Media Release

For Immediate Release: September 9 2009

New York Pianist/Composer/Vocalist
BRENDA EARLE
Presents "Songs For A New Day"
Saturday, October 3rd 9:45-12:30am

At The Rex - 194 Queen Street West

TORONTO - Jazz vocalist/pianist/composer Brenda Earle is back in Canada promoting her new CD "Songs for A New Day" featuring Ted Quinlan, guitars; Mike Downes, bass; Anthony Michelli, drums.

A Sarnia native, Earle moved to Toronto in the mid-1990s to attend York University for jazz piano. "My experience at York University was paramount in the development of my passion for music." Six years later, Earle was a staple of the Toronto jazz scene playing as a leader and sideman at the Rex and at the now-defunct Top O the Senator and Montreal Bistro. She recorded three CDs during that time, which gained critical acclaim in Canada, the US and abroad.

She departed Toronto in 2000, and flew south looking for adventure where she ended up as a top-ranked performer on Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships. Her next stop was New York City, where she has been for the last seven years.

"New York is full of Canadians," she says. "I find that I am drawn to them every where I go." And New York has been a great boon to Brenda’s career. Brenda has performed at some of the top venues in the United States, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the Ravinia Festival in Chicago. She has performed extensively at festivals and clubs in the US with the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and her own ensembles. She has even traveled as far as New Zealand.

"I toured New Zealand in support of my last CD Happening," she says. "It was a tremendous experience to see the country and experience the people, who are strikingly similar to Canadians. They are friendly, welcoming and hilarious."

Brenda has become an in-demand clinician and teaching artist. She is on faculty at the New York Summer Music Festival and has given master classes at high schools and colleges internationally. In fact, she will be presenting a master class with local schools on this trip to Calgary. Brenda is also well known as a choral conductor and composer and has composed over 100 works for voices, big band, jazz ensemble and orchestra.

The new CD "Songs for a New Day" chronicles the shift that has taken place in her life. "So may things have happened over the last few years musically and personally, not to mention in the world at large. I feel like there are a lot of songs that people can relate to." This project features her New York band, with Brenda’s original compositions and unique arrangements.

"...a breezy delight."
~ Time Out New York

"Her keyboard work throughout embodies lyrical melody, deft harmonies and smart pacing..."
~ The Toronto Star

"...the first to stand out was pianist-singer Brenda Earle, whose talent gracefully bridges jazz and pop."
~ The Washington Post

This is Brenda Earle’s first appearance in Toronto since 2005. An exciting and rare opportunity to hear her perform on Canadian soil!

w - brendaearle.com

MEDIA CONTACT: Please contact Catherine Fawcett @ Cat*PR cat@catpr.ca