The Doreen Smith Trio performs at 9:30 pm on Saturday October 17, 2015 at the Baldachin Inn Restaurant.
Doreen Smith, a veteran of the Toronto blues and jazz scene, is the proverbial breath of fresh air. Blessed with rich tone and a natural talent for phrasing, Smith comes across as if she has been singing jazz since the day she was born.
Although she extemporizes (improvises), she knows that some parts of a song are good enough to do them “as is” – or else why do that song at all? She exudes subtlety and restraint, feeling over contortion, content over form. Smith does not perform, she sings, a distinction all too rare these days.
Doreen Smith’s musical knowledge and professionalism have led her to play with Juno nominee Bernie Senensky and rock legend Bo Diddley, to name but a few. Doreen has appeared with the Niagara Symphony orchestra as part of the Shaw festival. She has also been featured in the Toronto Blues Society’s Women in Blues review and appeared in many Canadian Jazz festivals including a week-long engagement at Biddle’s (now House of Jazz) during the Montreal Jazz Festival. “Ms. Smith has one of the most sensual voices I’ve heard in a long time”, said John Crossett of Sound Stage in May, 2001. The online magazine included Smith’s release A Tribute to Julie London on its list of the Top 20 Best recordings for that year.
Tim Bedner is a prolific guitarist and an award-winning teacher and performer. A modern lyrical composer and improviser, reviewers have called him “a talent and a force, playing with grace, style, passion and inventiveness.”
Tom Denison began his musical career in Ottawa 25 years ago. As a bass player and drummer, he has worked with such greats as Mel Tormé, Kenny Davern and the Smothers Brothers. Tom has also been a regular performer at the Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax jazz festivals.
Website: doreensmith.tripod.com
Doreen Smith — vocals
Tim Bedner — guitar
Tom Denison — bass