Grammy® nominated vocalist, pianist and songwriter Nicole Zuraitis draws from the traditions of jazz, pop and blues to create music that is rich in depth and heart.  As a bandleader, a recording artist and the premiere vocalist of the world famous Birdland Big Band among other notable ensembles, Nicole has established herself as a staple on the New York City Jazz scene and has made a significant mark on the global modern jazz landscape.  This musical chameleon brings musical ingenuity and her signature warmth to a wide array of genres and styles.  Nicole’s stunning vocal prowess paired with her facility on the piano and her talent as a consummate entertainer prove that she is anything but your average jazz singer.

In 2019, Nicole’s illustrious career blossomed even further when her and her husband, renowned drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, were dually nominated for a Grammy® for their arrangement of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”.  Nicole can be found gracing the stages at both the iconic Birdland Jazz Club and Greenwich Village’s 55 Bar weekly, displaying her stellar vocal capacity; an intersection where virtuosity meets unbridled, genuine enthusiasm. She was named the top 40 under 40 for 2020 in Connecticut Magazine and her weekly live stream during the Covid 19 crisis "Virtual Piano Lounge Plus One" was featured in Forbes in October 2020.

Nicole’s critically acclaimed 2018 release, Hive Mind (Dot Time Records) earned the title of ‘Best Jazz Album’ in the 2018 International Music and Entertainment Awards.  Nicole will be releasing her fourth studio album as a bandleader, All Wandering Hearts, in May 2020 on Dot Time Records.  In addition, Zuraitis has assembled an all-star female ensemble to record her project Generations of Her - Women Songwriters and Lyricists of the Last 100 Years.

While not leading her own ensembles, Nicole performs and tours extensively with her husband’s renowned ensemble, the Dan Pugach Nonet.  While pursuing a career that has spanned the genres of jazz, pop and classical, Nicole has collaborated with such luminaries as Cyrille Aimee, Thana Alexa, Dave Stryker, Livingston Taylor, Tom Chapin, Omar Hakim, Melanie Safka, Helen Sung and Bernard Purdie. www.nicolezmusic.com