Maureen has built a large repertoire of classics and discovered new gems to compliment her unique sound. Kennedy discovered jazz music in her twenties while studying six years with Fred Stone, a Canadian trumpet player and flugelhorn player. Under his guidance, she developed a pure sound and a restrained vibrato style. Ms. Kennedy has performed with many of Canada’s most accomplished jazz musicians at various venues throughout the years. She was able to sing two nights at Cory Weeds Cellar Jazz Club this summer with Bill Coon and Vancouver saxophonist Cory Weeds. This Is Always is her debut album. It features classic standards, including rare compositions by Alec Wilder, Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. Nancy Walker’s arranging skills are also showcased on covers of Nick Drake and Sandy Denny folk songs. Along with Nancy Walker (double bass), Anthony Michelli and Kieran Overs are also on the recording. Ted Ono, the producer of Out of the Shadows is Maureen Kennedy. Her second CD, Out of the Shadows, says that Maureen Kennedy’s warm and round sound is both charming and refreshing. She sings without being too formal while keeping her jazz identity. “What Maureen Kennedy and her four talented accompanists achieve here is the art and craft of good mainstream jazz that kind listeners find both comforting, and enticing.” Maureen’s extensive musical knowledge has been invaluable in her role as a Media Librarian at the CBC in Toronto. She catalogues music, archival arts and entertainment programming. This has allowed her to gain insight into Canadian jazz history. from http://www.maureenkennedy.com
