Aga Zaryan (born Agnieszka Skrzypek on January 17, 1976) is an internationally recognized jazz vocalist of the new generation.

Though (in jazz terms) young, her tone and delivery carry the hallmarks of classical jazz for a modern audience and as such is part of a new wave of Polish jazz artists recognised on the international scene. She is known for her distinctive style and intimate approach to singing, with a characteristic lightness of phrasing and warm, slightly matte-toned voice. Her performances are reminiscent of such female jazz vocalists as Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae and Joni Mitchell. This year Aga Zaryan was signed to Blue Note records to join such names as such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Dianne Reeves, she is also the first Polish artist ever to release albums on Blue Note Records. Zaryan has been successful in integrating ambitious artistic goals with popular appeal, recording eight albums to date, all of which have earned gold, platinum or multi-platinum status. In 2008 she was honored with the Polish recording industry’s most prestigious prize – the Fryderyk Award. She was nominated for the title of Woman of The Year 2008 by Gazeta Wyborcza, one of Poland’s most widely circulated newspapers. Aga was also named Jazz Vocalist of The Year in the European Jazz Forum’s yearly Jazz Top readers’ poll consecutively from 2007 through 2013. She has an active performance and recording schedule. Continue reading →