“Bianco transformed what many consider dusty or tired tunes into evergreen sources of wisdom and feeling. Whether in covering classic vocals, composing lyrics to well-worn tunes, or writing new compositions of her own (like “Humming Beneath the Trees,” an original single in the vein of jazz standards), Bianco’s work assures that jazz music can still matter to contemporary audiences. All it takes is the right voice to help them hear why.”
- Thomas Gartman CapitalBop 2022
Dominique Bianco’s vocals have been described as “a sign of life for straight-ahead jazz.” - Thomas Gartman CapitalBop 2022
Dominique Bianco is a renowned Italian-American jazz vocalist who adds her own distinctive touch to jazz standards, with remarkable virtuosity, innate interpretative abilities, awe-inspiring improvisational skills, and unique melodic original compositions. Currently based in the DC area, by way of Staten Island, New York, “she has garnered comparisons to Ella Fitzgerald and has a voice that is timeless”- Prism Reviews.
Dominique’s original music is yet to be released but is described as a captivating blend of traditional jazz elements and contemporary sounds. Her own genre seamlessly fuses the improvisational nature and harmonic complexities of jazz with the innovative and cutting-edge styles of modern music. She effortlessly combines elements of traditional jazz with mid-century and modern pop influences, creating a vocal sound that is both classic and fresh.
At age 21 she released her debut record, "I'm All Smiles," which features Benny Benack III & Elijah Jamal Balbed. The Downbeat Award-winning 23-year-old has been mentioned in publications such as Downbeat Magazine, Jazz Times, WUSA9, DCNewsNow, Living Local DMV, The Baltimore Sun, WBGO, WPFW, Capital Bop, Staten Island Advance, Parklife DC, The Baltimore Times, and interviewed in Voyage Baltimore Magazine. Dominique was the first-place runner-up in the 2023 Billie Holiday Vocal Competition, a top 3 finalist in the 2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition, and was a 2023 Strathmore Artist in Residence.
She has performed in some of the most prestigious venues and festivals, including The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Keystone Korner, Blues Alley, Madison Square Garden, BluJazz+, Smalls NYC, The Cutting Room, Pearl Street Warehouse, AMP by Strathmore, Hermana NYC, Union Stage, Fredrick Jazz Festival, Baltimore Jazz Fest, and Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, to name a few. She has also collaborated with many renowned jazz musicians, including Julius Rodriguez, Joe Farnsworth, Mark Whitfield, Peter Washington, Clarence Ward III, Benny Benack III, Elijah Jamal Balbed, Emmet Cohen Trio including Kyle Poole, and Russell Hall.
Dominique can be heard on various records including background vocals for Elijah Jamal Balbed’s Karma Suite set to release 2024. Additionally, her backing vocals can be heard on Javier Nero's Album "Kemet (The Black Land)," featuring an impressive lineup of jazz artists including Sean Jones, Randy Brecker, Warren Wolf, Tim Green, and Christie Dashiell. Notably, Dominique's vocal prowess is spotlighted in the third track, which has garnered over 10,000 plays. Her exceptional vocal range and whistle tones take center stage as she effortlessly hits a high E and G# at the track's conclusion.
“One of the DMV's hottest new jazz singers”- Jeff Gruber, C.E.O & Owner of Blue House Productions
Dominique Bianco released her debut record on November 13th, 2022. This record features NYC-based jazz trumpeter Benny Benack III, and DC native saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed. The record was recorded at Grammy Award-Winning Bias Studios in Springfield, Virginia. Growing up in a musical environment, she has always been searching for obscure melodies to dissect, make her own, and she hopes this new record will advance her career to new highs with many more records to come. Excited about the launch of her new career with this debut record, Dominique already held her EP release at Blues Alley with special guest Julius Rodriguez and soon after performed at Keystone Korner as a part of her EP Release Tour with Benny Benack III.
“Dominique confidently showed off her vocal range and scat singing abilities… Dominique’s vocal style and delivery is well suited to her choice of material.”-Parklife DC, Mark Caicedo
Ms. Bianco is a private vocal coach and piano instructor and teaches out of her own vocal studio. Dominique earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies with a minor in Music Technology at George Mason University spring of 2022.
Dominique is a recent graduate of George Mason University, under the instruction of Darden Purcell (Voice), Wade Beach (Piano) & Victor Provost (Steel Pan). As a recent graduate from George Mason University, Dominique Bianco was featured in The Mason Jazz Ensemble, performing at numerous venues including, The Center for the Arts, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Tiffin University Accent Vocal Festival, and Arts By George to name a few. She has performed in Jazz4Justice concerts 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 as a featured soloist. With the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Dominique has opened for The Manhattan Transfer, ACCENT, as well as performed with the American Festival Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Tony Maiello.
“Bianco’s work assures that jazz music can still matter to contemporary audiences. All it takes is the right voice to help them hear why.” - Thomas Gartman CapitalBop 2022
Following in her Italian-American family's footsteps, Dominique's father, Dominic, a seasoned musician raised by musicians, ignited her passion for music from an early age. He introduced her to iconic father-daughter pairs like Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, fostering a deep appreciation for classics in Jazz and Soul.
Background
From ages 3 to 10, Dominique went to dancing school for hip-hop, tap, ballet, and jazz styles, played flute in school concerts, and sang in local community showcases. Dominique's love for music culminated in landing the lead role as Sandy in her 4th grade elementary school's production of "Grease," a movie she adored since age 4. Her voice has been heard across New York City for over a decade, singing at Staten Island Yankees baseball games, Staten Island Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, and participating in programs at Pearl Studios and Madison Square Garden.
Dominique's father studied voice and guitar throughout his life, and played alongside his uncle and brothers, forming his own bands and headlining for acts including The Spinners. Additionally, as a skilled craftsman, he built guitars for himself and his children, who also played various instruments like the trumpet and saxophone. Being a powerhouse singer and continuing her family's legacy was always in her vocal genetic coding from the start.
Dominique’s career started as soon as she could hum a tune and hold a microphone, which was never far from reach. With guitars and various musical instruments all around the house, Dominique had no other choice than to pursue what was only second nature. Throughout her life, Dominique has been preparing from the beginning for what would become her greatest form of communication, expression, and connection with others.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 Billie Holiday Vocal Competition - Second Place
Dominique competed in the 2023 Billie Holiday Vocal Competition and took home the second place prize at the Baltimore Jazz Fest.
BEST JAZZ ARTIST - 2023 Wammie Award
Taking home the award for “BEST JAZZ ARTIST” at the 2023 Wammie Awards, Dominique was humbled to represent women in jazz and vocal jazz while receiving this award.
Outstanding Undergraduate Performance - Vocal Jazz Soloist-2022 Student Downbeat Awards
In 2022 Dominique applied for the Student Downbeat Awards and was amazed to receive the award for Outstanding Undergraduate Performance in the Vocal Jazz Soloist category out of thousands of national competitive applicants.
2023 Strathmore Artist In Residence
Dominique was chosen to be a Strathmore Artist in Residence and applied for the coveted program at just 21 years old. Every year, a class of six is chosen after a competitive selection process.
2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition - Third Place Finalist
In 2022 Dominique competed in the 2022 Ella Fitzgerald Vocal Competition which was recorded online. She came in Third Place out of 60 plus competitive international applications.
“I didn’t just decide one day that I wanted to be a musician, I have always been one. Constantly learning, analyzing, adapting, growing, and reinventing myself over and over. Telling me to choose a different career path is telling me not to be who I am”
- Dominique Bianco
BEST JAZZ ARTIST 2023
BEST JAZZ ARTIST 2023
Thank you so much to The Musicianship, The Wammies, and Strathmore for a fantastic night at the Wammies 2023. Thank you so much to my family for all your support and unconditional love throughout my career and life! I’m so grateful to receive the award for Best Jazz Artist 2023, I’m incredibly honored to represent not just the genre of Jazz but also women in jazz and Vocal Jazz!
Telefunken Artist
Telefunken provides access to state-of-the-art recording equipment and technology, and Dominique was accepted into their Artist Program.
As a Telefunken-endorsed jazz vocalist, an artist can enjoy access to some of the best recording equipment available, which can help to enhance their sound and provide a more polished and professional finish to their recordings.
Listen up.
Dominique started uploading to soundcloud as a high school freshman, trying to develop an audience for her sound. She still currently posts the audio from her youtube cover recordings for her soundcould audience to enjoy.