Biography

Download Press Kit: Welcome Stranger: 2010
Download Press Kit: Senses for solo piano: 2009

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 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, Lou Donaldson, Oscar Peterson.

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.  Decides ‘Senses’ for solo piano is her favourite.
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,
rock gods Brian May, Roger Taylor, Bjork, Lou Reed, and folks from bands of Suzanne Vega, Norah Jones and Peter Gabriel.  Lots of fun.

2008
Homebirth in Harlem apartment NYC. US homebirth advocates adopt solo piano CD ‘Senses’ as birthing tool, promoting to NBC TV.  Illegally 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 Arts & Music.
Writes for film/teevee, works on orchestral commission for Ballet Orchestra of New York , releases ‘Welcome Stranger’ on Head Records.