The Jazz and Bossanova songstress who spans the globe with her touch of Down Under soul.

Subtle, precise, engrossing and delightful, accomplished Australian vocalist, Gemma Sherry pours her heart and soul into her music. Her interpretation of jazz standards and anything she sings is unique and refreshing.

In the middle of the pandemic, Gemma dove into the studio and recorded two albums. The first Gemma released was the ironically titled ‘Let's Get Serious’ which was a collection of joyful songs recorded specifically to bring a smile to the listener. She also released her first ever vinyl record in October. Faced with the live music landscape of 2020 which put an unscheduled end to her 2019-2020 debut world tour, Gemma decided that rather than retreating she would re-double her efforts and record an album of what the world needed most; happy, playful, cheeky music. That’s exactly what she did.

She brought together her band of standout musicians including Grammy-nominated guitarist Paul Bollenbeck, session pianist Rick Germanson, jazz legend George Coleman’s son drummer George Coleman Jnr and one of the newest most sort-after double bass players on the scene Eric Wheeler. Hand selecting each song on the album, Gemma wanted to record mainly lesser known songs like “Try Your Wings” and “Doodlin’ Song”, but she also sprinkled the album with a couple of more-well known ones such as “Give Me The Simple Life” and “The Gentleman is a Dope”.

Her first album, “Songs I Love” was the jazz recording debut of Gemma Sherry, an impressive young jazz singer and storyteller from Australia. In the tradition of Carmen McRae, Astrud Gilberto, Peggy Lee and Blossom Dearie, Ms. Sherry (who is based in New York) has a beautiful voice, a real understanding of the lyrics that she interprets, and a deep love for the Great American Songbook.

Gemma then turned to another of her musical loves; bossa nova. “Sings Bossa Nova” was Gemma’s 2nd release which came out May 2020 making waves over in Brazil. This led to her headlining the Los Angeles Brazilian Film and Music Video Festival in late 2020.

Gemma Sherry was born and raised in Castlemaine, Victoria, a small city near Melbourne. “As a child I was always singing and dancing but in school I really wanted to play saxophone.” In high school Gemma played alto sax (doubling on sopranino) and grew to love the music of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Art Pepper and Cannonball Adderley. She played in nightclubs as part of a trio or quartet with her brother on bass guitar and studied classical saxophone at the University of Melbourne. However a turning point permanently changed her focus. “One day I was lent a Carmen McRae record which I loved so much that I played it over and over, again and again. It convinced me that what I really wanted to do was be a jazz singer.”

Shortly after, Gemma moved to New York to pursue a music career. She studied vocal improvisation at the New School and earned a Master’s degree in teaching. She became very interested in house and disco music, wrote and sang with many top producers in London, Italy and Greece, and recorded five singles that became very popular, particularly in Europe. Her single “Work That,” was recognized as one of the top tracks of the summer of 2017 on MTV and was on the top 100 chart on Beatport. 

However singing jazz and classic standards remained Gemma’s true love. “I love a good melody which probably comes from having played the saxophone. The lyrics and melodies of the standards are unbeatable and I really connect with those songs.” The connection is obvious when listening to Gemma perform for, like such idols as Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae and Blossom Dearie, she gives one the impression that she has lived the words that she sings. She is true to the messages of the songs, uplifting their melodies and lyrics while infusing the music with subtle creativity and her own winning personality.

After having gained experience performing in such clubs as the Paris Bistro Jazz Club, the Shrine in Harlem, and the Sotto Jazz Club in Washington D.C, the singer recorded her first jazz CD, Songs I Love. She teamed up with pianist Billy Woodman (a distant relative) and bassist Mike Waite, with saxophonist Patsy Gamble making a guest appearance on Horace Silver’s “Peace.” Most of the music was recorded when she visited England last year. “Billy’s piano playing really spoils me. He never overplays, his voicings are beautiful, and he fits in perfectly with my singing.”

“Songs I Love” featured Gemma Sherry interpreting 13 beloved standards with her lovely voice and solid sense of swing very much in the forefront. Among the many songs that she makes her own with her beautiful tone and quietly expressive style are “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” “Some Other Time,” “You Go To My Head,” and “Save Your Love For Me.” Gemma and her musicians stay true to the melodies and lyrics and do justice to the classic material, making “Songs I Love” a must for lovers of the Great American Songbook and superior jazz singing.

Gemma is getting ready for the release of her first vinyl album “Let’s Get Serious” which will be released on a limited edition pink vinyl in September 2021. The future looks bright for the attractive young singer who is all set to make waves in the jazz world.