Laila Biali’s WINTERSONGS Earns GRAMMY® Nod for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

With Wintersongs, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album nominee Laila Biali delivers a joyful, thoughtfully crafted album that captures the spirit and beauty of winter through original songwriting and expansive musical collaboration. Written during a winter residency at Canada’s Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and developed over three years, the project feels both personal and fully realized. Blending traditional pop and jazz with chamber arrangements, Wintersongs unfolds as a complete listening experience—one shaped by place, reflection, and a clear creative vision.

The album shines in its scope and execution. Biali expands her core band to include chamber orchestra, the Venuti String Quartet, and string orchestrations by Rob Mathes, creating a sound that feels rich and inviting without losing focus. Guest collaborators—including Jane Bunnett, Kevin Turcotte, and others—add color and energy across the record, enhancing standout tracks like “Outside,” “Rocky Mountain Lullaby,” and “Dance of the Pines.” From intimate vocal moments to sweeping instrumental passages, WINTERSONGS balances warmth, melody, and momentum throughout.

Laila Biali is a multi-award-winning vocalist, pianist, composer, and arranger whose work continues to earn recognition across jazz and traditional pop. A JUNO Award winner with an international career, she is known for her musical range and collaborative approach. With WINTERSONGS, her tenth album as a bandleader, Biali delivers a standout project—one that feels celebratory, confident, and well deserving of its place among this year’s Best Traditional Pop Album nominees.

To find out more about the GRAMMY®-nominated Wintersongs, visit www.lailabiali.com/fyc.

REVIEWS

"She is an exciting and unique talent, and I admire her greatly." 

– Sting

“Masterfully mixes jazz and pop, bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are concise and catchy.” 

– The Washington Post

"Biali provides the positive, come-together messaging we need in these challenging times.” 

– Parade Magazine

"Fearless on piano and, above else, in her imagination." 

– DownBeat Magazine

"There's no boxing Laila Biali in ... capable of making you laugh and cry all at once." 

– All About Jazz

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