Kristin Berardi/Gemma Turvey "Geman'i "

G E M A N ' I

The album is an inspirational first release featuring original works of pianist Gemma Turvey and vocalist Kristin Berardi, plus fresh arrangements of classic jazz standards and popular songs including “Love me or Leave Me”, “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most”, “Pennies from Heaven” and “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning”.

The duo geman'i has been working together since forming a solid friendship as music students at the Queensland Conservatorium in 2002. They have enjoyed a long standing Saturday night residency at Brisbane's Lab Bar and Restaurant, building a solid core of fine music listeners and honing their creative skills.

While the duo is keen to develop their own sound, some of their influences include musicians such as Bill Evans, Diana Krall and Vince Jones. geman'i is a breathtaking addition in the burgeoning Brisbane jazz scene.

Kristin Berardi graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium in 2002 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Voice. Based in Brisbane. Kristen performs regularly throughout Queensland n 2005, Kristin placed 3rd in the National Jazz Awards at the Wangaratta International Festival of jazz and blues.
While studying at the brisbane conservatorium, kristin was selected as the singer in the con artists big band, during which they recorded with legendary new york trombonist and educator, jim pugh. This experience led to kristin being invited to new york to record a cd for jim pugh and jazz legend kenny werner featuring her compositions, which she successfully did in june 2004. Since graduating with distinction from the brisbane conservatorium, kristin has been involved in many professional productions including the melbourne international womens jazz festival (where she composed for and led a 10 piece improvised music ensemble plus her own quartet), a live abc national radio broadcast with the west end composers collective, women in voice 13 (as a featured soloist alongside pop legend chrissy amphlett), the australian premiere of steve reich's music for 18 musicians plus dozens of performances at jazz festivals and jazz clubs in australia, new york and germany.
As a recording artist, kristin has worked in new york with jim pugh and kenny werner, and in australia with the con artists, tony gould, geman'i, the west end composers collective, pty ltd, phat proffesor funk and telegram (kate miller-heidke).

Gemma Turvey has a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Piano at the Queensland Conservatorium. In the past five years she has studied jazz extensively within the Jazz Department at the Con and has performed with a variety of Brisbane's finest ensembles, including La Gran Salsa. Her exceptional reading skills keep her in high demand as an accompanist within the classical music field.

Part proceeds from the sale of their debut CD go to the “Here for Life” charity for the prevention of youth suicide.