Nicole Zuraitis & Dan Pugach: Redefining Jazz While Advocating for Rescue Pit Bulls

Photo courtesy of Rankin for the Recording Academy®

Nicole Zuraitis and Dan Pugach are an award-winning couple who have built their careers through a long-standing residency at the renowned 55 Bar in Manhattan. Last year, Nicole received the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her self-produced project, “How Love Begins.” And this year, in a groundbreaking moment for the couple, Dan became the first Israeli jazz composer to win a Grammy for their collaborative album, “Bianca Reimagined: Music for Paws and Persistence.”

For over 15 years, Nicole and Dan have passionately worked to save pit bulls from euthanasia. Their music serves as a powerful vehicle for raising awareness about animal rescue, with a portion of the revenue from their album going directly to pit bull rescue organizations. “Bianca Reimagined: Music for Paws and Persistence” is dedicated to and directly inspired by the couple's former rescue dog, Bianca, and features songs dedicated to several dogs they’ve helped save over the years.

The 11-track album is composed mainly of virtuosic instrumental pieces that engage listeners in a captivating balancing act between rambunctious and cool, presenting an extremely refined sound of new-age jazz with strong big-band undertones and occasional hints of Latin and Bossa Nova influences.

The album reflects the couple’s experiences with various rescue dogs, particularly in the evocative track "Little Fears," which was also nominated for a Grammy this year and features Nicole on vocals. “Little Fears” was written from the perspective of a shelter dog gripped by uncertainty. It is one of 6 tracks from the album that features vocals and the 17-piece big band.

The harmonious blend of artistry and activism demonstrated by Nicole and Dan creates a compelling narrative of hope and inspiration. Their journey illustrates how music can catalyze social change and foster compassion for animals. Nicole exemplified this commitment through her performance at the Cantor Fitzgerald 9/11 Memorial Concert, where she generously donated her fee to support additional rescue initiatives.

Connect with Nicole Zuraitis and Dan Pugach.