Jazz and gospel vocalist Leora Cashe delivers an electrifying performance that audiences love. She is "...one stunning singer", states The Vancouver Province, and has been "blessed with a rich resounding voice", adds The Vancouver Sun. Influenced by her experience in the gospel idiom, and by jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Dianne Reeves, Leora's soulful vocal style and stage presence creates an engaging performance that sends chills down audience members' spines.
An accomplished graduate of Edmonton's Grant MacEwan jazz program, Leora is " …as musically solid as the hits she performs". She has studied with some of the greatest contemporary jazz artists including Kurt Elling, Nancy King and Dee Daniels. She has recorded and performed in concert with many celebrated Canadian artists including Brad Turner, Denzal Sinclaire, Jim Byrnes, Shari Ulrich, Canadian jazz legend Tommy Banks for CBC Radio and TV, and opened for the late Stanley Turrentine at Vancouver's International Jazz Festival. |
In 2001, The West Coast Music Awards nominated her debut CD 'Tears of Joy' for Best Gospel Recording of the year. December 2004 marked the release of Leora's second gospel CD, 'Inspiration' which received critical acclaim by enthusiastic listeners at home and abroad. She released her debut jazz recording entitled, "My Heart Stood Still," on June 4th , 2005 at the historic Vancouver East Cultural Centre. 'From originals to classics like Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" this is a seriously swinging jazz record from one of Vancouver's premier vocalists.' Another Side Now – The Songs of Joni Mitchell, Leora's latest CD was released on December 1st, 2007. Covering the early years of the Joni Mitchell songbook, Leora Cashe and The Ross Taggart Trio pay tribute to one of Canada's icons and best-loved recording artists. The combination of Leora's soulful vocal interpretations and the Juno Award winning trio creates the perfect setting for the emotional nature found in these timeless songs. From the Afro-Cuban beat of 'Carey' to the gospel tinged 'Big Yellow Taxi', to a jazz waltz through 'The Gallery', Leora's vocal interpretations are passionate and undoubtly her own.
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Along with her busy schedule of performing she enjoys private vocal coaching, choir directing and arranging and is a specialist in leading Early Years music classes for children.
Quotes "Jazz and gospel singer Leora Cashe is definitely genuine!...Cashe has the pipes to deliver the goods." "…a magnificent vocal talent…fresh, passionate and unique." |