A Bay Area native, Melissa Garay’s musical journey ignited during her formative years, where she found solace and passion in the harmonies of school and church choirs. As she ventured into the local music scene, Melissa’s versatile vocal prowess quickly garnered attention, transcending genres from traditional jazz, R&B, and various Latin styles.
Her talent led her to share stages with luminaries like Santana’s lead vocalist, Tony Lindsay, esteemed jazz guitarist Randy Vincent, and bassist Chris Amberger, who graced Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Collaborations extended to percussionist Mingo Lewis, known for his work with legends like Al Di Meola and Chick Corea.
Melissa’s dedication to her craft propelled her academic pursuits, culminating in multiple music degrees, including a recent Master’s in Music, concentration in jazz studies from San Jose State University. Her academic pursuits have also led her on an enriching journey abroad, where she studied and performed in Havana, Cuba, with the SJSU Afro-Latin jazz ensemble. This international experience broadened her musical horizons and deepened her appreciation for diverse rhythms and cultural musical influences.
Presently, Melissa radiates on stage as the lead vocalist for a myriad of esteemed Bay Area ensembles, such as the acclaimed the New Acoustic Collective, Colectivo, Saboricua, Garay-Kaiser Duo, and Orquesta Liberación. Her recent standout appearances as the lead vocalist for Conjunto Trujillo, demonstrated her unwavering commitment to honoring the legacy of one of her musical heroes the iconic Tejano singer, Selena Quintanilla. These tribute concerts attracted enthusiastic crowds, with sold-out shows signaling the start of her remarkable journey. As anticipation builds, more electrifying performances are slated for 2024.
Furthermore, Melissa’s unwavering dedication to jazz elevates her role beyond mere performance; most recently holding the esteemed position of choir director at the prestigious Mexican Heritage Plaza and the Mariachi Academy. In this capacity, she not only nurtured the next generation of musicians but also instilled a profound appreciation for music within each student. Additionally, Melissa serves as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in music education and vocal coaching, empowering aspiring artists to reach new heights of excellence. Moreover, her mastery in music theory and composition unlocks boundless creative possibilities, guiding students on an extraordinary journey of artistic exploration and expression.
In her ongoing musical odyssey, Melissa is crafting her eponymous solo album, a testament to her diverse influences. Additionally, she eagerly anticipates a collaborative project with recording artist Jason Keiser & John Stowell, promising a fusion of exceptional guitar prowess, innovative harmonies, and Melissa’s captivating vocals—a celebration of jazz music’s richness and creativity.
MELISSA GARAY 