From Setback to Spotlight
Laila Biali’s Inspiring Story
and Upcoming PAC Performance
By: Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
In the world of jazz and beyond, few stories are as inspiring as that of Laila Biali, a multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist whose remarkable journey from injury to international acclaim has captured hearts across the globe.
Born in North Vancouver, Biali's musical journey began very early in her life. “My family is not particularly musical, however, there was a piano in the house that my mother would often play. I would always notice that whenever she would play that it was as if a sense of calmness and peace transcended all around the house and I was really drawn to that from a very young age.” Biali recalled.
Biali’s mother told her daughter that when she was just three-and-a-half years old that Laila walked over to the piano and just started playing the tune of Sesame Street by ear. “I myself don’t remember this event, but that’s when I guess you could say that my love for music began,” shared Biali. Biali’s early talent led her to begin piano lessons, a standard path for many young musicians in the 1980s. As a teenager, Biali's ambition took her to international piano festivals and competitions, despite her young age.
However, Biali's trajectory changed dramatically during a family road trip when an unexpected collision occurred. “When I was 15 years old, I was in a car accident that left me with an injury to my right arm, which was my dominate arm. So, my dreams of being in classical music were just kind of halted because of my injurys” she recalled. The car accident greatly impacted her ability to play the intricate classical pieces she had once excelled at. This pivotal moment could have derailed her career, but Biali's resilience shone through. Initially, she adapted to playing jazz with just her left hand, finding solace and a new passion in the genre.
Despite her dedication to jazz, classical music remained her first love, leading her to a brief detour into the sciences at the University of British Columbia. Yet fate had other plans. A scholarship offer from Humber College redirected her back to music. With her right arm still problematic, Biali shifted focus to composing and singing, a transition that became central to her artistic identity.
Her decision to pursue music was validated when she began to win prestigious awards. In 2019, Biali's self-titled album earned her the JUNO Award for "Vocal Jazz Album of the Year," marking a high point in her career. She was also honored with the Hagood Hardy Award for Excellence in Songwriting and recognized at the Canadian Songwriting Competition. Her 2020 album, Out of Dust, was nominated for a JUNO Award and received critical acclaim, with DownBeat Magazine listing it among the year’s best.
Biali’s musical expertise is not confined to jazz alone. Her latest release, Your Requests, features a blend of jazz classics arranged at the behest of her social media followers, showcasing collaborations with renowned artists such as Kurt Elling and Emilie-Claire Barlow. This album underscores her ability to transcend genres, blending jazz and pop into a unique and captivating sound.
Her role as the host of CBC Music’s Saturday Night Jazz since 2017 has further cemented her place in the Canadian music landscape. Broadcasting to millions, she continues to influence and inspire new generations of jazz enthusiasts.
Biali’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. From a tragic accident to becoming one of jazz’s most celebrated figures, her story is one of transformation and triumph. "Music is a universal language," Biali stated. "It crosses the boundaries of gender, race, cultural identity, and socio-economic status. It’s a beautiful equalizer – everyone has a seat at the table."
As she continues to perform on global stages and connect with audiences through her music, Laila Biali's tale reminds us that even the most daunting obstacles can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Biali will be performing as part of the Paramount Arts Center’s Jazz Alley on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. The Paramount’s Jazz Alley Series takes place with both the band and the audience being situated around their iconic stage. There will be tables and chairs placed on the stage so patrons can enjoy great jazz music and a glass of wine, in an intimate environment. Sponsors are the only patrons guaranteed to have a table. Each table seats four people, please arrive by to 7 p.m. to secure your table. Those who do not have tables will be seated in chairs toward the back of the stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at paramountartscenter.com or at the box office.
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