Photographer: Roberto Cifarelli
Daralyn Jay is vocalist that truly defies categorization—as capable of scatting her way through a swing chorus as tossing a soulful riff. Not one for mere pyrotechnics, her deeply felt connection to the lyric and rhythmic approach have earned her respect on the New York music scene. She interprets standards as well as Latin, R&B and pop tunes, incorporating rarely performed verses and using French, Portuguese and Spanish lyrics to tell the story.
Daralyn has appeared on the stages of top New York venues, including Dizzy’s, Small’s, Minton’s and Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. She has also performed as a guest artist in France, Italy, Turkey, Cuba, and China. She is also a vocal arranger and guest vocalist for pop, rock and hip-hop artists.
Born into a household of avid music lovers, Daralyn began singing in church choirs and launched her formal music education on the flute, later adding piano. She has trained with voice teachers David Sabella-Mills and Norma Garbo as well as studied repertoire and jazz technique with noted musicians Barry Harris, Burt Eckoff and Johnny O’Neal.
Also an accomplished actor, Daralyn has performed in regional and New York theaters and appeared on network and streaming television, including “Law and Order,” “Blue Bloods” and “White House Plumbers.” One of her greatest joys is working with a team to create new works. She has originated roles in plays based on the lives of four of her personal heroines: Barbara Jordan, Nina Simone, Sojourner Truth and Maya Angelou.