A native of Santa Monica, California, Courtney has been active musically since elementary school. Her early performances include fundraisers with such acclaimed artists as Natalie Cole and Robert Winter, as well as her solo Jazz debut at 15 with Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton. Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Eva Cassidy, Fiona Apple and Billy Holliday all inspired her to investigate a wide range of genres.
This appreciation for a wide pallet of musical styles lead her to the Jazz and Contemporary Program at Manhattan's prestigious New School University, of which she is a recent graduate with a high respect for the blues due to her studies with the incredible pianist Junior Mance. Now back in Santa Monica, she recently recorded her debut CD ?Stay With Me? teaming her with Grammy winner Mike Acosta as a co-writer, Producer and Saxophonist. Mr. Acosta is known as the creative genius behind the original Brian Setzer Orchestra, for which her served as Musical Director, Arranger and featured soloist. For her first full-length recording he surrounded her with Grammy nominees and LA session players to add experience to her youthful sound. This combination of youth and experience propels her music on a journey through several of her favorite styles yet still sounds unique.