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Composer, lyricist, and arranger Emma Cava makes music for listeners sitting at the edge of the room, who, like herself, aren't sure where they belong.Whether writing for jazz ensembles or her alt-rock band Mace Avam, Emma's composition style takes cues from jazz-adjacent bandleaders like Frank Zappa and Nellie McKay, delivering earworm melodies and attention-grabbing harmonies with finesse and a wry sense of humour.
Her lyrics have been described by peers as wickedly funny, unflinchingly honest, awkward yet poignant, like an intimate conversation between two wallflowers at a loud party.
When scatting, Emma carries on the tradition of bebop vocalists like Betty Carter, Nancy King, Sarah Vaughan, and Sheila Jordan--occasionally diving into the waters of free improvisation, to the listener's delight.
Emma holds a B.F.A. with Specialized Honours in Music from York University (2014), where she studied under vocalist Rita DiGhent and vocalist/saxophonist Sundar Viswanathan, as well as instrumentalists like Frank Falco, Kelly Jefferson, Ron Westray, Richard Whiteman, and other Canadian jazz scene veterans.
Originally from small town Connecticut in the United States, she now lives and works in the Greater Toronto Area as a freelance performer, composer, busker, choral arranger, and music transcriptionist.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
300 Water St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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