Cynthia Eytina

This New York-born vocalist, formerly known as Cynthia Bostic, has a sound and style reminiscent of the great jazz divas, yet decisively unique.  She is inspired by the musical artistry of Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Jimmy Scott, Etta Jones, Nancy Wilson and Sarah Vaughn.  Cynthia has a B.F.A. in Jazz Performance from the City College of New York.  She has received various scholarships and awards, including the Pro Musica Award for distinguished service to the cause of music at the College.  She has studied with Andy Bey, Sheila Jordan, Ann Marie Moss, Nancy Morano, Mike Holober, Dan Carillo, Atarah Hazzan and Steven Flam. 

After enrolling in a jazz workshop at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in the early 1990's, Cynthia found herself immersed in classic jazz standards and the Great American Songbook.  She also attended the workshops of jazz pianist Barry Harris and began to perform regularly at late-night jam sessions.  This provided her with opportunities to jam with some of the most talented musicians on the New York jazz scene at that time.  In addition to late-night jams, she also performed at the famed Village Gate every Monday evening.  Also around that time, she appeared with The Harper Brothers band during an engagement at Condon's. 

From 1993 to 1995, she worked with composer and bassist Bill Lee, who often referred to her as his "head trumpeter".  As a member and soloist in his jazz choir, her wide vocal range enabled her to sing various parts within his musical arrangements and original compositions.  Under the tutelage of this prolific bassist, she began to experiment with her abilities, as he encouraged her and exposed her to different musical ideas.  In 1994, she worked with baritone saxophonist Fred Ho, performing excerpts from his action-adventure opera "Warrior Sisters" as an ensemble cast member.  That year, she also auditioned for bassist Ron Carter and other faculty members of the City College of New York and was accepted into the Jazz Program.

In 1996, she was showcased at the Birdland (uptown) jazz club as an "up-and-coming" jazz vocalist.  In 1999, Cynthia celebrated her marriage, sang in a vocal ensemble which performed with legendary percussionist Max Roach, performed with the CCNY Big Band, completed her B.F.A degree and performed throughout the tri-state area with her trio. 

In 2000, she placed her musical aspirations on hold in order to focus primarily on family, although occasionally sitting in at jam sessions.  In 2006, she co-founded Harlem4Kids, an organization that provides enriching activities for children, special family events and support networks.  Cynthia has been sharing her love of jazz with her family and looks forward to performing again when the timing is right.