A new singer is on the rise, and although you may have already seen her in concert, seen her on CBC television in her recent episode of Absolutely Vancouver, or heard about her through a friend of a friend, you will soon discover that this talented young lady is making a real dent in the Canadian jazz scene with her strong contribution of artistry and talent.
Jaclyn Guillou will be performing at the Arts Station in Fernie on Saturday, October 19 at 8 pm.
“I'm very inspired to create new music, particularly music that I can perform with a quintet,” said Guillou. “I often think about what I want the instruments to sound like and compose for my own particular band members. In the past I used to write the melody/lyrics together and then would add the harmony (chords) to the song. But lately all of my new compositions have transpired from the piano, working with music first and then adding the lyrics afterwards, but definitely not ignoring their importance. The lyrics are crucial for me, because my role as a singer is to be the storyteller, so I must believe in what I'm singing about.
“I've taken the approach of writing closer to what my roots in music are: classical and musical theatre. I need music that has long lines and some sort of rhythmic concept, unless it's a ballad. And in that case I need a lot of harmony and space from the rhythm. I've been composing new music recently that incorporates thematic ideas with a strong melodic line supported by rich harmony. To be honest, the melodies just appear in my head out of nowhere.”
Guillou is a west coast singer, born and raised in North Delta, BC. She has been a performer since she was a very young child and has worked all over the world in multiple facets of the entertainment industry as an actor, dancer and singer. She has been featured in jazz festivals across the country and spent numerous seasons performing with companies such as the Arts Club Theatre Company, one of Canada's longest running theatre companies to ever exist.
Jaclyn Guillou will be performing a mix of original music from her debut album “To The City,” jazz standards and classic tunes. She will preview new songs from her upcoming album that is currently in progress, to be released next year on the Vancouver jazz record label Cellar Live.
“I have tapped into new layers of my emotional capacity as a vocalist, and as I get more involved with doubling up for myself as a composer and lyricist, I can get to the source of why I sing,” said Guillou. “It's an amazing soulful place to be. I know that technical ability is extremely important but being cautious to not forget who you are, where you come and why you do it are all crucial factors to being a truthful artist.”
Guillou will be performing with her quintet which features one of Canada's hidden treasures and star of the film “Bruno's Blues,” Bruno Hubert on piano. The group also includes fellow BC artists David Blake on guitar, James Meger on bass and Andrew Millar on drums.
Tickets now available at The Arts Station, Freshies, Carosella, and online (jaclynguillou.eventbrite.com)
Jazz Pass Inclusion. The cost for members is: $15/adults $10/youth; nonmembers: $20/adults $14/youth (under 18).