JAZZ.FM91's Adam Feibel writes.....Just in time for Valentine's Day, Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter Laila Biali has shared a cover of Joni Mitchell's heart-stirring song A Case of You in an exclusive premiere with JAZZ.FM91. The Canadian pianist and vocalist is joined by George Koller on bass and her husband Ben Wittman on djembe for this intimate acoustic rendition of Mitchell's classic love song from 1971. The performance was filmed and recorded live off the floor at Revolution Recording Studios in Toronto. "My first experience hearing Joni Mitchell's music was when I was still a music student at Humber College," Biali recalls. "Hejira and Mingus were the obvious starting point for a jazz novice as much interested in the musicians accompanying Joni as in Joni herself. But then along came Blue. That was the one, the album that triggered a lifelong fascination with Joni and her songwriting. She made my heart ache with every feeling - love and loss in the same breath. No song captures that more for me than A Case of You. I think it's the ultimate Valentine's song because it can reach you no matter where you're at - whether you're in love, longing for it, or mourning it." Known for her masterful mix of jazz and pop, Biali won a Juno Award for her self-titled album released in 2018. She then followed it up with Out of Dust, which was named one of JAZZ.FM91's top albums of 2020.  SEE THE JAZZ.FM91 PAGE

Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host Laila Biali has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City's Carnegie Hall to Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts, and supported international icon Sting. In 2019, Laila's eponymous release won her a JUNO (Canada's GRAMMY) for "Vocal Jazz Album of the Year." The year before that, she was awarded top prize at the Canadian Songwriting Competition in the Jazz category. Laila was also the youngest-ever double winner at Canada's National Jazz Awards when she was named "SOCAN Composer of the Year" and "Keyboardist of the Year. Biali's highly anticipated album, Out of Dust, which features multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis, released in March 2020, and she ended out the year releasing 3 tracks; Anthem by Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell's beloved song, "Both Sides Now,' and for the holidays, a great gospel-infused arrangement of 'Silent Night.' Biali spoke with 89.9WUCF - Orlando FL jazz host - Kayonne Riley. Listen to the attached conversation

While many jazz lovers will think poorly of 2020 because the global pandemic killed festivals, tours and gigs, the year also nonetheless saw the release of some exceptional music, and from Canada, no less.From lyrical trio gatherings to hard-swinging but thoroughly modern big band escapades, here are the best Canadian jazz albums of the year. Among our top picks is Laila Biali - Out of Dust on Chronograph Records. Singer-songwriter, pianist and radio host Laila Biali makes pop-tinged jazz (or jazz-tinged pop?) of the highest order, at times reminiscent of music by her former employer, Sting. Call it what you will, Out of Dust is stirring, upbeat and even compassionate. SEE THE FULL Ottawa Citizen LIST

JAZZ.FM91 writes.....The jazz clubs all closed, and so did everything else. But thankfully, the music never stopped. This was a challenging year for most people. Yet jazz artists from around the world went on to release an impressive amount of great music - for some, the best of their careers. That music brought us a sense of excitement and hope at a time when we needed it most. One day, these musicians will be seeing us in the audience once again, finally able to soak in the sounds of live music. Until then, we have these standout records (along with so many others) to bring the joys of life to our best and worst days. Among the 25 JAZZ.FM91 - Toronto favourite albums from 2020 is Laila Biali - Out Of Dust. Once again, Laila Biali proves she might very well be the queen of jazz-pop compositions and fresh, innovative arrangements. She follows up her Juno-winning recording with a project that has her delving even further into the signature sound that has seen her success expand well beyond Canadian borders, helping her on her way to becoming a household name. Here, Biali invites listeners into a more personal side of her musical world, with compositions that were inspired by love, loss, struggle, emancipation, celebration and more. Heather Bambrick SEE THE PAGE

A collection of songs about loss and empowerment, Laila Biali's Out Of Dust is melodic, catchy and personal. More pop than jazz, it seems cathartic, a way for the Vancouver-based vocalist to move beyond sorrow over the death of a good friend, fear for her own fragility and anxiety about the world. Biali would rather celebrate. The album spans the prairie folk strains of "Wendy's Song," the amus- ing funk of "Sugar" and "Take Me To The Alley," a Gregory Porter tune. With the exception of "Revival," a call to arms against political suppression, and the dreamy "Alpha Waves," Biali's songs tell stories elegantly and effi- ciently. One of the most memorable tunes here is "Au Pays De Cocagne," an offering distinguished by Biali's rubato piano and glowing strings. It's also the most romantic tune on the album, and though it's in French, it fits right in. The album's production is shimmering, the arrangements are lush and Biali's voice-spanning registers-is pure and warm. She's also fearless on piano and, above all else, in her imagination. Out of Dust makes DownBeat's Best Albums of 2020 list!. See attached graphic

Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host Laila Biali has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City's Carnegie Hall to Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts, and supported international icon Sting. In 2019, Laila's eponymous release won her a JUNO (Canada's GRAMMY) for "Vocal Jazz Album of the Year." The year before that, she was awarded top prize at the Canadian Songwriting Competition in the Jazz category. Laila was also the youngest-ever double winner at Canada's National Jazz Awards when she was named "SOCAN Composer of the Year" and "Keyboardist of the Year." She received her first JUNO nomination for Tracing Light (2011), and a spot on DownBeat Magazine's "Best Albums of the Year" for Live in Concert (2013). In September of 2017, Laila was brought on as the host for CBC Music's national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz, a weekly show broadcast to listeners across Canada. While Laila continues to earn high honours in the Jazz world, her signature sound transcends genre as she "masterfully mixes jazz and pop, bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are concise and catchy" (Washington Post). Laila's highly anticipated album, Out of Dust, which features multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis, will release March 27, 2020. Autumn 2020, Biali has released 3 new songs including Joni Mitchell's epic 'Both Sides Now' as well as the Holiday Classic; 'Silent Night.' She speaks with 90.5WVUM: Miami about the new music and her storied career. Listen to the attached interview.

Looking to pick up some new jazz music for the Christmas season. Well, be sure to check this sampler of some of the best choices for new Christmas music this season. There's so much to choose from, with new albums from Warren Wolf and Brian Bromberg on Mack Avenue Records (What? No "Christmas on Mack Avenue" this year?); a compilation of Peggy Lee's classic Christmas music; and vocal albums from Nils Landgren, Amber Weekes, and Jamie Cullum. Add to it a pair of one-offs from Norah Jones and Laila Biali, and you've got quite a selection from which to choose.  Maybe the best of the bunch is the hard swinging Christmas in 3D from the 3D Jazz Trio. A separate podcast will feature a conversation with the three women who make up this top-flight group, with more music to share. Podcast 782 includes selections of New Music for Christmas, including: Laila Biali - "Silent Night." JUNO-winning artist Laila Biali offers a stirring gospel-infused arrangement of Silent Night, featuring John Ellis on tenor sax. Biali grew up singing the classic carol in harmony with her sisters at candlelit Christmas Eve services year after year, and you can feel the emotion and nostalgia in her powerful delivery. This version of Silent Night features the following personnell.

Laila Biali – vocals, piano, arrangement
John Ellis – tenor saxophone
Glenn Patscha – B3 organ
George Koller – bass
Ben Wittman – drums See Biali's upcoming virtual concert "Christmas in the Chapel", happening Dec 6 . LISTEN TO THE Straight No Chaser PODCAST

What do you get when you combine Bandcamp Friday, the first weekend in December and the dreams of every indie musician from Austria to Australia? Well, if you're me, you get more than 1,000 emails before noon. For the 'TINNITIST Indie Roundup | 98 Tracks To Get You Through The Weekend,' for the holidays check out Laila Biali's 'Silent Night.' "With the snow starting to come down and the holiday season in full swing, Juno-winning artist Laila Biali offers a stirring, gospel-infused rendition of the timeless classic carol Silent Night. The song comes alongside a beautiful live performance video, bringing the spirit of Biali's special arrangement to life. "I think most of us agree that this Christmas will be different from any other," reflects Biali. "My wish is that Silent Night will bring peace and hope to those who are away from loved ones, and that the spirit of the holiday season, and the spirit of this song, will shine a little light in the dark." SEE THE TINNITIST PAGE

Multi-award winning singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali has performed on prestigious stages from New York City's Carnegie Hall to Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts. Known for her signature sound that "masterfully mixes jazz and pop" (Washington Post), Biali has received top honors including a 2020 SOCAN Music Songwriting Award plus the 2019 JUNO (Canada's GRAMMY) for Vocal Jazz Album. She has also toured with pop icon, Sting, and hosts a national radio show on CBC Music. Biali celebrates Canadian icon Joni Mitchell's birthday with an intimate cover of Mitchell's beloved song, "Both Sides Now." Biali's stripped down approach illuminates poignant lyrics that speak to the heart.  Harmonious World's Hilary Robertson interviews the award-winning singer-songwriter. LISTEN

JUNO and SOCAN Music Award winner Laila Biali celebrates Canadian icon Joni Mitchell's birthday with an intimate cover of Mitchell's beloved song, "Both Sides Now". Biali's stripped down approach illuminates poignant lyrics that speak to the heart. Multi-award winning singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali has performed on prestigious stages from New York City's Carnegie Hall to Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts. Known for her signature sound that "masterfully mixes jazz and pop" (Washington Post), Biali has received top honors including a 2020 SOCAN Music Songwriting Award plus the 2019 JUNO (Canada's GRAMMY) for Vocal Jazz Album. She has also toured with pop icon, Sting, and hosts a national radio show on CBC Music.       Be sure to check out Laila's Quarantunes Series, and head to Both Sides Now to pre-save your copy now!  Biali is KBOG'S favorite songstress. SEE THE KBOG: Bandon OR PAGE

Laila Biali released her cover of 'Anthem' by Leonard Cohen last Friday, Sept 18, for Leonard's birthday celebration TODAY Sept 21.  The 2019 JUNO-Award winner covers her fellow Canadian and music icon with his relevant song that delivers a salient message for the times we find ourselves in: "Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything, that's where the light gets in." Leonard would have turned 86 today. This single releases on the heels of Laila's highly succsessful 2020 album release, Out of Dust, which came out on March 27 and features an expansive ensemble of instrumentalists and singers including GRAMMY Award winners and nominees Lisa Fischer, John Ellis, Larnell Lewis, and others. CBC Radio 1 is premiering the track today along with the Quarantunes video. Watch the attached

Canada's most successful songwriters, composers and music publishers are will be honoured in the 31st annual SOCAN Awards, held for the first time online, with Shawn Mendes solidifying his place in songwriting royalty earning two of the most prestigious prizes, becoming the most-awarded SOCAN member in a single year. Follow @socanmusic on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#2020SOCANawards) to join in the celebration of more than 50 award winners announced today through September 25th via special virtual presentation. Celebrations include Drake, LIGHTS, bülow, Andrew Lockington, Daniel Caesar, Laila Biali and more. Biali has some new music for fall/winter including the release of Anthem by Leonard Cohen.

Laila Biali has been winning over fans and critics alike for years. Her first JUNO nomination came back in 2011 for the album Tracing Light. In 2019, Biali took home the JUNO award for "Best Vocal Jazz Album." Known for her engaging stage presence and popular appeal, Biali's music fills the space in between traditional jazz and contemporary pop - alongside artists like Brit sensation Jamie Cullum and fellow Canadians Nikki Yanofsky, and Diana Krall. On her new album Out of the Dust, Biali addresses the ups and downs of life (including some very personal recent downs), but always with a positive outlook for the road ahead. Listen to the Laila Biali interview with Jazz Variations , attached

Laila Biali has been winning over fans and critics alike for years. Her first JUNO nomination came back in 2011 for the album Tracing Light. In 2019, Biali took home the JUNO award for "Best Vocal Jazz Album." Known for her engaging stage presence and popular appeal, Biali's music fills the space in between traditional jazz and contemporary pop - alongside artists like Brit sensation Jamie Cullum and fellow Canadians Nikki Yanofsky, and Diana Krall. On her new album Out of the Dust, Biali addresses the ups and downs of life (including some very personal recent downs), but always with a positive outlook for the road ahead. Join Kayonne Riley as she speaks with Canadian pianist and singer-songwriter Laila Biali about her solo Live From Studio A performance and the song "Satellite" from 'Out of the Dust.' They chat about the song's origin and development, and, staying connected to audiences during the pandemic. Live From Studio A: Laila Biali airs Thursday, August 6 at 8:30 p.m. on WUCF TV. Watch the attached video

Laila Biali has been winning over fans and critics alike for years. Case in point: her first JUNO nomination came back in 2011 for the album Tracing Light. In 2019, Laila Biali took home the JUNO award for "Best Vocal Jazz Album." Known for her engaging stage presence and popular appeal, Biali's music fills the space in between traditional jazz and contemporary pop - alongside artists like Brit sensation Jamie Cullum and fellow Canadians Nikki Yanofsky, and Diana Krall. On her new album Out of the Dust, Biali addresses the ups and downs of life (including some very personal recent downs), but always with a positive outlook for the road ahead. In our session, she spoke about the events that originally led her down the jazz path, how she landed a gig hosting CBC's weekly national jazz radio show, and what life has been like with a young son at home during the pandemic. Biali - along with her husband Ben Wittman - joined us from her home in Toronto to share songs from her latest album Out of the Dust. You can watch the home performances here:

In episode 927 of "ANIMAJAZZ", conceived and conducted by BRUNO POLLACCI , broadcast on TUESDAY 14 July at 20.30, on PUNTORADIO, also streaming on www.puntoradio.fm and in an immediate podcast on http: // animajazz. eu will be protagonists of the evening includes; LAILA BIALI - CD "Out of Dust" - "Glass House". We remind you that "ANIMAJAZZ" can be heard on TUESDAY at 20.30 in immediate podcast 

Bandon Community Radio Producer Chip Cassin explores some of KBOG's favorite recording artists with in-depth interviews on a personal level and airs them, along with their new music, on his show Deep Dive, Sundays at 1pm PST. Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali has toured with Chris Botti, Paula Cole, Suzanne Vega and Sting. She has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents including Carnegie Hall. Her accolades include a 2019 JUNO Award for "Vocal Jazz Album of the Year", "SOCAN Composer of the Year" and "Keyboardist of the Year" at Canada's National Jazz Awards, a JUNO nomination for her studio recording Tracing Light, and a spot on DownBeat Magazine's "Best Albums of the Year" list for her follow-up Live in Concert. In 2015, Laila released her first album of entirely original music, House of Many Rooms – an indie-pop project featuring a star-studded lineup including the vocalist Lisa Fischer, who is featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom. Check out Chip's Interview on 97.9KBOG: Bandon Oregon - interview with one of Canada's foremost Jazz pianists & vocalists along with a few tracks from her LP "Out Of Dust" below. In addition to being a musician and an all-around great person, you can catch Laila streaming as she hosts CBC Radio 2's weekly Saturday Night Jazz radio show, which has consistently ranked as that network's most streamed program. You can find the stream at CBC Radio 2 Saturday Night Jazz (from the US). Then head to Laila Biali to find out more, get tour dates and grab your copy!

Laila Biali mixes sassy vocals and a rich vibrato to her clever lyrics as well as some well crafted covers on this recent album. She also plays piano and keyboards as she is supported by various strings, horns and a rhythm team of Rich Brown/eb, George Koller/ab, Larnel Lewis-Ben Wittman/dr, and Glen Patscha/key-org. She delivers a lovely aria of Gregory Porter's "Take Me To The Alley" and shows she can tell an alluring story on "Glass House" and "Wendy's Song" using her vibrato to extra enhancement. Some R&B-ish material has her feisty on " The Bakery's Daughter" and she's funky hon "Sugar". Most clever is a mix of Caribbean and vocals on the prismatic "Take The Day Off". She's got lots of ideas, and shares them well. SEE THE Jazz Weekly PAGE

JUNO Award winner Laila Biali's new album, Out of Dust features not only contributions from the singer/pianist's husband; Ben Wittman and son, but also multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis. "There's a line from a song by the indie gospel group, Gungor, that has become like an anthem to me," Biali says. "‘He makes beautiful things out of dust.' That's where the title for the album comes from, and as a songwriter and musician, my ultimate intention and hope is to spread a little more love." Listen to the Harmonious World Interview

JUNO Award winner Laila Biali's new album, Out of Dust features not only contributions from the singer/pianist's husband; Ben Wittman and son, but also multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis. "There's a line from a song by the indie gospel group, Gungor, that has become like an anthem to me," Biali says. "‘He makes beautiful things out of dust.' That's where the title for the album comes from, and as a songwriter and musician, my ultimate intention and hope is to spread a little more love." Listen to the attached Laila Biali - 88.9WUCF: Orlando FL Interview with Kayonne Riley 

JUNO Award winner Laila Biali's new album, Out of Dust features not only contributions from the singer/pianist's husband; Ben Wittman and son, but also multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis. "There's a line from a song by the indie gospel group, Gungor, that has become like an anthem to me," Biali says. "‘He makes beautiful things out of dust.' That's where the title for the album comes from, and as a songwriter and musician, my ultimate intention and hope is to spread a little more love." Listen to the attached Laila Biali - 90.7WGXC Hudson NY Interview

All but one of the songs are written or co-written by Laila and are mostly a response to her life experiences. It is a somewhat more subdued recording for the most part than her fans are used to, reflective but at the same time with an optimistic outlook towards the future. She has surrounded herself with a fine group of supporting musicians, with the soprano saxophone solos from Godwin Louis outstanding on four of the tracks, plus notable contributions along the way by multi reed man John Ellis, her husband the drummer Ben Wittman and Snarky Puppy trumpet ace Mike "Maz" Maher. The presence of both string and background vocal quartets add breadth to the overall soundscape. The lyric writing is superb, her vocals are soulful with near perfect diction. As far as her piano skills are concerned, it is no wonder that she has been the recipient of as many awards in the keyboard category as she has for her vocals. Her style at the piano is very much in the "less is more"mode, making great use of time, space and clarity. The lady is a very fine storyteller in song, the opening track The Revival with its defiant lyric, the beautiful Wendy's Song plus the elegant Alpha Waves are more than proof of this. The only cover version on the disc is Gregory Porter's Take Me To The Alley. Here the Canadian songstress tackles the tune with great aplomb, delving deeply into the sentiment and really making it her own. Overall the album stands just outside what most would consider to be the broad church of jazz, but only just. It is however very much within the genre occupied by the likes of Joni Mitchell, K.D. Lang and the like. Above all its of the very highest quality and will be a must have for her growing legion of admirers. READ THE FULL JAZZ VIEWS REVIEW

It was a pretty good plan, back when people were still making make plans. In March of 2019 Toronto singer-pianist Laila Biali won a Juno award for jazz vocals. A year later she was all ready to follow up with a new album, Out of Dust, and three months of touring in Canada, the United States and Europe. Then the world went into pandemic lockdown. Out of Dust hit the market on schedule on March 27, but a series of high-profile gigs were wiped off the calendar. So was the chance to share her new music with audiences, so Biali and her bandmates took to the virtual stage. It's a story that's being repeated in countless variations across music and the performing arts. But Biali chose to view the crisis as a challenge. "Because we can no longer bring this music to physical stages around the world, I thought I would create a virtual stage," Biali told Maclean's. READ THE FULL MACLEAN'S ARTICLE & WATCH THE VIDEO

On Monday April 27, 89.7WUSF: Tampa FL - All Night Jazz, the "Other Nine to Five, Mike Cornette shared music and conversation with Juno Award winning pianist and vocalist Laila Biali in advance of her upcoming performance on Wednesday, February 26 at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center in Sarasota. In just a few short years, Laila Biali lost a close friend to cancer, mourned a family member's suicide, and was diagnosed with two auto-immune disorders that threatened to upend her career. It was a period of change and heartache-but it was also a season of great inspiration and hope. The result is Biali's deeply personal new album, Out of Dust. LISTEN TO THE SEGMENT

There's no boxing Laila Biali in. A sharp-minded songwriter, respected pianist and celebrated vocalist who straddles jazz and pop with unusual ease and strength of vision, Biali is truly beyond category. Possessing clear eyes, a perceptive mien and a sharpshooters's gifts in regard to emotional aim, she often expresses more in a single breath than others do in an entire album. Capable of making you laugh and cry all at once, her delivery out of dust is divine. Riding highs and lows, touching on the personal and political, and drawing meaning from all that supports and subverts, Biali creates a tapestry in song that speaks to pain, hope, humor, loss and a broad desire to find what's right in a world filled with wrongs.  Out Of Dust is as real as they come.      READ THE FULL All About Jazz REVIEW

JUNO Award winner Laila Biali's deeply personal new album, Out of Dust features not only contributions from the singer/pianist's husband; Ben Wittman and son, but also multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis. "There's a line from a song by the indie gospel group, Gungor, that has become like an anthem to me," Biali says. "‘He makes beautiful things out of dust.' That's where the title for the album comes from, and as a songwriter and musician, my ultimate intention and hope is to spread a little more love." Laila Biali - Take Me to the Alley' makes KCRW: Los Angeles 'Rhythm Planet - Spring Mix'  SEE THE ARTICLE & PLAYLIST

JUNO Award winner Laila Biali's deeply personal new album, Out of Dust features not only contributions from the singer/pianist's husband; Ben Wittman and son, but also multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis. "There's a line from a song by the indie gospel group, Gungor, that has become like an anthem to me," Biali says. "‘He makes beautiful things out of dust.' That's where the title for the album comes from, and as a songwriter and musician, my ultimate intention and hope is to spread a little more love." Laila Baila's 'Take Me To The Ally' from Out of Dust is the Jazz FM Breakfast Track of the Week for April 6, 2020

Jazz has always been Slow Culture's forte. That being said, vocal jazz never really got our full attention. But that was before Laila Biali's single Sugar hit our inbox on a rainy morning. At that time, we din't believe that the whole album would stay in our playlist for long. Little did we know! We will review ‘Out of Dust' – Laila Biali's eighth album – next week. To cure our wait (and hopefully, yours!), we're delighted and honored to publish today the interview we did with The Artist Formerly Known As Laila Biali. READ THE Slow Culture INTERVIEW

I first became aware of the Canadian singer/pianist Laila Biali over a decade ago thanks to her version of Joni Mitchell's ‘Woodstock'. It was a terrific performance that swept majestically along with a soaring vocal that completely floored me (it sounds just as good today). If you're not familiar with the artist, she's a classically trained pianist, touring musician with Paula Cole, Sting and Chris Botti, a member of the rather wonderful Rose and The Nightingale, a jazz radio DJ, a self-releasing album artist and the winner of the Best Jazz Vocal category at the 1999 Juno Awards for her eponymous album. Over the last few years she has had some personal issues to contend with, not least a nasty and debilitating illness brought on by the mould hidden behind the walls of her home studio. Hence her new album's title ‘Out of Dust', and an opportunity to move forward with a positive outlook. This is a big-sounding album, well produced by Laila Biali and Ben Wittman with great mixes by Tim Abraham. Everyone delivers, from the core musicians and soloists to the backing vocalists and string players. I'd enjoy to see some of this performed live and maybe I'm lucky she'll even play ‘Woodstock' again. READ THE FULL London Jazz News REVIEW

JUNO Award Winning singer-songwriter Laila Biali deeply personal new album, 'Out of Dust' releases today, March 27. Co-produced by Biali and her husband, Ben Wittman, the album is a celebration of life; warm and uplifting even as it confronts her recent challenges (and the current political climate!) head-on. "These new songs took shape as I processed my own feelings of doubt and loss," Biali reveals. "I believe that nothing is wasted, that even life's greatest challenges can produce something meaningful, even if only to make us more aware of and empathetic to the struggles of those around us." In addition to contributions from Biali's husband and son, Out of Dust features multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis. In conjunction with today's release date, 'Out of Dust' has been selected as a play>mpe top 10 stream

Laila Biali planned to introduce fans to her new album, Out of Dust, in a live setting. Coronavirus might have put the kibosh on her May 2 concert at Pyatt Hall and a planned cross-country tour, but that isn't halting the March 27 record release date. As the Juno award winning jazz artist says, nobody knows what the future holds. "Some people advised putting the release on hold, but at this stage everything has been put in motion. How can you tie in to touring when there is no telling how long this might go on? None of us know, and this baby is ready to be born. " Featuring 10 originals and one cover song, Out of Dust is one of the most meaningful recordings of the Vancouver-born and raised jazz singer and pianist's career. Biali's eighth album was written during extremely difficult times. Not only did she lose a family member and one of her closest friends, but she received a dual diagnosis of two autoimmune disorders. All of this happened in rapid succession, which didn't make managing potentially career-altering changes any easier.

READ THE FULL Vancouver Sun ARTICLE

Singer-songwriters come in all kinds of musical flavors, from old-fashioned folkies to punk rockers. The most familiar musical format is of the acoustic-guitar wielding artist who strums and sings, and sometimes brings in a band for their recording. But there are a lot of piano-based artists, from Billy Joel to Elton John to Randy Newman to Bruce Hornsby. And some of those piano-types show some jazz influence in their music. This time, we have a pianist and vocalist who approaches the music from a jazz perspective. It's Canadian artist Laila Biali, whose new release is called Out of Dust. In fact, on most of Ms. Biali's previous albums, she could be considered a jazz vocalist. The new release takes a decidedly more pop direction, but maintains the general musical sophistication of jazz. Thirty-nine-year-old Laila Biali, a native of Vancouver, began playing piano at an early age and studied classical piano. She attended the Toronto school known as the Royal Conservatory of Music, where she was attracted to jazz. She released her debut album called Introducing the Laila Biali Trio in 2003, and later moved to New York, where she played piano for artists including Paula Cole and sang backing vocals on a recording by Sting, and toured with Suzanne Vega and Chris Boti. While much of her material has been very much in the jazz vein, she has done some interesting pop-influenced recordings, including a very creative version of Joni Mitchell's Woodstock on her 2011 live album. In 2018, she won a Juno Award, the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy, for her eponymous recording, her last release. Now she has come forth with Out of Dust which, with the exception of one song, consists of all original music, and the influences run more toward sophisticated singer-songwriter than jazz. Her co-producer on the album is her husband, drummer Ben Wittman, who has also produced singer-songwriters like Patty Larkin and Lucy Kaplansky. There is a fairly large cast on Out of Dust with various horn players, backing vocalists and a string quartet who appear on various tracks. Many of the songs were inspired by some turbulence in her life, with the death of a friend to cancer, a family member to suicide, and then Ms. Biali being diagnosed with two auto-immune disorders. So some of the songs have a degree of poignancy to their lyrics, but most ultimately come to an optimistic conclusion. While the jazz influence is apparent in the instrumentation on many of the tracks such as acoustic piano, and a big acoustic bass sound, there are enough pop ingredients to widen the appeal beyond jazzheads, Opening is a piece called Revival which celebrates the 2017 Women's March and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg. It takes a kind of Gospel influenced direction, with a great rhythmic groove. <<>> Taking a more jazzy direction is The Monolith which also features the string quartet. It's a musically outstanding composition, which maintains an appealingly melodic sound with the kind of compositional details that would keep a jazz fan happy. <<>> Glass House is one of my favorite pieces on the album with its shifting colors and intricate changing rhythms, in the context of an attractive song. <<>> Wendy's Song revolves around a character facing a difficult time, again in a creative jazz-influenced setting. <<>> Taking a rather different direction is the song Sugar done in a funky groove. The song seems to be literally about sugar, which given the oblique reference to Ms. Biali's medical problems, might have led to sugar being off limits. <<>> Another attractive song carries the title Alpha Waves a reference to brain waves generally present during wakeful relaxation. The piece makes good use of the string quartet. <<>> The album includes a pretty waltz in French called Au Pays de Cocagne which however translates as "in the land of cocaine." The lyrics were written by Sonia Johnson, a singer-songwriter in her own right. <<>> The one cover on the album is Take Me to the Alley written by jazz singer Gregory Porter. Though this is some jazz influence, with the sax present, Ms. Biali takes the song in a decidedly more pop direction than Porter's original version. <<>> Laila Biali's new release, Out of Dust, her seventh album, is her most pop-oriented to date, and an altogether fine record that combines Ms. Biali's excellent vocals, with her jazz sophistication, and some first-rate original compositions featuring articulate lyrics, some based on experience. The arrangements, though sometimes involving a bunch of added musicians, remain thoroughly tasteful, with the extra players providing some nice sonic colors. Our grade for sound quality comes pretty close to an "A." The sound is clean and has good depth. Ms. Biali's vocals sound warm and inviting, and the mix keeps the added musicians and arrangements in perspective. These days, there are not many vocalists who are equally at home in both the pop and the the legitimate jazz worlds. In that respect, Laila Biali is one of the best. Listen to the attached WVIA Public Media - Graham Album Review

In these difficult times, singer-songwriter Laila Biali releases an album that has a lesson for all of us. She's had a roller-coaster few years with success and adversity mixed together and the result is her latest album: Out of Dust. Biali is clear about her inspiration. She says: "These new songs took shape as I processed my own feelings of doubt and loss. I believe that nothing is wasted, that even life's greatest trials can produce something meaningful, if only to make us more empathetic to the struggles of those around us."  And so comes Out of Dust, right when we need something uplifting. The first track is Revival and that's exactly what we need right now, with socialising out of the question, bars, restaurants, music venues and even churches closed. Our own revivals will have to take place while we self-isolate. There's a beautiful cover version of Gregory Porter's Take Me to the Alley,  the only track not penned by Biali herself. But for now, it is the album's final track - Take the Day Off - which we all need. In these difficult times we all feel the need to "pull the sheets over your head". So take some time off and listen to Out of Dust. READ THE FULL Kind of Jazz REVIEW

On her new studio album, Laila Biali revives the urge to fight for a better world. This is achieved primarily through a good arrangement. The title of the opener is doubly coherent: Laila Biali starts with "Revival". The one awakening that the Canadian is singing about is the worldwide pioneering urge to take to the streets again for a better world - a deep curtsey in front of the Greta Thunbergs of this world. The other reawakening that runs through the entire album "Out of Dust" is musical in nature: Such ambitious songwriter jazz rock has most recently been heard from a Cassandra Wilson, or much earlier from a Flora Purim or Joni Mitchell. Instrumental arrangements that have been brushed off with a fine brush alternate with Laila Bialis's sparkling timbre. She uses her piano playing as clearly contoured as her voice. That has a deep effect, in their own compositions as during the only cover -Gregory Porter's "Take me to the Alley". Soprano saxophonist Godwin Louis delivers soulful moments in the almost perfectly acting studio ensemble. ron READ THE FULL kulturnews ARTICLE

Singer, pianist, songwriter, performing and recording artist Laila Biali stopped into the studio for an in-depth interview and played a few of her songs. A Canadian-born artist, the Juno Award-winning Laila Biali was performing a concert in Georgia prior to this interview. Biali is multi-talented: a powerful and emotive singer, an exquisite pianist and a great writer. She has worked with artists as diverse as Paula Cole, Chris Botti and Sting. She has released eight albums, the most recent, the 2020 studio album "Out of Dust." It's an honest, refreshing look at the artist in her own words, and it's right here on The Paul Leslie Hour!  LISTEN

March is Women's History Month, a time to reflect on the role of women both past and present. March is a time of year that calls for extra love and support of women in jazz who are making a difference. I want to introduce you to some of today's women in jazz who are changing the face of music in their own sweet ways.  Laila Biali is an artist who blends jazz and pop/soul and folk music in a way that still crowns ‘jazz' king. Her voice crosses genres. She has a tenacious delivery and exhibits a soaring vocal range on the very first tune of her album. As an awesome pianist and a competent composer, her song "Revival" talks about global turmoil and elicits a call-to-arms, encouraging the world community to unify. She sings: "women fighting for equality … six million more united into one … paint your signs, pick up your shoes; take a stand, there's no excuse …" Her next song is titled, "The Monolith." Webster's dictionary describes monolith as a large, single upright block of stone or concrete, especially a pillar or monument; also it could be a large organization or pillar of the community. In this scenario, Laila Biali lyrically describes a woman trying to break through something as strong as stone in her life. Her vocal tone is haunting and the mallets of the drums adds to the drama. The original composition titled, "Glass House" was co-written with her husband and album co-producer, Ben Wittman. She layers voices in warm harmony during this arrangement. Here is a song addressing the epic challenge of suicide in our communities and the after-effects of their very personal family member's suicide. On "Wendy's Song," she plays a piano ballad that is dedicated to a close friend who she lost to cancer. The melody moves from alto to soprano like a sunrise. Laila Biali's voice is smooth and full of shine and luster. The soprano saxophone solo adds a smooth jazz flavor to what sounds more like a folk song at the beginning of this arrangement. Even though these events are heartbreaking, Laila Biali manages to find hope in the debris of tears and sadness. She finds reasons to lift herself, her loved ones and the world "Out of the Dust." This is an album of resilience and fortitude. "These new songs took shape as I processed my own feelings of doubt and loss," Biali reveals. "I believe that nothing is wasted, that even life's greatest challenges can produce something meaningful, even if only to make us more aware of and empathetic to the struggles of those around us." The song "Sugar" is a jazzy, bebop production with a repeatable ‘hook' that's catchy and melodic. This is a song with unexpected modulations and it's quite joyful. Additionally, Liala Biali adds the most wonderful rendition of "Take Me to the Alley" written by singer, songwriter, Gregory Porter. Liala's voice is tender, warm and emotional on this great composition that tributes the down-trodden being lifted up. Liala Biali has already been honored as SOCAN Composer of the Year at the 2005 National jazz Awards. She's been consistently performing worldwide and in spite of her own personal challenges, she has used those obstacles to create music and inspire others. She's won a Juno Award in her native Canada. This is a Canadian award that mirrors our United States Grammy Award. She's worked with both award-winning trumpeter, Chris Botti and the awesome and talented singer/songwriter, Sting. This is a woman who is making history, one step at a time, and is proud to rise up, "Out of Dust."

"Already highly acclaimed in North America, with Laila Biali's mellifluous vocals, dynamic pianism and ability for penning, hook-laden songs that reputation is surely going to flourish further afield." (Jazzwise) "Out of Dust is JUNO-award winning vocalist, pianist and composer Laila Biali's most personal album to date – it's a documentation of the trials and triumphs that the songstress has encountered during recent years. Co-produced by Biali and her husband Ben Wittman, this eleven-track collection is brought to fruition by an impressive line-up that includes multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners: vocalist Lisa Fischer, saxophonists John Ellis and Godwin Louis, drummer Larnell Lewis, and trombonist Alan Ferber, who composed each of the horn arrangements heard throughout the recording. Comprised of ten original tracks and a re-imagined take of Gregory Porter's "Take Me to the Alley", Out of Dust is a celebration of life; warm and uplifting even as it confronts Biali's recent challenges – and the current political climate – head-on. Generally labelled as a pop/jazz singer, Biali emphasizes her pop influence as her center. She composed or co-wrote eight of the eleven songs on this release." (https://lydialiebman.com/index.php/project/laila-biali/) Click here to listen to a song on this release. READ THE 91.1WTJU: Charlottesville VA REVIEW

Musician, singer, JUNO Award winner and radio host, Laila Biali is set to release her deeply personal new album, Out of Dust on March 27, 2020. "These new songs took shape as I processed my own feelings of doubt and loss," Biali reveals. "I believe that nothing is wasted, that even life's greatest challenges can produce something meaningful, even if only to make us more aware of and empathetic to the struggles of those around us." This hard-won optimism is apparent in the music. Instead of giving into the darkness, Out of Dust finds Biali luxuriating in the light she found at the end of the tunnel. Co-produced by Biali and her husband, Ben Wittman, the album is a celebration of life; warm and uplifting even as it confronts her recent challenges (and the current political climate!) head-on. After a recent gig at Seattle's Triple Door, Biali made the short trip to Olympia to go on the air with John Ford at 89.3KAOS. Listen to how the conversation evolved on the attached interview.

Looking for some Monday motivation? We've got you covered. From Japanese anime love to a Civil Rights Movement anthem reimagined, here are five new songs that you can listen to right now to start your week the right way. Vocalist/pianist Laila Biali's forthcoming album, Out of Dust, will be released on March 27 via Chronograph/ACT. The LP includes a version of Gregory Porter's "Take Me to the Alley," and this video features a live acoustic, alternate take of the song captured in one take at Trinity St. Paul's United Church in Toronto, Canada. "I played this at my friend Wendy's memorial. It was her favorite song by Gregory Porter; and she was the one who took me to see him live at the Koerner Hall, not long before she passed away," she shares. SEE THE FULL PAGE

Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, celebrated pianist, and host of CBC's Saturday Night Jazz, Laila Biali announces the launch of her deeply intimate new album from Chronograph Records, Out of Dust on March 27, 2020, and album release concert on May 2, 2020 at Pyatt Hall, VSO School of Music. Biali's first album since her 2019 Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, Out of Dust is an uplifting tribute to the hope and resilience found within life's journey. "Out of Dust is by far the most personal album I have ever made," says Biali. "After a difficult period in which I experienced immense grief and self-doubt, I felt compelled to share my journey to help inspire others to seek joy amidst pain. My hope is that this album will serve as a reminder that even when life brings you to your knees, there is light to be found within the darkness." READ THE FULL BroadwayWorld REVIEW

Having earned high honors in the Jazz world, Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali's genre-bending sound has been described by the Washington Post as masterfully mixing jazz and pop, while bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are precise and catchy. Biali will be performing at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center on Wednesday, February 26th at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm.  SEE THE Suncoast Post PAGE

Laila Biali recently released the first single 'Sugar' from her deeply personal new album, 'Out of Dust.' The JUNO Award winning Biali's hard-won optimism is apparent in the music on this new recording. Co-produced by Biali and her husband, Ben Wittman, 'Out of Dust' is a celebration of life; warm and uplifting even as it confronts her recent challenges (and the current political climate!) head-on "These new songs took shape as I processed my own feelings of doubt and loss," Biali reveals. "I believe that nothing is wasted, that even life's greatest challenges can produce something meaningful, even if only to make us more aware of and empathetic to the struggles of those around us." The album will be released Friday, March 27, and Biali is currently touring through Canada and the US. She recently stopped by CBC Radio One's 'Saskatchewan Weekend' with Shauna Powers to discuss the recording, touring and life's challenges. LISTEN Stories of hope and transformation. Saskatchewan Weekend on CBC Radio One is filled with conversations that connect you to the weekend and the people who live here. Did we mention music? There's plenty of that, too! Join them 06:00 - 09:00 weekends.

Out of Dust finds Laila Biali luxuriating in the light she found at the end of the tunnel. Biali Co-produced with her husband, Ben Wittman, and the album is a celebration of life; warm and uplifting even as it confronts her recent challenges (and the current political climate!) head-on. The album features multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis. "There's a line from a song by the indie gospel group, Gungor, that has become like an anthem to me," Biali says. "‘He makes beautiful things out of dust.' That's where the title for the album comes from, and as a songwriter and musician, my ultimate intention and hope is to spread a little more love." Out of Dust will be released Friday, March 27, and Biali releases her first single 'Sugar' today. Watch & Listen

Join 2019 JUNO winner Laila Biali for her Winter Jazzfest debut this Saturday, January 11 at SubCulture NYC at 6:15 pm. She will showcase selections from her JUNO-winning eponymous album (2018) and preview songs from her forthcoming release, Out of Dust, which will be available this Spring on ACT Music (Europe, Turkey, South Korea), Chronograph Records (Canada), and CORE PORT Inc (Japan).  Laila also performs an open 25-minute set at the Hilton Midtown on Sunday, January 12 at 11:30 am as part of Pat & Allan Harris's annual showcase event in the New York Suite. Following that, her band wraps up the weekend with a full set at Rockwood Music Hall's Stage 3 Sunday, January 12 at 8:30 pm. We hope you can join us! The band is!! Laila Biali – vocals & piano
Mike "Maz" Maher (Snarky Puppy) – trumpet & vocals (*WJF only)
Ike Sturm – bass
Ben Wittman – drums

Toronto pianist-singer-songwriter Laila Biali frequently visits Ottawa, usually with her trio to perform her music that effervescently blends jazz and pop. But next week, Biali, whose eponymous album won this year's Juno Award for best vocal jazz album, will be heard in Ottawa in a different light. On Tuesday and Wednesday, she will be the featured guest when the Ottawa-based Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces plays two holiday-themed concerts at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe. Below, Biali, a 39-year-old who has toured with Sting, Suzanne Vega and Chris Botti, discusses the thrill of working with her new military collaborators, what has kept her busy in 2019 and what 2020 holds for her. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #4d4d4d; min-height: 14.0px} READ THE Ottawa Citizen Q&A