Biography
A brief History:
Astrid was born and raised in the Netherlands. She developed her musical sensibilities early with the support of her father, well known conductor Wim Sars, who played organ and conducted Gregorian masses in cathedrals. At a young age Astrid sang in her father’s church choirs with her two sisters in the Netherlands
Her childhood was filled with music mostly listening to Classical music and Jazz.
Over a 15 year period of professional music making in Vancouver, Astrid also freelances in Canada, US and Europe.
Astrid released one EP and one CD under her name with a second CD to be released Spring 2009.
Important facts to note:
Astrid performed with spoken word artist “Leanne Averbach” and her New York trio on Sept 22, 2008 at “Barnes and Nobles Cabaret Series” on 65th and Broadway in New York City..
Astrid finished filming the "Turn me Loose" dance/art/music/film sponsored by BRAVO FACT and “The Canada Council for the Arts”.
Astrid is the actress and composer/performer in this short film.
Filmed July 25-27, 2008 on location in Vancouver and on Aug 9-10 on location in beautiful caribou country in Big Creek BC.
The film will be submitted to several film festivals in the spring of 2009 and shortly after that to be aired by BRAVO.
In the summer of 2008 Astrid performed with her quartet at the “In the House Festival” in Vancouver and in June 2008 she performed with her 6 piece band at the “Vancouver Jazz Festival” at the outdoor stage at Canada Place.
Astrid’s song “The Key” from her 2005 release “Red Umbrella” was licensed for an episode on the MTV/Logo television Series “EXES and OHS” and for the TV Series “Bloodties” both aired in 2007.
“The Key” was also licensed for an episode in Canadian TV Series “The Guard” 2008.
Here is some of the press “Red Umbrella” received:
The Globe and Mail
Going Out: Music
Publish Date: May 27, 2005
by Tony Montague
On the cover of Astrid Sars’ debut CD Red Umbrella the music is described as “global-retro/bossa urban–jazz chill”. That’s a lot to promise. Fortunately the Netherlands-born chanteuse, alto saxophonist, and songwriter delivers. Sars is one of the most experienced artists on the Vancouver jazz-lounge scene, and her recording is a sophisticated stylistic blend, characterized by tight arrangements, smooth vocals, and sultry ambience.
The Queue
Publish Date: July 21, 2005
by Mark Andrews
3 1/2 stars
Astrid Sars, who prefers a one name moniker, describes her debut CD as "global-Retro/Bossa, Urban Jazz/Chill with smooth vocals" which pretty much covers all bases. It is also a very hip recording, one which should find a good cross-section audience of young and old-school listeners.
As a vocalist, Astrid is kind of a cross between Bebel Gilberto and Sade: she'd be at home at a Brazilian carnival or an urban lounge. For the samba-beat Running Home, she lays down a silk-edged vocal as Kerry Galloway plays a Brazilian-style acoustic guitar (Galloway, who arranged and produced the record double-tracks guitar and bass on many of the songs, all of which were written by Astrid). She gives Heart a bluesy, chanteuse treatment, and utilizes electronic vocal manipulation for the easy moving Spinoff. Keyboards player Chris Gestrin and Cellist Finn Manniche combine beautifully on the ballad Turn me Loose.
Besides singing Astrid is also accomplished as an alto saxophonist and flutist, her alto sax just right for the slow-groove Eyes of Abraham, and her flute helping to propel You Gave Me Wonder.
Marc Xavier Leblanc
Host of (((la photo sonore))) on CKUM Radio J 93.5FM
Moncton NB
"Just like a nice cool breeze on a hot summer day Astrid sings us some refreshing new bossa sounds with hints of mellow pop melodies, jazzy passages and funky smooth grooves. The sounds are familiar but with a refreshingly nice vibe... a great remedy to warm up a room during those cold winter days... just pop it in and escape to that warm destination of your dreams."
Instrumentation
Astrid Sars Vocals/Alto sax and flute
Russell Schollberg/Bass
Rafael Geronomo/ percussion
Glenna Powrie/ Piano
Shawn Soucy/Drums
Finn Mannich/ Cello
Tim Sars/ Baritone Sax
Kris Mitchell/ Laptop
Discography
Discography:
As a leader:
1. the Rossinies EP 1992 independent release
2. Red Umbrella 2005 independent release
As a side vocalist, sax and flute player:
1. Rhythm of Humanity (Glenna Powrie, 2004)
2. Fever (Leanne Averbach, 2004)
Compilation CD:
The World of 96.fm volume 9 "The Key" 2007
Trendy Eastern Hong Kong 2 High note Int'l "Red Umbrella" released Jan 2009
Bali A Hip Island Vol 3 "Heart" to be released May 2009
Links
| http://www.astridmusic.com |
| astrid's website |
| myspace link |