In honor of Women’s History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to participate in a series of essays reflecting on identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
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Today, Canadian jazz artist Maria Solena shares a special essay about her musical journey – from her upbringing and influences, to her songwriting approach and life as an independent artist – for Atwood Magazine’s Women’s History Month series!
Inspired by legends like Sarah Vaughan and Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vancouver’s Maria Solena weaves stories of love, loss, and resilience into soulful melodies that have earned international acclaim and airplay. Her soothing sounds captivate audiences in a musical breeze of swinging standards, Brazilian rhythms, contemporary jazz, French songs, classic pop and original tunes. Her spellbinding stage presence and musical expressions will uplift your mind and brighten your day. She has recorded and performed with Canadian and US musicians such as Phil Dwyer, Campbell Ryga, Brad Turner, Lionel Young, Richie Cole, Warren Vaché, and Seamus Blake. “Just a Touch” was chosen as bumper music on Coast to Coast AM. Songs from her albums were also featured on WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, CBC Radio across Canada, DR P1 and DR P8 Jazz in Denmark and KUVO in Denver. After performing in Italy, Solena performed in Las Vegas, and was also invited to appear on a syndicated program after a show host discovered her music. With rotation radio airplay in New York and Denver, Solena has written a number of original compositions, and has worked with arrangers Torben Oxbol, Fred Stride, Allan Rodger, and Miles Black.
Solena’s forthcoming album of original compositions promises another heartfelt journey, continuing her mission to unite audiences through music’s universal language.
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THE POWER OF MUSIC
A Story of Dreams, Dedication, and Discovery
by Maria Solena
Music is the universal language to bring people together.
No matter what culture we are from, everyone is moved by music. I am especially inspired by musicians like Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Henry Mancini, Milton Nascimento and Antonio Carlos Jobim through their stories of tribulations, love, loss, success and their significant contributions to the world through music.
When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. Talent alone can only take you so far, but hard work, consistency, discipline and perseverance to perfect your craft are needed. Strong follow-up skills and sound business skills are also important to becoming a great artist.
Music was always played in the house. My dad collected lots of music from the ‘50s and ‘60s, and I grew up listening to his records. My aunt encouraged me to sing. She made a recording of my singing when I was five years old. I joined every choir in grade school, and by the time I was in high school, I was part of a choral group doing three-part harmony, and performed across British Columbia. I also took classical piano lessons when I was young. After graduating from University of British Columbia, I furthered my studies in voice for 15 years, attended master workshops and studied jazz piano.
My career in music began after I auditioned for a show band as a vocalist and keyboard player. I also participated in a singing contest around that time, where I met and jammed with the local jazz community on stage. I often dreamed of making an album and working with a world-class arranger. That dream came true after I reached out to arranger Torben Oxbol, who worked with me to record a debut album. After that, I recorded two more albums with him. It was a great collaboration for ten years, and a chance to record with some of the finest musical talents nationally and internationally. The three albums have received rotation radio airplay across North America.
As an independent artist, I did a lot of work myself to promote my music. The world of technology is complex and the learning curve was a bit overwhelming. As a woman in a male-dominated world of jazz, I became a band leader, performed under my own name, and hired many high-calibre musicians to perform and record with. I had the wonderful opportunity to record with Richie Cole, Warren Vaché, Krishna Booker, George Robert, Lionel Young, Phil Dwyer, Campbell Ryga and Seamus Blake. I was invited to perform in Italy, Denver, and to appear on a syndicated show from Las Vegas.
As an independent artist, I recorded three albums that I self-funded. When my first album was released online, my music caught the attention of a radio host from KUVO, a jazz station in Denver. The station played my music regularly on Breakfast Jazz, a Saturday morning show. When the second and third album were released, the music continued to play on the morning show. The station then invited me to do a live interview, followed by a quintet performance at The Five Points Jazz Festival in Denver, with Richie Cole joining me on stage.
About the creative process and how I approach songwriting . . .
In songwriting, I can express my stories through music, and the combination of chords to set the mood for the song. For me, it’s about honesty, and the expression of real-life experiences that everyone can relate to, whether it’s about loss, love, joy, uncertainty, rejection or betrayal. Like telling a real-life story to a close friend, but expressed in words through a song.
Music is healing and it’s important to listen to music every day. The slower tempo and gentle melodies can induce a sense of calmness and tranquility, allowing us to unwind in a fast-paced world. Music is beneficial for physical, mental, and emotional health, especially in the aftermath of lockdowns and isolation during the pandemic years. The power of music will unite humanity once again!
I am now working on a new album of mostly original songs. Recording an album takes time, but the satisfaction of recording original material, co-producing, mixing and mastering is an exciting process for me. I look forward to sharing my new music with the world.
To follow my work, please visit my website at musicalbreeze.ca. Send me an email to say hello and subscribe to my mailing list at vanevents2025@gmail.com. – Maria Solena
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