Biography

Singer-songwriter and film composer Monique diMattina is inspired by Bach, the early Jazz/Blues/
Roots tradition, which her live performances echo, and the diverse soundscapes of modern life.

1990
Monique the young law student is lured by the siren’s song.

1994
Monique graduates in music performance, Vic College of the Arts.
Her mother lowers self to bended knee, Lygon st, in very nice suede skirt – begs that Monique put off this fancy and return to law studies.

1999
Is awarded Fulbright scholarship for Masters study in NYC,
also Queens Trust and Potter Cultural Trust Awards.

2000
Moves to NYC, writes thesis on Miles Davis pianist Wynton Kelly, forms Monique diMattina Mob, plays jazz/blues gigs, waits tables at Village Vanguard. Hears jazz heroes in their twilight years
Eg. Tommy Flanagan, Cedar Walton, Clark Terry, Hank Jones.
Communes with ghosts of Thelonius Monk, Nina Simone, Chet Baker.

2002
Records first album ‘Live at the 55 – Drinkin Music for Drinkin’ Bar’ – live at NYC’s famous 55 Bar.

2003
Melbourne – establishes indie record label Elwood Records
Awarded Australia Council Grant to represent Australia at Int. Assoc. of Jazz Educators, Toronto.
Presents paper on panel with Miles Davis drummer Jimmy Cobb.

2004 – 2009
Produces 7 albums on Elwood Records label including latest release ‘Senses’ for solo piano.
Travels Australia and China with Disney’s ‘The Lion King’.
Hops between Melbourne (trees/family/lifestyle) and NYC (industry/subways/paranoia).
Plays clubs/festivals in Australia, Asia and Europe.
Works with jazz greats Lew Soloff, Lewis Nash, James Carter,
and rock gods Brian May, Roger Taylor, Bjork, Lou Reed.

2008
Homebirth in Harlem apartment NYC. US homebirth advocates adopt solo piano CD ‘Senses’ as birthing tool, promoting to NBC TV. Monique’s imported jar of vegemite runs out. Moves back to Melbourne for better trees/family/lifestyle/vegemite supply

Current
Lives in Melbourne, teaches improvisation at Victorian College of the Arts.
Is writing for film, working on orchestral commission for Ballet Orchestra of New York and on new solo album due for release in March 2010.