Terez Montcalm

"Irresistable, untamed, out of reach. An inspired singer." - Radio-Canada
"Térez will bring your defenses down. A vulnerable and moving performer." - Le Devoir
"A Québecoise Bonnie Raitt, Montcalm shows a feeling for jazz songs not heard enough from all the wananabe jazz singers." - Downbeat
Having spent the past decade at the forefront of Quebec's music scene, Térez Montcalm's new sultry, jazz-inspired release Voodoo, marks her first English-language recording. A collection of 12 soulful songs, brought to life under the guidance of legendary composer and guitarist Michel Cusson, Voodoo contains clever adaptations and a selection of original compositions.
On Voodoo, Térez Montcalm gently explores the jazz universe, in an intimate and elegant way, reinterpreting songs by Eurythmics, Chet Baker, James Taylor, Elton John and Jimi Hendrix. She gives new life to these well-known songs by infusing them with jazzy colours and accents, in a style she masters with brilliance. An unconditional guitar lover but also a gifted bass player, Montcalm heats up and engulfs each melody with her unique, smoky voice. Never before have How Sweet It Is (the album's first single) L.O.V.E,, Sweet Dreams, Voodoo Child, and Be Anything been so seductive. Térez offers her own very personal adaptations of these classic songs as well as three original tunes: Growing Stronger, Shattered and Parce que y a toi - the only French song on the album.
Voodoo exemplifies her artistic growth and an expansion of her sound and songs. With this record, there were no deadlines, nor compromises. It is a testament to her immense talent.
Térez talks about her choices for Voodoo:
L.O.V.E. - I heard this song in a movie a few years back. I was struck by the relevance and connection between the song and the wonderful love story shown in the movie. I decided then to sing and record this song one day.
Growing Stronger - Inspired by R&B singer Anita Baker, I wrote this song at a time when I was listening to her albums non-stop.
Sweet Dreams - A very simple choice: Annie Lennox is my all -time favourite singer.
Shattered -I hope that through this song, you can see a world of beauty as seen through the wonderful colours and lights of stained glass.
Close Your Eyes -This song comes from a childhood memory. My parents used to listen to Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra all the time. This is my little nod to Tony.
Parce qu e y a toi -With all the joy and elation that comes from touring, a very special moment awaits any artist on tour: coming home. There's no place like home.
Voodoo Child -I liked learning guitar from my brother. He also shared with me his passion for music and for Jimi Hendrix. I offer him my own version, as a thank you.
I Want To Be Around -This song was chosen for its lyrical content. I loved the words and though originally a ballad, I've turned it into my own funky version.
For Heaven's Sake -The only swing on this CD, this is in honour of Chet Baker.
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word -Elton John is one of the world's greatest melody makers so I wanted to make sure he had his spot on the CD.
How Sweet It Is -I discovered James Taylor while I was living in Alberta. I would put him on whenever I felt the pangs of being away from home to soothe my soul and spirit.
Be Anything - This song comes from Danny Boyle's movie 'A Life Less Ordinary'. It's one of my favourite movies that I still enjoy watching. I always thought this song was not represented enough so I'm offering my own version.