“Impressive technique not to mention more than a modicum of swing”
-Tony Mottola ̈ Jersey Jazz Journal
Highly intuitive and energetic, the F irey String Sistas! is a refreshing alternative to the standard Jazz band. Committed to pushing the limits of string playing to the next level since 2011. Founder, cellist N ioka Workman, violinist M arlene Rice, bassist, M elissa Slocum, vocalist, pianist M ala Waldron and D orota Piotrowska subbing for drummer Karina Colis present performances that are compelling, incorporating aspects of world music , women’s culture and string improvisation. The ensemble presents original compositions, American songbook standards, world music and Jazz. “Women, Wine & Song”, “Blues Mama & her Roots”, and the popular holiday favorite“JOYOUS!”, are some of the ensembles popular programs. The Firey String Sistas! will present selections from their upcoming CD ” That’s What She Said” at APAP Conference, January 17, New York Hilton Hotel at 9:30pm.
FIREY STRINGS COMPANY P.O.Box 20436, NYC. 10025, e: fireystringscompany@gmail.com, Ph: 609. 3881580, Website: www.fireystringscompany.com
Firey String Sistas!
Nioka Workman a native New Yorker, bassist father, Reggie Workman (J. Coltrane) and uncle, Arthur Harper (J.Johnson). Nioka is the founder at Firey String Company home of the Firey String Sistas!, producing a yearly season of events for female string improvisers. Nioka has film/TV credits on Saturday Night Live, PBS and NBC. The Blues Series and upcoming Firey String Sistas! CD release; “That’s What She Said”, are her latest achievements. As composer, Nioka has received commissions for solo performances, collaborations with Alvin Ailey II Co., Joffrey Ballet Co. and yearly work with Marlies Yearby. Awarded a grant from the American Composer’s Fund.. Nioka currently tours with various projects including the Firey String Sistas!
Marlene Rice, h as traveled around the world, from the month she visited and performed in Japan in the early 1990′s, to her performances in France, Italy, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Trinidad and into Central/South America. One of her personal highlights took place at the Kennedy Center with her mentor, jazz violinist John Blake, during the performance of his “Celebration Of The Fiddle From Africa To America”. Ms. Rice is currently a teaching artistinresidence, and string department director, at the Cecily Tyson School of Music.
Mala Waldron, is a native of NYC whose first paid gig was at the Elk’s club with a local R&B band at age 15. Later, enrolling at SUNY Old Westbury she studied jazz piano, voice & composition with Makanda Ken McIntyre, Richard Harper, Warren Smith and Amina Claudine Myers, earning a B.A. Degree. She currently balances local performances with regular tours in Europe and Asia. Career highlights include opening at the Diet Coke Women in Jazz Festival (JALC) for Patrice Rushen, being guest arranger/vocalist with James “Jabbo” Ware’s “Me, We & Them Orchestra,” and appearing in the documentary, “The Girls in the Band.” CDs featuring Mala’s work are “L ullabye,” (solo debut and tribute to godmother, Billie Holiday), “ He’s My Father,” ( duo project with father, pianist/composer, Mal Waldron) and “A lways There,” named oneofJazzUSA’sTop10CDsof2006. Anewsoloprojectentitled,“DeepResonance,”willbe released soon.
Melissa Slocum h as performed worldwide with Art Blakey, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, Woody Shaw and Hank Jones. She has recorded with Kevin Mahogany, Ralph Peterson, Howard Johnson, Dakota Staton, Charli Persip and DIVA. Ms. Slocum performs with orchestras and Baroque ensembles, holds a DMA in double bass performance and is the bassist for Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.
Dorota Piotrowska originally from Poland is known on the New York jazz scene for her swing feel and compositions that encompass modern themes rooted in traditional rhythms. Ms. Piotrowska earned a B.A. in Jazz Performance with a concentration in drums at The New School in 2012. Since arriving in the US in 2010, Dorota has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall and has been touring extensively in Europe, Asia and US.
FIREY STRINGS COMPANY P.O.Box 20436, NYC. 10025, e: fireystringscompany@gmail.com, Ph: 609. 3881580, Website: www.fireystringscompany.com
