mentor at Grammy U program and a composer member of New York Composers Circle (NYCC).