Biography
Christine Correa is an acclaimed jazz vocalist born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, on July 8, 1955, into a musical family—her father, Micky Correa, was a prominent big band leader in India. She moved to the United States in 1979 to study at the New England Conservatory of Music, where she was mentored by influential figures in jazz and contemporary music. Settling in Brooklyn, New York, Correa has since become a vital presence in the American jazz scene.
Correa is recognized for her work in avant-garde and free jazz, blending her Indian heritage with a deep understanding of jazz tradition. She is particularly known for her long-standing collaborations with pianist Ran Blake, with whom she has recorded several albums that explore the intersection of jazz standards, protest songs, and experimental improvisation. Her vocal style is noted for its emotional intensity, adventurous phrasing, and fearless approach to both classic and contemporary material.
Throughout her career, Correa has contributed to the evolution of vocal jazz, not only as a performer but also as an educator, inspiring a new generation of jazz musicians. Her legacy is marked by her commitment to artistic exploration and her ability to bridge cultural and musical boundaries.
Fun Facts
- Christine Correa is the daughter of Micky Correa, one of India's most celebrated big band leaders.
- She is renowned for her interpretations of protest songs and the music of Abbey Lincoln, often exploring themes of social justice.
- Correa has been a faculty member at Columbia University and the New England Conservatory, shaping the next generation of jazz vocalists.
- Her album 'Just You Stand and Listen with Me' is a collection of songs of protest and resistance, reflecting her commitment to music as a tool for social commentary.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ran Blake - Teacher and frequent collaborator at the New England Conservatory; significant influence on her approach to jazz and improvisation. (Multiple duo albums including 'Down Here Below', 'When Soft Rains Fall', 'Out of the Shadows') [1980s–present]
Key Collaborators
- Ran Blake - Pianist and composer; primary musical partner in duo and ensemble recordings. (Albums such as 'Down Here Below', 'When Soft Rains Fall', 'Out of the Shadows', 'Just You Stand and Listen with Me') [1980s–present]
- Frank Carlberg - Pianist, composer, and husband; frequent collaborator in various ensembles. (Frank Carlberg Quintet, various recordings and performances) [1990s–present]
- Steve Lacy - Saxophonist; performed and recorded together in avant-garde jazz settings. (Live performances, select recordings) [1980s–1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Multiple jazz vocal students - As a faculty member at institutions such as Columbia University and the New England Conservatory, Correa has mentored and inspired emerging jazz singers. (Student recitals, ensemble projects) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Down Here Below (Tribute to Abbey Lincoln, Vol. 1) | 2012-03-10 | Album |
| Just You Stand and Listen With Me | 2023-01-27 | Album |
| Just You Stand and Listen With Me | 2023-01-27 | Album |
| Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV | 2013-02-05 | Album |
| Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV | 2013-02-05 | Album |
| Correa, Christine: Roundabout | 2011-04-01 | Album |
| Correa, Christine: Roundabout | 2011-04-01 | Album |
| Words Project III: Miniatures | 2010-01-26 | Album |
| Words Project III: Miniatures | 2010-01-26 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (Down Here Below (Tribute to Abbey Lincoln, Vol. 1))
- O muzyke tolstykh (Words Project III: Miniatures)
- Basket (Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV)
- Runaway (Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV)
- The Bestiary Suite (Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV)
- Nothing (Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV)
- What Do Women Want? (Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV)
- Fear (Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV)
- Make the Pie Higher (Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV)
- Snatch of Sliphorn Jazz (Sam Sadigursky: Words Project IV)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
CHRISTINE CORREA has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2025 | 18:25 | FREEDOM DAYfrom JUST YOU STAND AND LISTEN WITH ME | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean |