Lilimae

LILIMAE (Lili Maljic)

With The Nearness Of You – In Loving Memory of Jim Rotondi, Lili offers more than a collection of standards—this is a cohesive artistic statement that reveals her voice as both interpreter and innovator. Her sensitivity to the material, collaborative spirit, and musical curiosity place her firmly among the most exciting new jazz vocalists to emerge from Europe.

NOW Available on all major streaming platforms and through select physical retailers.  Listen here!

MUSICIANS: Lili Maljic – vocals, Oliver Kent – Piano, Miloš Colovic – Bass, Mario Gonzi – Drums, Jim Rotondi – Trumpet

With The Nearness Of You – In Loving Memory of Jim Rotondi, Lili offers more than a collection of standards—this is a cohesive artistic statement that reveals her voice as both interpreter and innovator. Her sensitivity to the material, collaborative spirit, and musical curiosity place her firmly among the most exciting new jazz vocalists to emerge from Europe. The Nearness of You – In Loving Memory Of Jim Rotondi is available now on all major streaming platforms and through select physical retailers.

Austrian-based jazz vocalist Lili Maljic steps boldly into the spotlight with The Nearness of you – In Loving Memory of Jim Rotondi, her highly anticipated debut album. With a voice that evokes the timeless essence of vocal jazz and a sensibility rooted in deep musical storytelling, Lili Maljic presents ten carefully chosen standards—each reimagined with distinctive arrangements, emotional insight, and an impressive supporting cast. The record features acclaimed trumpeter and arranger Jim Rotondi, pianist Oliver Kent, bassist Miloš Colovic, and drummer Mario Gonzi, forming a powerhouse quartet that brings her vision to life.

More about Lili:

Jazz Vocalist · Pianist · Arranger
Born in Paraćin, Serbia, and classically trained from the age of nine, Lili Maljic is a jazz vocalist, pianist, and arranger celebrated for her warm tone, lyrical phrasing, and deep musicality.

After winning multiple international piano awards—including laureate prizes at Donne in Musica and national competitions in Serbia—Lili transitioned from classical piano to jazz, discovering her vocal talent under the mentorship of Serbian jazz icon Jelena Jovović.

She holds a degree from the Music and Arts Private University of Vienna (MUK) and is now an active member of the Austrian jazz scene. Lili has performed at Jazzland Vienna, appeared on ORF Ö1 Jazznacht, and collaborated with artists such as Joris Dudli, Oliver Kent, Mario Gonzi, Andy Middleton, and Danny Grissett. She also leads her own ensemble, the Miss Mae Quintet.

Full album debuted September 12, 2025

REVIEWS:

Jonathan Widran – The JW Vibe  “…the fact that Maljic is also an accomplished songwriter hopefully means she’ll be sharing her own material with us in the future as well.”

Making a Scene  Dee Dee McNieil “She has great potential and brings us two hands-full of songs we know and love that feature her talents as a vocalist and musical arranger.”

Russell Trunk’s  “Furthermore, her sensitivity to the material, collaborative spirit, and musical curiosity place her firmly among the most exciting new jazz vocalists to emerge from Europe.”

JazzViews  Tim Larsen “The Nearness of You doesn’t feel like a debut—it feels like the work of someone who’s already found her voice, with a band that knows exactly how to support it.”

Skope  “When a debut arrives framed as a memorial, the stakes feel different, and this record feels like both a tribute and a quiet showcase of a young artist stretching into her identity.”