Home » Jazz News » Interview

115

Why a Folk-Rocker Switched to Jazz

Source:

Sign in to view read count
It wasn't all that long ago that Chantal Chamberland was known for singing folk-rock as part of acoustic duo Open Mind. But the Quebec-born, Dundas-based chanteuse is on her fourth jazz album, The Other Woman, just nominated for three Hamilton Music Awards.

Bolstered by a fine complement of local jazz musicians, such as pianist Robi Botos and trumpeter Guido Basso, the disc showcases her sultry pipes on standards such as “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" and “What a Difference a Day Makes" alongside contemporary tunes like Sade's “By Your Side" and “All I Ask of You" from Phantom Of The Opera.

Chamberland spoke with the Star in advance of her quintet show at Hugh's Room next week.

Q: Why did you switch from folk-based music to jazz?

A: When Open Minds split up I did a couple of rock albums and then decided that I was getting a little too old to be rocking it out. I took two years off (1998-2000) and then decided to try contemporary jazz.

Q: What was your familiarity with the genre?

A: I was raised by my grandmother, so there was always jazz playing in the house; mostly vocalists, like Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Shirley Horn and Ella Fitzgerald, of course. I discovered more of the instrumentalists later on in life. I guess maybe subconsciously it was always there for me.

Q: The jazz folks can be kind of snooty. How were you received?

A: I was always careful, I've never referred to myself as traditional jazz. I always use “contemporary," because I didn't want to offend the big traditional jazz people and assume that I was going to take my place in the jazz music. It was bringing some of my folk-rock and rock style and incorporating it with the jazz.

Q: I don't recall hearing any scatting on The Other Woman.

A: No, no scatting for me. I just leave that out. I love it, but for me there was one scat goddess and that's Ella Fitzgerald. Nobody can do it the way she does it.

Q: How does this album differ from your last three records?

A: There's more of a big-band feel with the production and musicians. Also, I've had rheumatoid arthritis almost 20 years now and for the past two years I've been feeling so good, because I'm on a new medication. So it was the first time I was recording an album where I wasn't in pain. Vocally, I'm a lot more relaxed and musically you can feel it. I feel awesome. I've lost weight. I golf. I ride my bike. I'm 42 and I feel like I'm 22.

Continue Reading...

Visit Website

Comments

Tags

News

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.