Elizabeth Shepherd

Elizabeth Shepherd pushes the boundaries of what is considered conventional jazz, all the while creating a sound completely her own. From the Jazz Cafe in London, England, to the Cotton Club in Tokyo, Elizabeth has captivated audiences and critics on both sides of the pond. Voted NOW Magazine’s Best Toronto Vocalist in 2007 and Best Toronto Jazz Vocalist in 2006, Elizabeth has created a niche for herself in her chosen hometown—no easy feat. She was recently nominated for her first Juno in the Vocal Jazz Album of the Year category. Elizabeth's debut album, Start to Move, continues to receive critical acclaim and made it into the Top 3 Jazz albums of 2006, as voted by the listeners of the Gilles Peterson show on BBC Radio 1.

Although her debut album Start to Move can be found in the jazz section at your local music shop, Elizabeth's blend of jazz-funk, soul, blues and samba reaches far beyond the jazz massive. The follow-up release Besides, further expands Elizabeth’s musical diversity as a collection of dance floor remixes and B sides.

Elizabeth strives to push the boundaries of what is considered conventional jazz to create a sound that is all her own. Raised by ministers of the Salvation Army Band, an early exposure to the Army band sounds mixed with her love for house, disco, classical and hip hop, lay the foundations for this soulful musician. Trained extensively in conservatories from Alberta to France, Elizabeth completed a degree in music from McGill University, Montreal. Elizabeth emerged onto the Toronto jazz scene and has already established herself as someone to be watched.

Elizabeth does not count herself as a “jazz performer” she does not define herself by one sole musical genre. Her music comes straight from the soul—it's not just what she does, it's what she loves. Elizabeth is constantly redefining the way people think about jazz.