User:Cindymcleod

Cindy McLeod - Canadian jazz vocalist, recording artist, writer, producer

Canadian jazz vocalist Cindy McLeod performs a range of jazz and Latin music in the mainstream tradition. A talented lyricist, she brings a fresh face to jazz instrumentals written by the masters and a range of composers from Canada to Venezuela.

McLeod has shared the stage with fellow Canadian jazz notables such as pianist Miles Black, drummer Sandro Dominelli, pianist Linton Garner and saxophonist P.J. Perry, as well as international artists such as drum master Keith Copeland (Frankfurt), Quyen Van Minh (Vietnam) and bassist/composer Roberto Aymes (Mexico City), to name a few. www.cindymcleod.com

In 1996, Cindy released her critically acclaimed debut recording Easy Living, a rich collection of traditional and mainstream jazz that features the late trombonist Bob Stroup in the sextet setting. 2002 marked the release of CD Ask Me Now, a magical duo recording with long time collaborator and fellow recording artist, pianist Brian Buchanan. The limited edition album was released when Cindy was invited to perform in Hanoi, Vietnam, the first female jazz vocalist to appear in the Communist city. Her 2004 quintet release, Conversation With Love features Canadian saxophone giant PJ Perry, and New York drum master Keith Copeland. Cindy recently returned from a successful performance tour in Mexico City, where she performed with bass master/composer Roberto Aymes. Cindy's fourth CD, due for release in fall of 2007, was recorded live with Aymes & his trio at a concert performance at the Palacio de la Musica in Mexico City,in December, 2006.

Cindy is also recognized for her work as a writer. Her Jazz Elements website www.jazzelements.com has become the number one source for Canadian jazz and blues news, reviews, and interviews. She also contributes to other internet-based jazz and blues based sources, such as Jazz Review, ejazznews, and Jazz News in Belarus. One of her articles was recently published by the Canadian Music Institute of the University of Toronto (2006).

As one of two Producers of the Calgary International Blues Festival www.calgarybluesfest.com, Cindy has been instrumental in launching one of the largest blues music festivals in western Canada.

A recognized leader in Canadian jazz and blues, Cindy has been asked to sit on juries (2004, 2006, 2007) for major Canadian music awards organizations such as the Western Canadian Music Awards.