JUNO nominee Melody Diachun is an in-demand vocalist celebrated for her expressive voice, warm performance and "original material that catches the ear" (The Vancouver Sun). With several albums to her credit, Melody has been hailed as "a jazz singer of the first order" (The Times Colonist) and "a vocalist fast becoming one of the music's more daring chanteuses" (All About Jazz). She was nominated 'female vocalist of the year' at Canada's 2009 National Jazz Awards.

recording

Her first two independant releases, Lullaby of the Leaves and Dreams and Places presented her as one of Canada’s emerging jazz stars, both as a gifted songwriter and a versatile, understated singer. On her third album, EQ, the Montreal–born artist takes a substantial leap forward with her quintet, transcending genre distinctions to deliver a vibrant, highly original milestone.

About the music :
Melody Diachun EQ retells the jazz vocal story in the language of today. The result is a fresh sound which unites the freedom and excitement of jazz expression with a modern, groove–oriented rhythmic base.

Visit the band's new site with excerpts from the new CD, show dates, and more: mdeq.ca

Melody released her second CD dreams & places in October of 2006. The album features catchy originals, smooth vocals and deluxe production, with a style that flows between jazz, soul and funky pop. Soloists include some of Canada’s best players: Chris Andrew, Tilden Webb, Andrew Glover, Doug Stephenson and JUNO award winners Dave Restivo (“pianist of the year” for ‘97, ‘02, ‘04, National Jazz Awards) and Tom Keenlyside (BC Entertainment Hall of Fame inductee).

The singer’s critically acclaimed debut CD Lullaby of the Leaves (2002) features four original compositions and standards and is a collaboration with Doug Stephenson and Juno nominee Bob Murphy.

Melody also appears on Altered Laws' 2007 release "METAPHORA". She co-wrote and recorded with Edmonton artist Kris a.k.a. Chris Andrew on truth be told (2006).

television

She has starred in her own episode of the television series JAZZMAN. The show features Melody performing original compositions and airs regularly on BRAVO!TV, The BET Network and Cool TV.

radio

Melody’s songs are on regular rotation on national, local and college radio including Magic 99, and CBC’s "TONIC", “Disc Drive”, “After Hours”, “L’Escale Jazz”, “Hot Air”, and many others.

the name

DIANE DIACHUN (mother): “When I a was teenager there was a girl named ‘Melody’ in my figure skating club. I thought, I love that name - If I have a daughter some day that’s what I’m going to call her. Then, after I got married (to musician Bill Diachun) and later we had a girl, it really made sense... We just thought it was a cool name.”
“Diachun” is pronounced “DAY-shun” and is of Ukrainian origin.

early years

Melody was born in Montreal, Quebec and raised on music from the start by her father, himself a singer and pianist. The family moved to Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley and Melody’s formal education in music began with piano lessons at age 6. A year later she made her debut as a singer, and continued to perform at every opportunity, in variety shows and on radio.

secondary school

Active in the school band program, she learned to play electric bass and French horn and sang with the jazz band. At age 15 she took her first professional singing gig in which she performed in a weekly variety show at Annapolis Royal’s historic King’s Theatre. At graduation she received several scholarships and awards for her involvement in music.

university

At age 17 Melody moved back to Montreal to attend McGilll University. She was the first vocalist admitted to the school's Jazz Performance Program in which she earned her Bachelor of Music degree ("with distinction" in Jazz Voice). She became an active member of the city's jazz community, eventually leading her own bands.

ny

In the mid-90's she was awarded a Canada Council for the Arts study grant and moved to New York City to work on composition, study with Sheila Jordan, and soak up the music of the local scene.

professional life

Melody now lives in Vancouver with her husband guitarist/bassist Doug Stephenson.

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