Experience in MUSIC
Nancy has been singing ever since she can remember. Throughout her childhood, her family’s ‘vinyl collection’ was diverse and therefore she grew up listening and appreciating various types of music. Her father is a violinist who has entertained country, bluegrass and jazz lovers alike. Growing up in Toronto, she had access to great broadway shows, her favourite being “Annie”.In Junior high school, Nancy played the understudy role to Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”.Realizing she had potential to lead a great play, her Director organized it so Nancy was able to play the Lead role in front of an audience, and was therefore lucky enough to sing the incredibly historic song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. This is the moment she realized how much she loved performing.
By the age of 13, she was singing in auditoriums and for weddings. She continued singing ‘in the shower’ with the idea of indulging herself when life settled down a bit.
Nancy’s love of the traditional jazz began during her early 20s while studying at university. She was first ‘turned on’ to Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable” CD and realized, as she sang along, that this was the type of music she was most comfortable with and what she had most fun singing. Her interests progressed from ‘the Coles’ to Franky-baby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nancy Wilson, as well as the ‘newbies’ of jazz such as Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall, Norah Jones.
Life hasn’t settled down much for the 34-year wife/public servant/interior decorator/step-mother of 2, and neither has her desire to sing. After having minor health issues during the early part of 2006, she decided that she didn’t want to postpone her longing to fulfill the musical void in her life, and started making phone calls - as “you only live once”.
Her father John Richard was the first to support her desire. He told Nancy that he’d gladly help her build a band if that was what she wanted to do. Next came John’s long-time musician and friend, Wilf Arsenault. Howard Tweddle, the multi-talented “bass player” was interested in trying his hat at piano, so he came aboard. And most recently, Rick Pearlman is a great addition on drums.