Iva Ambush decided to pursue a professional singing career three months after returning to her birthplace, Frederick, Maryland, in 1993. After the third lay off, the decision was made to take control of her life, and with the LORD as the key figure -- she set her mind on bringing forth her message with music and song.

Iva was raised in York, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of several choirs and groups. She also tried her hand at several plays and short act follies, but after the birth of her son and daughter she focused on motherhood.

Some time later and after several visits to Virginia, Iva had a renewed interest in music and acting. She moved her teenage children to Norfolk, and landed a small part in the musical "Purlie." Life was fine in Virginia, but there was something missing -- her family in Frederick County.

The Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area has proven to be a haven of good music and wonderful people. Iva completed an "Emerging Artists Workshop" with Ronnie Wells at the Elliston Studio for Jazz Studies in 1999 and private lessons with bebop legend, Sheila Jordan in 2000. Iva continued studying with Ms. Jordan at a two week vocal Workshop on Improvisation, Jazz In July in 2000 and 2001. The workshop consisted of Resident Trios offering a small group of vocalists a supportive environment. There, Iva explored concepts of jazz phrasing and rhythms, and learned the rudiments of preparing lead sheets. The intense master classes with Sheila Jordan, Dr. Horace Boyer, and Jay Clayton combined with rehearsal allowed Iva to grow immensely. Some of the other instructors include Dr. Billy Taylor, Dr. Bro. Yusef Lateef, Prof. Charles Ellison and Dr. Frederick Tillis.

Ms. Ambush is putting the finishing touches on her first self-produced CD with the help of her cousin, mentor, and fellow musician Scott Ambush, Bassist for Spyro Gyra. The final six songs are being engineered at this time, which include two originals. Gathering an extraordinary group of local talents, Wes Biles, Art Cobb, and Wade Beach, Torch Songs has been receiving some excellent reviews and considerable airplay on WPFW 89.3 FM, Washington DC. Release is set for Fall, 2001.

Keep an eye out for Iva Jean! She intends to continually educate herself about the art of JAZZ with the help of those that have lived and are living this music.

Keep Jazz aLIVE!

"Iva has a unique sense of phrasing."
Bro. Yusef Lateef Legendary reed player, composer, teacher

"Billie Holiday and Mabel Mercer are smiling down from heaven at you..."
Charles Ellison, Trumpeter International teacher and artist

"I'm passing you the baton to carry on my work...."
Ernie Andrews, jazz vocalist

"YEH!" he said and bowed as acknowledged and accompanied me through two songs.
Lester Bowie

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