| Classically
trained, highly educated and accomplished, obviously
talented and completely down to earth is the winning
package that is Glennis Houston. These elements support
her musical soul, bringing us a voice that is undeniably
alluring.
Glennis credits the origins of her talent to the rhythms
of the swing and big band era that filled her childhood
home with the sounds of Duke Ellington, the Dorsey brothers
and Glen Miller. Teachers of ballroom dance, her parents'
appreciation for music was a tremendous influence on
Glennis and the nurturing of her musical pursuits. Her
outstanding accomplishments include being on the Dean's
List throughout her studies for her Bachelor of Music
(University of Calgary, 1992), a Masters of Music from
the University of Colorado, Boulder (1994), and beginning
her PhD in Ethnomusicology at York University in Toronto,
ON, in September 2009. Also outstanding are her warmth,
spunk and extraordinary emotional connection to music
that can bring this vocalist to tears, simply from her
heartfelt involvement with music.
Though Glennis boldly announced at an early age that
she would be a singer, it would be 17 years before realizing
that dream by re-committing herself to the announcement
she'd made as a child. Her first voice lesson at the
age of 22 (rather old for beginning singing) was quickly
followed by joining a musical theatre group, lead by
Dasha Goody & Tommy Banks in Edmonton. Training
in acting, dance, chorus and solo performance launched
roles in theatre, with an early review calling Glennis
"a delight" as Carrie
in the production of Carousel.
Following those experiences, at age 25, Glennis was
on the move to Calgary and then onto Colorado to pursue
her education. Now armed with extensive classical training,
experience and thorough knowledge of her chosen craft,
her self proclaimed "unconventional way of doing
things" would lead Glennis to head off the beaten
path. Seeking authenticity in her performance led the
singer to the realization that her true voice and passion
lay elsewhere.
Her move back to Calgary coincided with a move back
into the music she was introduced to as a child. Attending
the Vocal Jazz Camp at the internationally renowned
Banff Centre of Fine Arts to study with with Jay Clayton
and Sheila Jordan, would cement her new dedication to
Jazz. Also contributing to her training were Juno-nominated
Kate Hammett-Vaughn and Jennifer Scott, both of Vancouver,
and further private studies with Jay.
|
|
Since
the mid 90's, Glennis has been immersed in the live
music scene in Calgary with her heart and her music
in just the right place. The venues, festivals, musicians
and fans were delighted at finding her talent, keeping
her busy in the popular spots on the circuit. Glennis
found herself a highly regarded, sought after voice
and band leader in jazz, swing and pop genres for a
wide array of audiences.
Truly
established as a genuine jazz artist, she has performed
at both the International Jazz Festival and CJazz Festivals,
entertaining audiences with her powerful voice, and
her capacity to inject passion and emotion into soulful
ballads. Glennis has worked with many of the top musicians
in Canada and the U.S., including Michael Creber (Vancouver) Randy Halberstadt (Seattle)
and Mike Lent (Edmonton).
As an artist, Glennis Houston has defined the triple
threat of vocalists; pleasure, passion and prowess,
which she clearly demonstrates on her debut CD, Lies
of Handsome Men.
The 2004 release received airplay on CBC, CJSW, CKUA,
and other Western Canadian, U.S. and European radio
and internet stations. Reviewers have handed Glennis
a place among the most acclaimed in her field, calling
her "a marvelously
talented vocalist with great tone, focus and range"
(Keith
Hannaleck),
displayed by her "warm,
rich, emotive vocals over 13 playfully sensual songs"
(Mike Bell).
A shining achievement for her and a gem for her listeners,
as another review interprets, "The bluesy,
relaxed mood suits her voice and she can hold those
notes with an intense yearning that I find entirely
pleasurable." (Paul
Donnelly)
The searching, nurturing, experimenting and challenging herself has brought Glennis to a place where she is truly
comfortable in her own skin as an artist, respected by her peers and cheered by her fans. It's this combination
that inspires her passionate, vivacious performances which bring both the singer and her audience a treasured,
sought after reward in every song.
|
