Melody Gardot (born February 2, 1985) is a Grammy-nominated American singer, writer and musician in Philadelphia, though she considers herself a "citizen of the world". She has been influenced by such blues and jazz artists as Judy Garland, Janis Joplin, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Stan Getz and George Gershwin as well as Latin music artists such as Caetano Veloso. Her music has been compared to that of Nina Simone.
Gardot follows the teachings of Buddhism, is a macrobiotic cook and humanitarian who often speaks about the benefits of music therapy. She has visited various universities and hospitals to speak about its ability to help reconnect neural pathways in the brain, improve speech ability, and lift general spirits. In 2012, it was reported that she had given her name to a music-therapy program in New Jersey.
Melody Gardot, is back with the deluxe version of her 4th studio album, 'Currency of Man'. The Artist's Cut includes extended tracks and interludes from Melody herself. The highly-anticipated 'Currency of Man' is an intensely creative milestone, transcending musical distinctions of jazz, blues and R & B, to offer a stirring social and musical statement. On the new album, Melody joins forces again with Grammy Award-winning producer Larry Klein. This striking musical partnership saw their last collaboration, 2009's 'My One and Only Thrill', Sell over 1.5 million copies, and Produce Songs That have Become Modern Classics.
'Currency of Man' marks A Substantial leap Forward Indeed, as we See Gardot Take her gift for songwriting in a completely different direction to her last record, the critically acclaimed release 'The Absence'.