Her musical foundation was shaped in Boston, where she studied at Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory, learning the craft through years of immersion — on bandstands, in rehearsal rooms, and in constant conversation with the music and the musicians around her. After building her footing in the Boston scene, Solivan made the leap to New York City, where she quickly became a consistent presence, working relentlessly and earning her place through preparation, persistence, and deep listening.
Known for her energetic, expressive performance style, Solivan brings an unusual balance of vulnerability, passion, and joy to the stage. Her singing is direct and story-driven, drawing listeners in with emotional honesty, while her natural warmth and humor create an immediate connection with audiences. Whether delivering a quiet ballad or driving a swinging groove, she treats each performance as a shared experience — alive, spontaneous, and grounded in feeling.
A respected presence in the jazz community, Solivan has built her reputation the way the music has always demanded: by being consistently on the scene, listening deeply, learning from mentors, and growing through collaboration. Over the years, she has worked closely with many of today’s top jazz musicians, developing a strong musical identity as a bandleader who takes pride in shaping a cohesive sound and fostering genuine musical conversation onstage.
At the core of Solivan’s artistry is a love for the music that’s felt rather than proclaimed. Her performances reflect a lifetime of dedication — not only to jazz tradition, but to its ongoing evolution — offering listeners something both grounded and immediate, timeless and unmistakably personal. Today, while balancing an active performing career with teaching and mentorship, her focus remains firmly on making music and on what lies ahead — continuing to grow, to risk, and to tell the truth onstage.
