Jocelyn Medina

The sounds and styles of New York vocalist/composer Jocelyn Medina cross cultures, creeds and continents. Her original music fuses elements of Brazil, Spain, Africa and India with jazz harmonies, funk grooves and adventurous improvisations delivered through compelling lyrics and a distinct sound. Whether by means of an unexpected melodic turn, a hook that leaves you hopeful, or the rich resonance and dexterity of her voice, she seeks to touch on each listener’s individual experience with messages of universal truth and an inventive artistic approach.

Born into a family of singers, Jocelyn determined her identity as a musician at the tender age of five through choirs and piano lessons. She later pursued opera work at Stanford University, earned a Bachelors degree in Professional Music from Berklee College of Music, and a Masters in Vocal Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music.

Jocelyn gathered much of her eclectic mix of creative influences during the four years she spent living and performing abroad in Madrid, Spain. Before returning to the United States, she recorded her first full-length CD of original compositions, “The Journey Begun” with fellow expatriate musicians Dan Rochlis (guitar), and Bob Sands (tenor sax), as well as legendary Spanish harmonica player Antonio Serrano.

As a bandleader, she has toured with jazz ensembles at venues and festivals throughout the United States, Europe and South America, including Spain's JAZZPARLA festival, Alte Feuermache in Mannheim, Germany, and the Goethe Institute in Salvador, Brazil. Her most recent U.S appearances have been at such NY venues as the Iridium Jazz Club, Cornelia Street Café, Cachaça, Zinc Bar, Sweet Rhythm and 55 Bar with her own group, at Lincoln Center with the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Orchestra, and at Carnegie Hall with Calpulli's Music of Mexico.

Since moving to New York City in 2005, she has established herself as a unique and powerful voice in the local jazz scene, where she continues to diversify her repertoire merging genres and defying classification. Currently based in Brooklyn, Jocelyn recently released her second CD of original music, “We Are Water,” featuring flutist Rodrigo Ursaia, guitarist Miles Okazaki, pianist Kristjan Randalu, bassist Aidan Carroll, and drummer Bodek Janke.