Isabella Hallia

Isabella Hallia is a Montreal-based singer and musician whose passion for music began at the age of five. Over the years, she has honed her voice and musicality across various genres, with a special focus on jazz, funk, soul, R&B, neo-soul, and pop. At just 17, Isabella made her international debut at Weill Hall in Carnegie Hall, where she was awarded the prestigious Jury’s Favorite in the American Protégé International Competition. Since then, she has performed at prominent festivals like the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Sutton Jazz Festival, and Umbria Jazz Festival, as well as at local venues such as Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill. A graduate of McGill University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Voice Performance, Isabella is known for her lyrical voice, with a warm, resonant tone that deeply connects with her audience. As a versatile performer, she has led various jazz ensembles, showcasing her leadership and vocal prowess. Isabella’s jazz performance is an exploration of the traditional jazz of the 50s and 60s, paying tribute to iconic voices like Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, and Anita O'Day. Each song is carefully arranged by Isabella to honor classic jazz while leaving room for improvisation, staying true to the genre’s roots. Her repertoire highlights timeless standards from the Great American Songbook, alongside lesser-known "hidden gems" of jazz, each chosen for its personal connection and significance. Sharing these stories with the audience deepens the emotional bond and enhances the listening experience. The trio accompanying Isabella Hallia are the talented Montreal-based musicians you see in her latest YouTube live session release. Isabella Hallia, Alex Le Blanc (bass) and Baptiste Lejeune (drums) met during their time studying at McGill University. They all met Yûr Yesli (guitar) in the Montreal jam session scene after his return from completing his bachelor’s at the BIMM Music Institute in London. Baptiste and Yûr also studied together in New York City at the Tribeca Jazz Institute. The quartet have been playing together regularly since 2020.