Sarah McKenzie - another graduate from WA

                                Sneak preview of CLOSE YOUR EYES! published on Jun 19, 2012 by ABCClassics

Following the success of her debut album, ‘Don’t Tempt Me’, which was nominated for The ARIA’s Fine Arts Awards* in 2011 for Best Jazz Album, Sarah McKenzie presents her brand new album ‘Close Your Eyes’. The album is a classic collection of blues, jazz and pop songs including ‘Big Yellow Taxi’, ‘The Way You Look Tonight’, ‘Too Young’ and ‘At Last’. Produced by iconic music producer, Chong Lim (Australia’s Got Talent, Dancing With The Stars), the album marks a crucial milestone in the rapidly developing career of the Melbourne-based artist, whom critics around the country have identified as a once-in-a-generation talent.

At 24 years of age, Sarah McKenzie the pianist, vocalist and composer is a graduate of the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, where Hugh Jackman, Marcus Graham, Lisa McCune and other leading Australian musical and theatre performers also trained.

Sarah also sang backing vocals for Michael Bublé on the multi-platinum artist’s ‘Call Me Irresponsible’ Tour and was the opening act for US Trumpeter and five-time Grammy® nominee, Chris Botti, in 2011. Her musical pedigree is impeccable, having been mentored by legends like Graeme Lyall, Jamie Oehlers, and James Morrison. In 2010 she won the James Morrison Scholarship (Vocal) – the only finalist to be nominated in both vocal and instrumental sections.

2012 will mark as an exciting and historic time in this young musician’s career, with the release of her latest album ‘Close Your Eyes’, she has also just recently attended the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy (July 6 - 15) where she was invited to perform at the festival. Upon her recent performance, The Dean of The Berklee College of Music (Boston) saw her play and following an interview and audition, has offered Sarah a Full Scholarship which she has accepted. Berklee is the most prestigious environment for the study of Contemporary Music in the world. The College also supports students continuing to progress their professional careers which provides a great opportunity for Sarah to promote her new album in the US also.

‘Close Your Eyes’ album contains two originals tracks titled, ‘So Got You This Way’ and ‘Lover’s Tune’. “I’ve been very inspired this year by Canadian singer songwriter Joni Mitchell.” Sarah reveals. “She’s an incredible.” artist who’s has survived for decades because she is truly talented. Sarah adds “My style and sound is constantly evolving and I try to incorporate new influences all the time. I am always discovering new material and working out something I can do with it to make it different. That to me is what I really want to do because, as an artist, I don’t want to be known simply as, ‘that jazz and blues girl’. I want to be known as, ‘Sarah McKenzie, that girl who does something fresh with every song she delves into”

Source: ABC Music

Sarah McKenzie recently received a full scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, so this ARIA Award win has topped off a successful 2012 for the vocalist and piano player.