I am always so thrilled when I realize how many talented people are living right in our community.  We are so pleased to introduce you to a talented artist by the name of Barbara Jordan who has performed in Canada, the U.S. and internationally with leading jazz, pop and country/western bands.

For the past 10 years Barbara has appeared at well-known jazz locales in Toronto such as The Rex, C’est What, 744, (formerly the Chicken Deli) and the iconic Grossman’s Tavern singing New Orleans style jazz, 20’s 30’s traditional jazz and swing. She often appears as a guest vocalist with Dinny and the Allstars. She also appeared monthly at The Red Lantern in Toronto.  Barbara’s background is so impressive that we couldn’t wait to include her in a Community Spotlight and ask her a few more questions.

We understand that you were born in Montreal.  At what age did you start to sing and perform? 

My very first public performance was when I was 11 years old when I sang at an elementary school presentation.

When did you recognize you had a talent and who inspired you to pursue a singing career?

It was when I was in my last year of high school when I realized that I must have some singing ability. My high school music teacher, Iwan Edwards, encouraged me to audition for the lead role of Laurie in the musical Oklahoma. I got the part and had my first lessons in stage presence and delivering a song.  My music teacher continued to inspire me when I joined the high school choir, and took a vocal music class in my last year of high school.

My real training took place when I joined an acapella choir outside of school led by Mr. Edwards.  I spent 5 years in this choir performing around Montreal and touring Western Canada and competing in the Eisteddfod in Wales. I am to this day still employing the vocal techniques that I learned in this choir to get the best sound from my voice.

How long have you been a resident in Lagoon City and what attracted you to move here?

My husband and I have lived in Lagoon City since 2008. I think the unique lifestyle of Lagoon City attracted us the most as well as the community aspect because we have made so many friends and we love belonging and contributing to the community. We are members of the Lagoon City Community Association (LCCA) and I am a member of the Lagoon City Tennis Club.  Since arriving in Lagoon City, my husband and I held dances at the Brechin Legion where I performed with a Dixieland Jazz Band and also a 50’s Country Rock Band over the course of 3 years. I also performed with my own bands on 4 memorable occasions at the LCCA, the last time in Sept. of 2019.

We understand that you appeared in the 2017 Orillia, Ontario Jazz Festival.  Can you tell us what your experience was like?

A fellow musician who was living in Orillia at the time recommended me to the organizing committee of the Orillia Jazz Festival in 2017. I performed on 2 nights with my trio at The Hog ‘n’ Penny to sold out audiences many of whom were from Lagoon City.

To date, what is your favourite venue where you have performed internationally and why?

I would have to say that to date, my appearance at The Sarasota Jazz Festival last month would be my favourite venue. The Jazz Club of Sarasota is the largest jazz society in the United States and this annual festival is a very prestigious event with many renowned musicians in the jazz world appearing there over the years.

What do you hope your audience take away from one of your performances?

I would love it if my music touched them in some way, made them feel happy and brought back memories for them. Music is a connection on so many levels and I feel this gift is a way for me to express all the thoughts, ideas and emotions I have as a fellow human being.

Tell us a bit about your CD “Timeless” and when it was released.

My CD “Timeless” was produced and recorded in Toronto and released in 2016 in time for my wedding in June of that year. The performers are all well-respected musicians from Toronto except the outstanding pianist/trumpeter from Rochester, New York. The track “Someone” is an original song written by myself in collaboration with Juno Award winner guitarist Tony Quarrington from Toronto.  On the inside cover of the CD there is a picture of a sunset that I took taken from a sailboat on Lake Simcoe.  Click here to view the photo and listen to September in the Rain.

We understand that you now lead your own Dixieland/Swing jazz band and you appear regularly in the GTA.  How does one contact you to book a performance?

To contact me for booking a performance please email me at jordan_barb@hotmail.com or call 905-315-0505.

If you had any words of encouragement or advice for anyone thinking about becoming a musician or performer, what would they be?

My words of advice for anyone who loves to sing/perform:   If this is a passion of yours, follow your dreams, dream big, have someone who you love and trust by your side to keep encouraging you through the rough times.  Also be prepared to work very hard at your craft!

We are so lucky to have Barbara living right in our community!  We encourage you to follow Barbara’s journey on Instagram at:  vocaleese and subscribe to her You Tube channel at:  jazzfan 45.

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