BIO
Nancy Goudinaki, the extraordinary up and coming jazz vocalist and guitarist, is ready to take center stage! Hailing from Greece, Nancy G., as she is referred to, in the Jazz world, now lives and performs in the greater New York City area. At the precocious age of 8, Nancy knew that she wanted to pursue music, and learned how to play classical guitar. Nine years later, she continued her studies with master classical guitarist, Costas Cotsiolis, and received her Masters in Musicology/Fine Arts , her BA and Masters with honors in classical guitar.
In 2007 Nancy G. moved to New York City from Greece to pursue her dream of becoming a professional jazz vocalist , guitarist and composer. She has studied with a plethora of accomplished vocalists including jazz pioneer JD Walter, jazz composer and lyricist Miles Griffith, Cynthia Scott (member of the legendary Ray Charles vocal group, "The Raelettes"), and Barry Harris (recipient of the 1998 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award).
Her debut album titled, "I Wanna Be Your Star" with pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Dwayne Burno, saxophonist JD Allen, and drummer Rudy Royston, featuring special guests- vocalist Miles Griffith, bassist Richie Goods and percussionist Daniel Sadownick, has been met with unprecedented success. Since its release, the title track “I Wanna Be Your Star”, has earned a # 2 spot on the CMJ (College Music Journal) Top Jazz Adds Chart in the USA and in Canada.
Also her music reviewed and featured in several critically acclaimed jazz magazines, both nationally and internationally. And it is Nancy’s scintillating voice that has captured the Jazz World. The Grammy-nominated vocalist, Mrs. Jane Monheit, invited Nancy G. to perform as a guest vocalist at the legendary Birdland in New York City. Citing the Birdland invitation as one of the highlights of her career, Nancy G. continually seeks out opportunities to hone her craft as a guitarist and vocalist.
Her latest cd single release entitled “Ariadne’s lullaby” it is a solo guitar tune dedicated to her baby niece. Mr. Illiam Sebitz from 5 Finger Review wrote : "Goudinaki is inspired, her fingerpicking eloquently elaborates the loving tenderness of the tune and is even accentuated by authentic baby babbles from her niece. Goudinaki has wonderful technique, the use of percussiveness on her guitar and the reactive way she plays is filled with wonderful nuances. She has an innate ability to coax the guitar to her will and her use of texture adds to the depth of the lullaby."
In 2021 Nancy G. received an endorsement by Moov Travel Guitar. A unique , lightweight folding guitar that gives her the opportunity to travel all over the world and play in every venue, from a silent practice to a loud performance
To this day, Nancy G. remains dedicated to producing quality music. Nancy currently performs with her trio in the New York City and Philadelphia area. She has performed at the legendary Birdland , The 55 Bar and The Zinc Bar. She also teaches classical guitar throughout NYC.