Jessica Lalonde
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | MAJOR
Music
Press
Twentysomething Midland native Jessica Lalonde serves up scrumptious interpretations of tunes such as, "Begin the Beguine" and "Isn't It Romantic," with a small combo and dreamy vocals that recall Anita O'Day and Jo Stafford. The unique arrangements that accommodate violinist Anne Lindsay and Bill King on a Hammond B3 organ buoy her compelling, torch singer pipes. Fans of '40s big bands will dig this disc. Lalonde's holding a free release show for her debut album at the Rivoli tomorrow at 6 p.m. -
Ashante Infantry
- Toronto Star
Jazz artist mines the past
Brian Towie, Metro Canada
10 February 2009 01:20
Spinning Daydreams is the latest album from jazz artist Jessica Lalonde.
Jessica Lalonde is all about the old school.
And she means really old school. The Toronto-based songstress recently released her debut album Spinning Daydreams, a jazz-styled collection of crooning and swinging covers from the big-band era of 1930s and ’40s.
It’s a genus close to the heart of the musical theatre vet and student of Italian opera program Centro Studi Lirica, who cites as inspiration female crooners of yesteryear such as Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Edith Piaf and Nina Simone. It’s also a far cry from her family’s tastes in music. Her parents are avid classic rock fans, and brother Luke Lalonde fronts indie rock movers and shakers Born Ruffians.
“If you believe in reincarnation, part of me almost thinks I lived during that time,” Lalonde laughs. “I spent a lot of time with my grandparents when I was little and that was their style of music. They would put on Tommy Dorsey and Vera Lynn. And there was just something about it that hit home. It always stuck with me.”
Produced by Canadian jazz aristocrat Bill King, the disc is a kind of introduction for old and new fans of the genre. Spinning Daydreams has a healthy mix of ballads and boppers, among them Cole Porter’s Begin The Beguine from the 1935 musical Jubilee and Rogers and Hammerstein’s Academy Award-winning 1945 hit It Might As Well Be Spring.
The collection, Lalonde says, was meant to invite new fans and inspire nostalgia. (The cover features a sepia-toned photo of her brandishing an old-fashioned microphone.)
“I picked a lot of my favourites, things I loved,” she said. “If it was up to me I’d be doing a lot of ballads, but you can’t do that on an album, you’ve got to have a balance.”
The seasoned singer now faces uncharted waters: She frets over Spinning Daydreams’ success, hoping her song choices will resonate with listeners as much as they have with her. But she continues to get her biggest thrill from winning over a crowd.
“Success to me is getting the opportunity to sing more,” she said. “There’s a terror to performing at first because you’ve got this crowd hundreds of people deep in front of you, but I think you need that in a way to put on a good show.”
- Metro News
Discography
Jessica Lalonde - "Spinning Daydreams" an 11 song cd that has recievd National airplay at all jazz radio stations including JazzFM and CBC jazz programs - all 11 tracks have been played
Photos
Bio
Jessica Lalonde is a native of Midland, Ontario. She has been singing since the age of five in music festivals, choirs, and as the lead vocalist for jazz ensembles and big bands. With such a distinct voice, genuine natural talent and undeniable beauty, she is making her dreams of a music career come true.
She grew up with parents that listened to classic rock and grandparents who loved the big band era.
A very pivotal moment for Lalonde was when she discovered Billie Holiday . “I literally became obsessed with her and then my musical voyage emerged from there.” she says. She also immersed herself in the music of other dynamic female artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Jo Stafford, Helen Forrest and Nina Simone. In addition, Jessica also developed a love for opera and classical music
Lalonde completed her Honors Bachelor of Music (2006) and her Opera Diploma (2007) at Wilfrid Laurier University. ”. In 2006, she was the winner of the Laurier Concerto Competition and the Stratford Civic Orchestra's Concerto Competition.
In the summer of 2007, she was invited to study at the Centro Studi Lirica Summer Opera Program in Novafeltria, Italy.
In late 2007, Lalonde made the decision to move to Toronto, and re-connected with life long family friend Rob Brooks. Rob had heard Jessica sing over the years, and had always wanted to do something with her. The time was right. “Hearing Jessica sing Billie Holiday and Judy Garland songs, while still a young child, told me she would only get better with experience.” says Brooks. Signing her to his Bloo&Wite Management company, and calling on his 35+ years in the music business, it wasn’t long before he had engaged legendary musician Bill King to steer the project.
says Lalonde. “I feel so privileged to be involved in a project, that I am so passionate about. Especially with people that share a similar vision and know how to make it all happen.”. The artists include not only King (who is arranging and producing the album), but also some of Canada’s most sought after musicians. These include: Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, kd lang, Cassandra Wilson), Davide DiRenzo (Jacksoul, Sophie Milman, Tomi Swick), Duncan Hopkins (Diana Krall, Mark Murphy, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass) and Ann Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, Dionne Warwick, The Chieftans).
The album is all covers and includes such engaging classics as “Slow Boat To China,” “You Belong To Me,” and “It Might As Well Be Spring.” It is especially fitting for Jessica to cover the Jo Stafford classic “You Belong To Me”. Lalonde often garners accolades for her similarities to the beloved American pop singer. She too is often admired for the purity of her voice and for being such a versatile vocalist, the way that Stafford was in her day.
Bill King’s arrangements have given the songs (mostly 1940 big band songs) a more modern acoustic feel. Sounding familiar, but new, and interpreted with a refreshing new voice, these versions will appeal to both young and old. Jessica Lalonde, her time has arrived.
CONTACT INFO:
Bookings,
Hummel Entertainment
Donnie Gagliardi
events@hummelentertainment.com
Publicist,
Nanci Malek
BENTertainment
bentertainment@rogers.com
Management,
Rob Brooks
Bloo & Wite Media Inc.
bloowite@gmail.com
Links
