Spinning Daydreams

Price: $13.27 CDN

Jessica Lalonde is a native of Midland, Ontario. She has been singing since the age of five in music festivals, choirs, and as the lead vocalist for jazz ensembles and big bands. With such a distinct voice, genuine natural talent and undeniable beauty, she is making her dreams of a music care

Jessica Lalonde is a native of Midland, Ontario. She has been singing since the age of five in music festivals, choirs, and as the lead vocalist for jazz ensembles and big bands. With such a distinct voice, genuine natural talent and undeniable beauty, she is making her dreams of a music career come true.


Lalonde completed her Honors Bachelor of Music (2006) and her Opera Diploma (2007) at Wilfrid Laurier University.”. In 2006, she was the winner of the Laurier Concerto Competition and the Stratford Civic Orchestra's Concerto Competition.


In the summer of 2007, she was invited to study at the Centro Studi Lirica Summer Opera Program in Novafeltria, Italy.


In late 2007, Lalonde made the decision to move to Toronto, and re-connected with life long family friend, Rob Brooks.


Signing her to his Bloo&Wite Management company, and calling on his 35+ years in the music business, it wasn’t long before he had engaged legendary musician Bill King to steer the project.


Says Lalonde,   “I feel so privileged to be involved in a project, that I am so passionate about. Especially with people that share a similar vision and know how to make it all happen.”.  The artists include not only King (who is arranging and producing the album), but also some of Canada’s most sought after musicians. These include:  Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, kd lang, Cassandra Wilson), Davide DiRenzo (Jacksoul, Sophie Milman, Tomi Swick), Duncan Hopkins (Diana Krall, Mark Murphy, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass) and Ann Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, Dionne Warwick, The Chieftans).


The album is all covers and includes such engaging classics as “Slow Boat To China,” “You Belong To Me,” and “It Might As Well Be Spring.”  It is especially fitting for Jessica to cover the Jo Stafford classic “You Belong To Me”.  Lalonde often garners accolades for her similarities to the beloved American pop singer. She too is often admired for the purity of her voice and for being such a versatile vocalist, the way that Stafford was in her
day.


Bill King’s arrangements have given the songs (mostly 1940 big band songs) a more modern acoustic feel. Sounding familiar, but new, and interpreted with a refreshing new voice, these versions will appeal to both young and old.  Jessica Lalonde, her time has arrived.