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 Čolović, and drummer Mario Gonzi, forming a powerhouse quartet that brings her vision to life. 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.