Ashley St Pierre

Ashley fell in love with jazz in elementary school when she first heard a recording of Etta James singing "At Last". She began listening to as much of it as she could, learning most of her technique and repertoire from recordings. She enjoyed memorizing Ella Fitzgerald's scat solos and trying to imitate the great tone quality she was hearing in various singers. After high school she followed her heart to Hamilton where she studied jazz voice and composition on a 2 year full scholarship at Mohawk College. She graduated from the 3 year program with honours. Some of her teachers included Mike Malone, Dave McMurdo, Nick Deutch, Jason Logue and Chris Hunt. Ashley studied privately under Bob Hamper, Carol McCartney, Bonnie Brett, John Cheesman, and Kim Wythes. Ashley has acquired extensive experience in the music field having performed at an array of venues. Some of these include The Montreal Bistro, The Rex Jazz Club, The Junction Cafe and Lounge, Gate 403, The Ontario Science Centre, Queen's Landing Hotel, Fort Erie Race Track, Ancaster Golf and Country Club, Chateau des Charmes, as well as many weddings and corporate/social events. She has been called "a truly classy performer with a classic voice", and is said to have a "contagious enthusiasm". Her original music and singing has been played on 91.1 JAZZ FM radio. She has performed with such great musicians as Adrean Farrugia, Reg Schwager, Mike Malone, Dave McMurdo, Pat Collins, and Kevin Dempsey. Above all, she brings passion and integrity to her work. Ashley has just finished her debut album "Star Spinning". Musicians on the recording include: Mike Malone on trumpet/flugelhorn, Mike Murley on tenor sax, Adrean Farrugia on piano, Emile d'Eon on guitar, Mark McIntyre on bass, Mark Inneo on drums/percussion, Kevin Mendes on cajon, Bejamin Barrile on flamenco guitar, and Alexi Baro on trumpet. The recording is a collection of original jazz compositions and unique arrangements of jazz standards as well as a jazz twist on the Beach Boys tune "God Only Knows". Some of the highlights include the upbeat energetic title track "Star Spinning" with solos by Mike Murley, Mike Malone and Adrean Farrugia, the beautiful original "You're Not Here", and a haunting rendition of Michel Legrand's "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?" played as a piano/vocal duet by Ashley and Adrean. Ashley's debut "Star Spinning" will be available to buy online at www.cdbaby.com as well as in stores across the country.

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