Sarasota, FL
Synia Carroll is a Florida based vocalist and entertainer. Empowering. Entertaining. Effervescent.... These words only begin to describe the breath of fresh air Synia Carroll brings to the music scene. A jazz vocalist with smooth and soulful vocals, Synia is a storyteller that captivates audiences with every inspiring performance. She energetically engages directly with the crowd, adding her personal flair to match the mood and story of each song. Her listeners are taken on a journey spiced with nuances of Nina Simone, Nathalie Cole, Sara Vaughan, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Diane Reeves, all blending beautifully into a unique and refreshing style.
Synia’s role as an Educator, Storyteller and parent adds color and texture to her life, as well as a depth of understanding reflected in her ability to convey a song’s meaning. She seamlessly interjects anecdotes into her performances, affirming that, “Life's lessons and experiences are the groundwork upon which our artistry is built."
The move to Sarasota, Florida in 2014 was pivotal for Synia and ushered in the opportunity to leave behind classroom teaching and delve into her love of music. Synia enthusiastically took the leap to pursue her life-long passion for singing and performing. She quickly immersed herself in the Sun Coast Jazz scene, performing with many of the best musicians in the area and earning a reputation as a ‘rising star’.
From her growing platform as a solo artist, band leader and songwriter, Synia inspires and uplifts others with the art she creates. Her affinity for Soca, Latin and World-Beat can often be heard in her music and is an integral part of how she hears and feels Jazz.
In 2016 Synia released a well-received debut CD, Here’s To You, featuring Billy Marcus- formerly recognized as Miami’s best resident jazz pianist. She has appeared at various music festivals, and headlined at concert venues throughout Central Florida, such as the Florida Studio Theatre, The Blue Rooster, The Palladium, and the American Stage. She is regularly called upon to perform by area jazz organizations including the Sarasota Jazz and The Al Downing Jazz Club and has been a featured vocalist in various big band and orchestra projects.
Synia was recently invited to perform at the 2023 JEN (Jazz Education Network) conference where she will present excerpts from her show, Nina On My Mind- And I’m Feeling Good. She is currently working on her next recording project,which will feature original and reimagined compositions in collaboration with some of the finest musicians on the Suncoast and beyond.
Through her music, Synia explores the common joys and challenges we all face, giving voice, at times to feelings left unsaid. Jazz in particular, excites and moves her. She describes Jazz as an “approach to life, a force that elevates my expectations and understanding of music's power to heal as well as reveal and enhance our collective humanity. Jazz is creatively listening, responding, improvising and living intentionally in the moment. How exciting is that!”
Friday, January 6, 2023
1:00 PM – 1:50 PM US EST