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MJ Territo

Peter Nero

“Huge talent with polymath abilities and catholic tastes."
– THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

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MJ Territo

Even in the diverse world of jazz vocalists,
MJ Territo pops out as unique, difficult
to categorize, and quite superb. –
Seton Hawkins, Hot House

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ABOUT

Jazz vocalist, music educator, and composer/lyricist, MJ is well-versed in the Great American Songbook and jazz standards and is always on the lookout for great tunes from any genre. She brings a fresh eye to familiar favorites, often using her research skills to unearth the story behind the song.

One behind-the-scenes story—why songs by women jazz composers are not well-recognized—led to her forming the Ladies Day Jazz Ensemble, a group of women jazz musicians dedicated to performing the too-often neglected compositions of classic and contemporary jazz women. Their critically acclaimed CD, “Ladies Day”, was released in August 2017.

“Down With Love” MJ’s debut CD, started with this thought: “Why are all the songs about love? There really is more to life!” A little searching revealed that, of course, not all the songs are about romantic love. She chose Jobim’s Waters of March, Dylan’s Gotta Serve Somebody, and eight other “unlove” songs for the

collection.

MJ has performed at Jazz at Kitano, Club Bonafide, the Metropolitan Room, Somethin’ Jazz, and other venues in and around the New York metropolitan area.

MJ is also a dedicated educator. She teaches privately in her home studio and is on the Teaching Artist Rosters of Arts Westchester, the arts council of Westchester County, NY, and Lifetime Arts, an organization that promotes the inclusion of professional arts programs in organizations that serve older adults. She is the creator of “Singin’ and Swingin’: Adventures in Jazz, Blues, and Improvisation”, a series of workshops in which older adults explore jazz singing. Besides learning jazz standards, participants sing the blues, engage in scat singing, and enjoy free improvisation exercises.More

MJ Territo is a veteran singer who is very much a storyteller. With a calm delivery and ear for poetry, she sticks to the lyrics of songs while giving them a gentle swing.

— Scott Yanow, Downbeat

MashIt
What this recording proves to be is one of the most attractive standards sets imagined, because these standards... are not so standard. Territo... expertly guides this welcome romp through the less known....This is a collection of finely composed songs expertly delivered in a thoughtful and compelling production. Well done!

– C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz

FabuFit
“Territo does not sound like any other female jazz singer. Her phrasing and style remind me more of male singers, like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett than Holiday or Ella. Territo has kind of the same coolness on her phrasing.”

– Wilfred Sostre, Jazz Times

YesSuits