Soulful Jazz with a Vintage Feel and a Modern Twist

Rich, Sultry, and Sweet - Alberta’s Own Ellen Doty performs at Horizon Stage - Friday, February 24

Ellen Doty is a soulful Canadian vocalist and songwriter with a world-class voice. Her nostalgic sound is rooted in jazz, but seamlessly incorporates elements of other genres including folk and pop and adds a modern twist as well. A true storyteller whose works are intimate and personal, Ellen’s immense talent for lyrics is complemented by her stunning vocals. Rich, sultry, and sweet, Ellen’s voice draws listeners in and takes them on an unforgettable journey. Horizon Stage is pleased to present Ellen Doty on Friday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Originally from Okotoks, Alberta, Ellen has been performing since age five. She studied jazz at Carleton University before taking a detour to the University of Calgary where, thinking that she should “probably have a real job”, she decided to take geology. But geology didn’t pan out and Ellen left school in her third year to return to a career in music - and she’s thankful she did as she now can’t imagine doing anything else.

Since returning to music Ellen has had the opportunity to work with many of her jazz heroes including Al Kay, Pat Labarbera, Bobby Shew, Dave Mancini and PJ Perry. In 2013, she received the ‘Outstanding Soloist’ award from the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho and she completed an artist residency for Collaborative Song-Writing at the prestigious Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. After releasing two singles, “Live at the Station” (2012) and “That's Love” (2013), she received an album production grant in May 2013 from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Ellen’s first full-length album, Gold, broke the top ten on several Canadian jazz charts and received critical acclaim. The media called it “an immediate, handmade, warm-hearted statement” and “sweet ’n’ sunny crossover jazz-pop” and said that her “voice honey-coats every word it sings.” The record featured ten of Ellen's original compositions, and a piece by Toronto songwriter Kyle Zavitz. Co-writers also included Oliver Miguel, Josh Crowhurst, Conrad Good, and Danny Michel.

After considerable support from fans and an overwhelming response to a crowd-funding campaign, Ellen embarked on a thirty city, forty-six stop cross-Canada tour from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Victoria, BC. She thoroughly enchanted audiences across the country with her show stopping performances. After opening for Grammy-winner Gregory Porter at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary in 2016, she has been touring with award-winning saxophonist Eli Bennett and her long-time collaborator Josh Crowhurst.

Ellen released an emotional single titled "Just So You Know" in April 2015 after the loss of a dear friend. She is currently working on her sophomore album which is set for release in 2017. She has had the opportunity to collaborate and song-write with a number of noteworthy artists for the project including Juno-winner Justin Rutledge, Danny Vacon, Andy Stochansky, and Davide Direnzo.

With an honesty and warmth that sets her apart, Ellen Doty is clearly an emerging Canadian talent. Catch her at Horizon Stage on Friday, February 24 so that you can someday say “I saw her when…” Tickets are $35 for Adults and $30 for Students and Seniors and may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through ticketpro.ca.