biography

'Now and then, one hears a voice which instantly suggests uncommon beauty and musicality. Add to this a sensitivity to lyrics, impeccable sense of pitch, a rare control of vibrato, and you have wonderful artistry. This is what I hear in the singing of Emma Gilmartin. It all comes from her approach to both her art and her fellow human beings.' Tony Gould – pianist/composer

'Emma Gilmartin has gained a reputation as one of Australia's most talented jazz vocalists. Her voice is undeniably beautiful with "a crystalline purity of vibrato-less tone and flawless pitch.' Leon Gettler, The Age Green Guide

In 2001 Emma completed a Bachelor of Music Performance (Improvisation) at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, Australia. It was here that she met acclaimed pianist and composer Tony Gould, with whom she recorded her debut album, Tomorrow, Just You Wait and See (Move Records).

Since the success of this first recording, Emma has performed regularly with her jazz quartet throughout Australia and beyond. Emma's second album Songe was released through Move records in 2005. This beautiful CD features the undeniable talents of Will Poskitt (piano), Ben Robertson (Double Bass), Rajiv Jayaweera (drums) and Eugene Ball (trumpet), and is a collection of well- known jazz standards, lesser known covers and two of Emma's original compositions.

In 2005, Emma was also selected as one of ten finalists in the National Jazz Awards. The finals were held at the Wangaratta Jazz Festival where Emma was honoured to perform along side some of Australia's finest young jazz vocalists such as Gian Slater, Kristin Berardi and Jo Lawry.

From 2006 to 2009, Emma toured extensively throughout Australia and the world with renowned Acapella/percussion group Coco's Lunch. She also recorded Blueprint with the ensemble, which was nominated for Best World Album in the 2007 ARIA awards. In 2010 Emma released her third CD through Move records. Home is another album of exquisite duets with pianist Tony Gould.

Emma is also in demand as an educator and is currently teaching voice at Monash University in Melbourne.