Canadian/International Jazz singer, Maureen Washington is one of Vancouver Island's most sought after vocalists. Her rich tones and captivating emotions have cultivated large audiences with her styling that encompasses the soul of Etta James, Carmen McRae and the modernity of Holly Cole. And yet she remains a voice of her own.
Maureen began her musical career in her home town of Prince George, British Columbia. Her vocal diversity lent itself to performances of blues, swing, jazz and funk with BOP, a band widely acclaimed as the best dance band in the Prince George region. Their versatile repertoire, ranging from Jazz and R&B classics to lively originals, brought them sold out crowds.
Now based in Victoria, British Columbia, Maureen continues to create new musical avenues and is blessed with a growing entourage of fans as she performs with duos to sextets, including as guest soloist for the Royal Canadian Naden Band.
Having had the honor of working with some of BC's best musicians, Maureen is an accomplished jazz and blues vocalist, songwriter, and instructor. In the winter of 2016, Maureen released her ninth album, “Harvest Moon”, working alongside West Coast producer, Joby Baker, who is known for his Juno and Grammy award-winning tracks.
A popular performer at a wide range of events and venues around British Columbia, including:
Victoria International Jazz Fest 2008 - 2019
Main-stage Performer 2017-2018 Vancouver Island Blues Bash
Main-stage Performer 2016 Pender Harbour Jazz Festival
Main-stage Performer 2015 & 2016 Salt Spring Island Garlic Festival
Main-stage Performer 2010 & 2015 Prince George Cold Snap Music Festival
Main-stage Performer 2004-2007 Prince George Music Festival
Awards and Memorable Moments:
2018 Opening for Vincent Herring
2017 Great Britain Tour - Camdan, Luton, Holmforth and Manchester
2016 Opening for Jazz Legend Joe Lovano
2015 Opening Act for The Blind Boys of Alabama's Christmas Show (Victoria)
2015 Performer for VIP Canada Winter Games guests
2014 Winner Black Canadian Awards for Best Jazz and Soul Artist
2014 Winner Monday Magazine~ Jazz and Blues Artist of the Year!!
2013 A third-round artist (Victoria regions top 5!) in CBC’s Searchlight Contest
2013 Winner Monday Magazine~ Jazz and Blues Artist of the Year!!
2012 Nominee Vancouver Island Music Awards for 'Best Live Act'
2011 Back up vocals on Canadian Folk Icon singer songwriter Valdy's 2011 album "Read Between The Lines"
2011 Winner Monday Magazine~ Jazz and Blues Artist of the Year!!
2011 Nominee Vancouver Island Music Awards for female vocalist of the year!!
Not one to rest on her laurels, Maureen has also worked as a singer-songwriter, vocal instructor, hosted and performed main stage for four years at the Prince George International Folk Fest, where she shared the stage with such musical luminaries as Bruce Cockburn, Janis Ian, Martyn Joseph, and has twice hosted festival clinics with Florida’s Lee Boys and Ruthie Foster and Canadian Indie rock singer and guitarist Amy Millan.
Passionate about the music, she has had the honor and privilege to personally work with some amazing musicians nationally and internationally.
Canadian musicians: Karel Roessingh, Miles Black, Joey Smith, Damian Graham, Russ Botten, Gene Hardy, Quinn Bachand, Jodi Proznick, Daniel Cook, Jerry Cook, Bryn Badel
UK Musicians: Barry Green, Tristan Maillot, Flo Moore, Jez Platt, Jeremy Sassoon
Maureen's effortless charisma, crystal-clear control, and room-filling stage presence is enough to inspire any audience to fall in love with jazz again.
Discography:
"Harvest Moon" 2016 Produced by Joby Baker
"Christmas Is" 2014
"Here We Go Again" 2010 Collaboration with Daniel Cook
"Blues in the Night" 2010
"Summertime EP" 2009
"Baby it's Cold Outside" 2005
"BOP" 2005
"Fly Away Be At Rest" 2004
"Beyond the Veil" 2003
