Before moving to New York, jazz vocalist Amalia Grè attended Perugia’s Academy of Fine Arts, where she earned a degree in theatrical set design. After college she spent time living in Rome, where she discovered her undernourished love for jazz. She studied there with local jazz hero Riccardo Biseo, and began performing in jazz clubs and theaters. In 1990 she attended a vocal workshop with the famed Betty Carter, who encouraged a bold move in her career, saying “You’ve got your own style and look. All you need is to learn the language and move to New York.”
By 1995 Grè had moved to N.Y.C. and begun studying with jazz greats Mark Murphy and Bobby McFerrin. In addition to continuing her vocal studies, Grè also pursued training as an actress at the Black Nexxus performing arts school. As she gained a reputation for her unique style and stunning stage presence, Grè started gigging around the city, ultimately catching eyes at EMI. Her self-titled debut with the label sold 40,000 units and opened doors to touring the international jazz scene. Her second solo album, Per Te, was released two years later, garnering her an invitation to perform at the renowned Sanremo Festival in 2007.