EDO SANTONI

ABOUT

Edo Santoni is an award-winning and critically acclaimed Australian vocalist and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the country’s leading jazz vocalists. Born into music, his father was a classic jazz crooner who, at the height of his career, supported legendary artists including Sammy Davis Jnr and Nat King Cole.

Santoni naturally blends classic crooning with a modern, improvisational jazz approach, combining spontaneity, soul, and sincerity. His artistry is deeply rooted in tradition while remaining distinctly contemporary, marking him as a unique voice in Australian jazz.

A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Edo studied under Mike Nock and Judy Bailey. Early recognition came from James Morrison at the Generations in Jazz Festival, identifying him as a standout emerging artist.

He later released independent recordings through MGM, receiving strong critical acclaim, national radio airplay, and extensive touring. In 2005, Edo was the only male finalist at the prestigious Wangaratta Festival of Jazz, Blues and Roots.

Edo has performed nationally and internationally at many of Australia’s most respected venues, including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Entertainment Centre, The Metro, The Basement, Venue 505, Foundry 616, Seymour Theatre, and more. In 2018, he travelled to Nashville and New York City, where he was invited to perform at the iconic Minton’s Jazz Club in Harlem, an experience that was warmly received by audiences and peers.

He has shared the stage with artists including James Morrison, Rai Thistlethwayte, Grace Knight, Abby Dobson, Darren Percival, Jade Macrae, Tina Harrod, Steve Balbi and Steve Kilbey of The Church, among others. Edo has also worked with some of Australia’s most respected jazz musicians, including Jonathan Zwartz, Hamish Stuart, James Muller, Andrew Dickeson, Lily Dior Cameron Undy, Nic Cecire and Greg Coffin.

Alongside his performance career, Edo is a passionate contemporary vocal and music educator. He has taught at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he curated elements of the contemporary vocal program, and is a former faculty member at the Australian Institute of Music.

Recent highlights include being invited to perform alongside acclaimed US jazz vocalist Tiffany Austin and presenting sold-out shows for the Candlelight Concert Series with his production Celebrating Sinatra.

Edo’s latest project is a collaboration with one of Australia’s most acclaimed jazz ensembles, The Pocket Trio, known for their swing, groove, and infectious energy. He appears as a guest vocalist alongside Monica Trapaga, Kate Wadey, and Tilly Street.

This collaboration led to the release of Edo’s first jazz single, Let’s Take a Chance on Love, co-written with the talented and compelling bandleader, pianist and producer Andrew Scott. The track is a classy, feel-good, summer-inspired lyric, complete with a daring and swinging scat solo and a lyric that in part honours the cheek and charm of classic swing. The Pocket Trio also features Max Alduca on double bass and Tim Geldens on drums.