Barbra Lica (The Barbra Lica Quartet)

Barbra Lica is an artist who defies the stereotypes of the tortured and heartbroken jazz or pop singer by remaining resolutely upbeat and optimistic. This mandate permeates her just-released second album, Kissing You, a collaborative effort with noted producer/pianist Lou Pomanti who has worked with the likes of Michael BublĂŠ and Anne Murray.

Kissing You is engineered/mixed by multiple Juno-winner Jeff Wolpert (Holly Cole) and features a stellar group of elite musicians including Reg Schwager, Kevin Turcotte, Mark Kelso, Marc Rogers, and Kevin Fox. Pomanti's virtuoso playing also figures prominently while Lica's skill as an accomplished arranger flourishes. The album was introduced to the Toronto public in Dec. 2014 before a sold-out audience (1,100) at Koerner Hall, prior to its official release in Jan. 2015. Lica received standing ovations before singing a single note!

Barbra's career took flight with the 2012 release of her debut album, That's What I Do, which opened at #1 on iTunes Canada's jazz chart, and was also well received in Japan after being released there via Universal Records Japan.

 Lica's first U.S. performance in Nov. 2013 also proved highly memorable. Competing in the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Voice Competition, Barbra placed first runner up, earning the approval of celebrity judges Al Jarreau, Gretchen Parlato, and Janice Siegel (of Manhattan Transfer fame).

 That's What I Do soon placed Lica in high demand on the Ontario jazz club and festival circuit, earning recognition as one of Canada's Top 5 Female Jazz Singers according to Tonic host Tim Tamashiro on CBC - Radio 2. She has also had televised performances at the Rogers Cup and Honda Indy, sung at Jazz FM 91’s annual Jazz Lives concert among jazz greats Pat Metheny, Terence Blanchard, and Bill Charlap, and shone on the CBC's 75th Anniversary Special with host Michael Enright, an event that also featured Serena Ryder and Sylvia Tyson. Barbra will now promote Kissing You with tour dates across Canada and the U.S