Kilissa Cissoko sings her finely crafted, tuneful songs with jazz nuance and exuberant grace.  Classically trained and soulfully syncopated, her music embraces diverse influences. A naturally engaging performer, she plays on the balance of candid wit and emotional honesty. A prolific songwriter, she is currently in the midst of her "100 Songs" project, showcasing her ability to work in diverse forms and styles. Pre-release tracks can be heard at kilissa.com/music.

A multi-instrumentalist, Kilissa Cissoko brings a light, sophisticated touch to the piano as backup for her beautiful voice. In addition to songwriting she teaches music and gigs in groups covering reggae, jazz and rock—including the music of Frank Zappa. She enjoys to interpret jazz standards as well as songs by other female artists from classic to contemporary, such as Carol King, Roberta Flack, Norah Jones and Alicia Keys.

Kilissa Cissoko started out as an indie artist in the 90's with the acoustic/original duo The Jazzabels —which was notably the opening band for Ani DiFranco's first tape release party. The duo toured the USA and abroad, including: Kerrville Folk Festival (Texas), NxNE (Toronto), The Bitter End (NYC), CBGB Lounge (NYC), Club Passim (Boston), The Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago), Skippers (Tampa)...and more.

After a hiatus for motherhood—in 2005 Kilissa Cissoko returned to the stage as a solo artist at major venues at home and abroad. In her hometown Buffalo, NY she has performed at the Elmwood Festival of the Arts, Mamapalooza Buffalo Festival and Nietzsche's Nightclub, as well as intimate performances at cafes and community events. In January 2008 she was a featured artist at Ujima Theater, for which she was interviewed on the 88.7 WBFO Buffalo Avenues show. In August 2008 she recieved a New York Foundation for the Arts grant to travel to Germany where she performed at the Zappanale Festival of music by Frank Zappa.

Born in Baltimore, Cissoko was raised in Chicago where she got her musical start with the Chicago Children's Choir and children's musical theater. A classically trained flutist, she earned her BFA in Music Performance and Masters in Music Education from SUNY Buffalo, where she studied composition with Yvar Mikhashof. A multi-instrumentalist, she is accomplished on flute, sax, guitar, piano and percussion. In the 90's (concurrent with touring) she worked in the arts education trenches as Director of Musicians United for Superior Education bringing African drumming and dancing to children in Buffalo schools and community centers. She has taught at the University level, and gives clinics for music teachers. In addition to writing and performing she is currently teaches music in the Buffalo Public Schools. She is a proud Rocking Mom to a seven year old son.