Biography
Musically influenced by her traditional Franco-Ontarian family, singer-songwriter and gifted multi-instrumentalist Collette Savard adeptly sings, writes, and, plays guitar, dulcimer, banjo and ukulele. Now based in Toronto she has seamlessly incorporated more urban jazz and pop-oriented sensibilities into her writing and composition, crafting a soulful new style of folk music which is completely her own. Her intelligent hooks, insightful lyrics and silky voice, coupled with the multi- instrumental stylings and production savvy of her music partner and collaborator John Zytaruk (respected producer for Buck 65 and more) have made for a startlingly refined entrée into the music scene. Like Savard, Zytaruk is a multi-instrumentalist par excellence. He adds a perfect complement of guitars, lap steel, banjo, and mandolin to her mix. As a live duo, they often carry eight instruments to each performance, creating a rich and amazingly full sound. Many listeners feel they sound like a full band even though they number only two on stage. This is probably due to the intricate arrangements, the constantly shifting sonic textures and the varied repertoire , the bulk of which features Collette's original song-writing but also includes choice covers of everything from Doc Boggs to George Gershwin, Robert Johnson, Warren Zevon, or even The Jackson Five rendered on dulcimer and acoustic guitar.
Since the release of her critically-acclaimed 2005 debut CD, a collection of self-penned gems from her earlier songwriting years entitled “Most Improved Cheerleader,” Savard and Zytaruk have been mesmerizing audiences across Ontario and Quebec with performances marked by intricate arrangements which sound deceptively yet elegantly simple, and their engaging stage rapport. It is not surprising that Savard has also spurred the imaginations of some of Canada’s most prominent creative minds:
An avid fan, cartoonist Lynn Johnston describes the music of Savard as “Truly worth listening to. A unique, bluesy folk sound with soul-searching lyrics."
Guido Basso raved: “I listened and I listened and I fell in love. Collette’s voice is my favourite voice.” Basso, a Juno award-winning flugelhorn player, was so taken with Collette’s voice that he was quick to offer his stellar playing for her first CD.
Robert Reid of the Kitchener Record writes "she's a captivating songwriter who paints with a broad acoustic palette, there's a little bit of Sarah Harmer in Savard, but comparisons are superfluous. She and Zytaruk make their own, sweet music together."
On her second CD “Zen Boyfriend” (released in May 2008) Savard has once again joined forces with music partner and producer John Zytaruk. On it, they have managed to capture the magic of their live show through an increased emphasis on acoustic instruments and intimate performances. Their powerful duo sound is enhanced by a host of talented guest musicians: Juno-award winning Richard Underhill (baritone sax), Saskia Tomkins (violin & viola), Eve Goldberg (vocals), Adam Warner (drums) and Wes Neal (acoustic bass).
Like her first CD release of originals, musically this one takes the listener on a journey of varied emotions and musical genres, lyrically inspired by Savard’s keen observations and empathy for the world and people around her. She is excited to note that: “Since the first album's release, I began translating my musical approach to other instruments (than guitar). So on this new CD, I have a batch of fresh new songs composed on dulcimer and ukulele.”
This past summer has seen Collette and John taking their music to events around Ontario such as the Folkus Concert Series at the Old Town Hall in Almonte where Collette used her uncanny ability to weave storytelling and quirky humour around her songs. Other appearances included a well-received show at the Artist's Lodge on Amherst Island as well as return engagements at Toronto institutions such as The Free Times Cafe and The Cameron House. Recently Collette and John took their music into a high school in Elmvale where Collette conducted workshops in songwriting and the students learned about instruments such as the dulcimer, banjo and lap steel and how they can be used to make a variety of music. A return engagement with the Stellula Music in Schools program has been confirmed for May of 2009 where Collette and John will participate in workshops along with such notable acts as The Creaking Tree String Quartet and The Good Lovelies. In the meantime Collette had already begun work on her next recording, this one very near and dear to her heart; a collection of songs which will share all-Canadian themes. She also hopes to include some traditional music in this project, which will be reflective of her Franco-Ontarian roots.
Instrumentation
Collette Savard: lead vocals, acoustic guitar, dulcimer, banjo, ukulele
John Zytaruk:acoustic guitar, mandolin, lapsteel, banjo, back vocals
(act also plays as a four-piece with rhythm section)
Discography
CD: "Most Improved Chearleader" released June 2005. Second CD "Zen Boyfriend" released May 2008 at The Cameron House in Toronto.
Links
| http://www.collettesavard.com |
| Visit Collette on MySpace |
| Visit John on MySpace |