Artist Discovery Series Featuring Kellylee Evans

IN THE SEVENTH INSTALLMENT OF OUR ARTIST DISCOVERY SERIES, WE’RE SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON KELLYLEE EVANS

LISTEN // Mood Indigo performed by Kellylee Evans

LEARN // Internationally-acclaimed artist Kellylee Evans talks Nina Simone, her fave Duke song and helping students shine in this exclusive #saskjazz interview!

SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival: What shows would you most want to see at this year’s festival?
KE: I would love to catch the Kamasi Washington show. I don’t know his music, but his name keeps popping up here and there. I’d also love to catch the Ben Harper/Charlie Mussellwhite show. I saw their set at the Nice Jazz Festival a few years back and it was wonderful.

SSJF: You’ll be performing Ellington Reimagined—is there a favourite song of the Duke’s you really enjoy performing live?
KE: My favourite Ellington tune hands down is Mood Indigo. I recorded it for a tribute to Nina Simone that I did a number of years ago (it won the JUNO that year). It’s a song that just snakes across your mind and wraps itself around your being. I love it.

SSJF: You’re the vocal mentor for the TD Jazz Intensive, what do you enjoy most about teaching young artists?
KE: I love watching students open up and shine. Many times when I begin working with a student, they mention their fear of performing, or creating music live. I genuinely love figuring out how to help them feel at ease and express their creativity and love for their craft on stage. I am really looking forward to working with the students at this year’s intensive.

SSJF: On June 28th, you’ll be headlining at The Basement, is there a moment during your shows that you really look froward to?
KE: My favourite part of live shows has to be sharing music with those on stage and those in the audience. It’s such a group effort. Every person in the room is an integral part of the energy of the experience and you can feel that.

LIVE // Thursday June 28th at The Bassment