Music
Press
"Jazz musicians who also have roots in progressive rock, especially the music of Yes, seem a very unlikely prospect, but with vocalist Brenda Carol, pianist Stephen Gardner, and their group ClaireVoyance, this is what we have, and it works beautifully. Make no mistake, this is a "real" jazz group, using acoustic instruments,... and not playing fusion or any of that watered-down "cool" stuff." - Bill Martin, associate professor of philosophy, DePaul University, Chicago author of Music of Yes and Listening to the future - Bill Martin, associate professor of philosophy, DePaul University, Chicago author of Music of Yes an
"Brenda Carol is one of the finest jazz vocalists singing today." - Lee Prosser, Jazz Review - Lee Prosser, JazzReview.com
"Carol has a well-rounded set of pipes.... [her] feathery croon wraps the lyrics in a warm caress. Carol's contributions on ["Lucky Seven"] respectfully recall shades of Joni Mitchell." - Derek Taylor, Cadence Magazine - Derek Taylor, Cadence Magazine
"This bright new singer is a welcome addition to the Canadian jazz scene and carries on the tradition of such luminaries as Chris Connor and June Christy. The young lady is a pure jazz singer in every sense of the word." - Richard Bourcier, Jazz Review - Richard Bourcier, JazzReview.com
"[Brenda Carol'] refreshingly makes the lyrics of a tune become like seeds flowering into a new life, vision, vitality and dimension. Whether wistful or joyous, she relays the many moods of each song directly, powerfully, yet beautifully." - Joanne Brackeen, jazz pianist/educator - Joanne Brackeen, Jazz Pianist/Educator
Discography
Brenda Carol, Self Titled, Darwyn Records (DR) 1998
Brenda Carol & ClaireVoyance - Live At HotHouse Cafe, Darwyn Records (DR) 2000
"An Evening Of Yes Music" Live, Unreleased 2005
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Brenda Carol has been professionally singing for over seventeen years. As a graduate of York University, Carol has studied and performed with such Canadian jazz talents as Steve Wallace, Lorne Lofsky, Stephen Crowe, Bill McBirnie and Stephen Gardner. Carol is a founding member and lead vocalist of the Toronto-based group, ClaireVoyance, who have appeared at several regional, national and international music festivals. In 1998, Brenda Carol released a debut self-titled CD to critical acclaim. Most recently, Carol & ClaireVoyance released Live At HotHouse Cafe garnering "CD of the Week" at Jazzreview.com.
As an educator and clinician for over thirteen years, Carol has worked with groups at the TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival and the DuMaurier Downtown Toronto Jazz Festival, the Toronto District School Board, private ensembles, independent recording artists and label represented artists. Carol is currently a private vocal instructor in Toronto, ON Canada and a performing/recording artist.
Brenda Carol is active in the Toronto music scene, teaching privately, playing at local restaurants, performing private and corporate functions, studio session work, and radio and television appearances. Carol has also been referenced in pedagogical literature regarding progressive rock and jazz music performance. Brenda Carol & ClaireVoyance are members of the Toronto Musicians Association (T.M.A.) and Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians (A.F. of M.). Brenda Carol and ClaireVoyance are on regular play list at JAZZ.FM91 and CBC RADIO. You can request her songs at these stations. If you know of more programs that could be playing Brenda Carol & ClaireVoyance, please let them know.
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