Biography
Candyce Giaquinto developed a passion for music at a very young age. Growing up in a musical family, she was introduced to a number of different instruments and styles of music.
She began her career with vocal lessons at the age of ten and shortly after, formed her first band with her brother, Scott. Their father, Jack acted as manager and booking agent. In addition to being a lead vocalist, she also began playing drums. A career musician, she has been performing ever since, adding a variety of instruments along way.
Candyce's powerful and distinctive vocals reflect a unique blend of influences ranging from R&B, soul, blues, jazz and rock. She credits Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, Josh White, Joni Mitchell and Dionne Warwick as having been influential in the development of her vocal style.
After seeing Jethro Tull perform at the Fillmore East, Candyce was inspired to rent a flute and learned her first song, "Comin'Home" by Herbie Mann. She began playing mandolin after fixing up an old mandolin that belonged to her grandfather.
Later on, bass became her main instrument when the band she was in needed a bass player. Similarly, Candyce began playing harmonica when another band she joined wanted to hear harmonica on a song.
Percussion has always been her passion and utilizing many of the instruments she has collected over her lifetime, Candyce has constructed a very unique and personalized percussion rig.
Candyce's compositions are as diverse as her performance talents and reflect a variety of styles from austere and moody to searing Latin, jazz and Afro-Cuban inspired pieces. Lyrically, she will take you on an emotional journey, often told through the eyes of one of her vivid characters.
Recently Candyce has expanded her talents utilizing Native American flutes, singing bowls, East Indian bansuri flute, and various Middle Eastern drums to compose and perform meditative and healing music.
Candyce has had the privilege of working with many talented musicians over the years and has performed in a variety of different venues. In the summer of 2004, Candyce traveled to China as a featured vocalist and percussionist in an R&B / jazz / reggae band, touring seven cities including Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Wherever and whatever the performance, one of Candyce's greatest talents lies in her ability to always deliver a genuine and emphatic performance. Her expressive renderings are sure to leave a lasting impression.