Difference between revisions of "Aileen Lombardo"

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Who is Aileen Lombardo?

Aileen Lombardo was nominated for a 2005 Juno Award for her CD - "Living Water" for the category of Contemporary Christian/ Gospel Album of the Year.

“I always dreamed of being a singer and giving back what I have received from the Lord,” said Aileen Lombardo, who is also a songwriter. Her journey began when at eight the Toronto native made her singing debut at an elementary school talent show. Thereafter, she continued to sing at many other events.

At 16, Aileen was signed to a six-year record deal with Toronto-based Iron Music. However, two years later she left Toronto to pursue fame and fortune in New York City. Aileen’s decision to find her own way is similar to the life of the prodigal son. Unhappy and unfulfilled by her lifestyle in pursuit of stardom, Aileen entrusted her life to the Lord and returned to Canada, a decision that was emotionally life changing.

However, with the support of her family, the healing process began. The work Aileen had done in Toronto as the featured vocalist on a CD for BMG Music was distributed shortly after her return from New York. Then, in 1999, Iron Music was set to release yet another CD but Aileen declined the offer, citing her renewed commitment to Christ and a desire to sing gospel music.

By then Aileen was a soloist with the multi-award winning Toronto Mass Choir (TMC), providing uplifting gospel music to enthusiastic audiences across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Europe.

In 2004, Aileen’s eight years of experience with the Juno Award winning Toronto Mass Choir reached new heights with the February release of her first solo gospel CD, Living Water, which won four Covenant Awards, the Canadian Gospel Music Association’s annual celebration. By February 2005, the Juno Awards nominated the CD for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year, just a few days after Aileen headlined at the annual Hosanna Gospel event on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.

Aileen’s Covenant Awards include Female Vocalist of the Year; Song of the Year and Inspirational and Gospel Song of the Year for If I Believe written by fellow TMC member Kerroy Williams. Her rendition of Under His Wings also won Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year. As well, in 2004, another track from the CD, This is the Lord’s Doing, was nominated for the Urban Music Association of Canada’s Gospel Recording of the Year.

The 12-track CD, produced by Carmon Barry at Emmanuel Recording Studios, is a mix of Contemporary Christian and gospel music. “Inspiration for the CD title came from John Chapter 4 where Jesus talks about being the living water,” Aileen said. She skillfully demonstrates her talent on the tracks Trust Him and Just to be with you, which she wrote. Aileen also helped to pen Renew In Me and adds Latin flavour and her Italian heritage to the CD with We Love it Here and Watching and Waiting.

Living Water is the first CD release for HMS Music Inc., a recording label that helps artists to extend their reach through more refined marketing and distribution channels.

In the summer of 2000, Aileen toured the church circuit in Italy. She has appeared on the television program 100 Huntley Street and performed at Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto City Hall and York University. She has also accompanied and shared the stage with several Canadian and International gospel artists including Alvin Slaughter, Hiram Joseph, Tramaine Hawkins and Take 6.

In 2001, Aileen graduated from Tyndale University College & Seminary with a Bachelor degree in Religious Education. Through the recommendation of a fellow choir member she is a part-time children’s music teacher. Aileen’s volunteer experience has included mentoring at-risk teens through the faith-based charity Youth Unlimited/Youth for Christ.

In September 2003, the Toronto Mass Choir travelled to Italy to participate in Napoli’s Festival Arzano. There, Aileen worked double duty as a choir soloist and translator to the group, helping Italians to better understand the choir’s ministry through traditional and Caribbean styles of gospel music.

“For several years, Aileen has been a keen learner and a dedicated member of Toronto Mass Choir. We are proud to see her launch her solo ministry with Living Water,” said choir Executive Producer Oswald Burke. “This is an excellent example of the choir serving as a musical ministry training ground for local musicians, writers and singers,” he said Although Aileen has developed her solo career she still remains a part of the choir, which continues to support her.

With accolades including a Juno Award and a Canadian Gospel Music Association prize under her belt as a Toronto Mass Choir member, and four more CGMA awards for the release of her first solo gospel CD, Aileen’s aspiration to share her faith through music has been raised to new levels.

Concord, Ontario, Canada

Contact Aileen Lombardo

web site: http://www.aileenlombardo.com

GraceNote.com listings:

Album "Living Water" 2003