Brenda Lewis, Jazz/Roots Vocalist

NOVEMBER 2015 - Brenda has a brand NEW JAZZ CD: "Far & Near" receiving airplay on JAZZ FM Toronto & CBC Radio across Canada! It's already receiving rave reviews. Mark Rheaume (CBC Radio Canada) writes: "The term "high wire act" is often tossed around to describe recordings where a singer is backed by only the most minimal number of players. That's the premise behind Far & Near, but between Lewis's always strong singing, expert choice of material, and a small group that delivers big, the thrill in this case comes entirely from the music." Originally from eastern Ontario, BRENDA LEWIS is what is known as a "natural singer". For over two decades, since moving “west” (near Toronto!) she has been singing professionally - most of those years as a jazz vocalist, performing with some of Canada's finest jazz musicians, including long-time music partners: guitarist MARGARET STOWE, guitarist and Juno Award-winning producer TONY QUARRINGTON, and, JOHN ZADRO (pianist). In 2010, she released the CD: “JAZZLIKE, a collection of cover songs by some of her favourite musicians whose compositions fit within the jazz idiom. Four of these songs are penned by celebrated CANADIAN songwriters. Jazz guitarist extraordinaire MARGARET STOWE joins Lewis on this recording - a recording which displays the versatility of both musicians and evidences their sheer joy of performing together. Previous to jazz, Lewis’ background was in the folk/country blues genres - in acclaimed Guelph, Ontario eclectic duo: "LEWIS & MOLESWORTH" (aka “HURT & RUN”), and, NONIE CRETE (THOMPSON), along with R&B/funk/gospel/blues. She still enjoys success performing in these genres (currently in a new VOCAL HARMONIES DUO with GAYLE ACKROYD!) - and their influences add diversity to her jazz standards repertoire - all sung in the spare yet emotive traditions of Ella, Julie London and Marlene Dietrich. This versatile mix captivates both the jazz audience and her long-time folk/ R&B fans. Lewis’ CDs have received radio airplay on the CBC, BBC and JAZZ-FM 91.1 TORONTO. Prior to her first jazz CD: “LEWIS, WILSON & SHAW: TRIO SESSIONS”, Brenda recorded three folk/roots CDs (with Lewis & Molesworth, and, with NONIE CRETE). As well, she has guested on many other artists' CDs. She has been featured in numerous concert series including The MicMichael Art Gallery, Brookside Concert Association (Midland Cultural Ctre), Halton’s Jazz at the Museum, Flying Beaver Pubaret Cabaret Series (Toronto), Kitchener’s Jazz at the Registry, Uptown Waterloo Concert Series, Waterloo Regional Arts Centre Jazz Series, Arkell Schoolhouse Gallery), and, festivals (including 1000 Islands Jazz & Blues Festival , Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival, Guelph Jazz Festival, Merrickville's Jazz Festival, Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival, Uptown Oakville Jazz Festival, Hillside Festival and Festival of Friends. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Brenda feels especially honoured to have been asked to sing in tribute concerts for 2 stellar Canadian artists who have deeply influenced her musically: "FESTIVAL OF FRIENDS" 2009's "MEMORIES OF JACKIE WASHINGTON" and, the COLLEEN PETERSON MEMORIAL CONCERT (alongside “Quartette”) at HUGH'S ROOM, Toronto.

Toronto, ON