EPK
BLACK GARDENIA
Vintage Jazz Reborn — A Love Letter to 1940s & 50s Jazz
SHORT ARTIST SUMMARY
(100 words)
Black Gardenia is the jazz project of vocalist and songwriter Daphne Roubini, joined by an all-star cast of Vancouver musicians. Drawing inspiration from the elegance of 1940s–50s jazz, their music blends smoky ballads, torch-song storytelling, and swinging horn arrangements. Their upcoming album, Whisky Scented Kisses (Cellar Live, April 2026), features original songs co-written with Chris Davis, Paul Pigat, Stephen Nikleva, and Noah Walker, alongside reimagined classics paying tribute to Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson. With lush arrangements and Roubini’s warm, evocative voice, Black Gardenia creates music that is timeless, intimate, and unmistakably their own.
FULL ARTIST BIO
(180 wORDS)
Black Gardenia is vocalist Daphne Roubini and a hand-picked ensemble of Vancouver’s finest jazz musicians: Paul Pigat, Brad Turner, Stephen Nikleva, Jeremy Holmes, and Dave Say. Their forthcoming album, Whisky Scented Kisses (Cellar Live), arrives April 2026, with singles releasing January 23 and February 27. Inspired by the golden era of 1940s–50s jazz, the album features six original songs co-written by Roubini with Chris Davis (Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings), Paul Pigat (Cousin Harley), Stephen Nikleva (Ray Condo & the Ricochets), and Noah Walker (Kitty & the Rooster), alongside a previously unpublished gem and two reimagined standards.
Roubini’s expressive, nuanced voice sits at the heart of Black Gardenia’s sound — rooted in classic phrasing yet unmistakably her own. A Vancouver International Jazz Festival Spotlight Artist, she has performed at the Vancouver Folk Festival (main stage), Winnipeg Folk Festival, and multiple editions of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. She has been featured in the Georgia Straight, The Province, The Globe and Mail, CBC, and CTV. Black Gardenia stands at the intersection of jazz tradition and contemporary storytelling — vintage jazz reborn.
LISTEN (UNRELEASED TRACKS)
Private Listening Link (Dropbox)
'There Is Always Tomorrow' - (unpublished standard - to be)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bv7mgi2s28hk9sahtymct/There-Is-Always-Tomorrow_Black-Gardenia.mp3?rlkey=0oaoyr9dg6mxoruyvbm1cuuso&st=jpmgl4bw&dl=0
'This Year’s Crop of Kisses' - (Standard)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/btlyy8y4s0sj680hwu4jv/This-Years-Crop-Of-Kisses_Black-Gardenia.-mp3.mp3?rlkey=njikr58e9nye1t1izasqyvx6b&st=501jobft&dl=0
'Who Stole the Moon' - (Original)
WATCH (VIDEOS)
Video Samples of live performance:
'Whisky Scented Kisses' (Original)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/b6ag1514tvjhn97pnuqdt/BlackGardenia_whiskyscentedkisses_tyrant.mp4?rlkey=efd491oo7n2velgo79dviv7ey&st=moluclk9&dl=0
'Bye Bye Blues' (Standard)
'Dream a Little Dream of Me' (Standard)
RECENT APPEARANCES
Vancouver International Jazz Festival — Spotlight Artist
Winnipeg Folk Festival — Performer
Vancouver Folk Festival — Main Stage
CBC, CTV, The Province, Globe & Mail, Georgia Straight, North by North West
Regular performer at Frankie’s Jazz Club and Tyrant Studios in Vancouver.
To come:
Behind the Album (optional)
[short album-story clip]
Short Reels / Social Clips
[Embed short clip 1]
[Embed short clip 2]
PRESS QUOTES
“"Transporting listeners to a time of martinis, and lounge suits… the fact that Roubini’s
originals are indistinguishable among the stacked line-up is the biggest compliment of all.”
Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight — The Georgia Straight
“Evocative vocalist, Daphne Roubini who sounds at once retro…and yet cheekily modern and on-trend.”
Georgia Mancio, Revoice Festival, London UK
ALBUM INFO —
Whisky Scented Kisses (2026)
Label: Cellar Live
Album Release: April 3, 2026
Singles:
There’s Always Tomorrow — January 23, 2026
Minor Mood — February 27, 2026
Album Description
A lush, romantic collection of original jazz songs and reimagined classics — a love letter to the iconic era of 1940s–50s jazz, illuminated by Daphne Roubini’s mesmerising vocals..
Credits
Original compositions by:
Daphne Roubini, Chris Davis, Paul Pigat, Stephen Nikleva, Noah Walker
Horn arrangements by: Paul Pigat
Horns performed by: Brad Turner & Dave Say
PHOTOS
Download High-Res Photos
[Insert Photo 1 + link to download]
[Insert Photo 2 + link]
[Insert Photo 3 + link]
[Insert Photo 4 + link]
You can upload the photos directly to Squarespace or link to a Dropbox/Drive folder.
DOWNLOADABLE ASSETS
(FULL PRESS KIT)
Provide buttons or file links:
Download One-Sheet (PDF) — [Insert link]
Download Full Bio (PDF) — [Insert link]
Download Press Quotes (PDF) — [Insert link]
Download Stage Plot (PDF) — [Insert link]
Download Input List (PDF) — [Insert link]
Download Tech Rider (PDF) — [Insert link]
Download High-Res Photos (ZIP) — [Insert link]
Download Album Info Sheet (PDF) — [Insert link]
(I can create every PDF for you once you’re ready.)
BAND LINEUP
Vocals: Daphne Roubini
Guitar / Arranger / Musical Director: Paul Pigat
Guitar: Stephen Nikleva
Bass: Jeremy Holmes
Trumpet: Brad Turner
Saxophone: Dave Say
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Stage Plot & Input List:
[Insert PDF link]
Minimum Requirements:
1 vocal mic-stand
2 vocal wedges
DI for bass
4–5 instrument mics (SM57/58 or equivalent)
Basic lighting
6 music stands
2 chairs (no arms)
1 stool
6 performers — full backline preferred or negotiable depending on venue
CONTACT
(BOOKING & MANAGEMENT)
Management & Booking:
Like a Pearl Publicity
Contact: Daphne Roubini
daphneroubini@gmail.com
604-781-8670
#403, 1371 Harwood Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1S6, Canada
blackgardenia.ca