Jazz vocalist Sophie Milman is a sophisticated and torchy singer with a bent toward American popular songbook standards. Born in Russia of Jewish heritage, Milman spent much of her childhood in Israel before her family emigrated to Toronto, Canada in the early '90s. Having sung from a young age, the then-teenaged Milman was already familiar with such iconic vocalists as Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia Jackson, and Stevie Wonder. In 2004, a chance performance at "Real Divas" night -- a local Toronto jazz series -- brought Milman to the attention of producer Bill King, who then secured a few showcase performances for the burgeoning star. Subsequently, Milman signed a recording contract with Linus Entertainment and released her self-titled debut album. Make Someone Happy followed on JVC in 2007. ~ Matt Collar