The last time Yvette visited the Jazz Room, she was a member of Michael Occhipinti’s John Lennon Tribute – Shine On. If you were at that show, You’ll remember Yvette’s moving version of “Beautiful Boy”.
Yvette was born in Toronto and raised by parents who supported their children’s musical experimentation (her dad encouraged Yvette to get her welder’s license just in case ( but she didn’t), she spent her teen years taking lessons at the Royal Conservatory and hanging out with her older brother Ernie and his roommate Holly Cole – whose record collection she devoured. As a young adult, she studied in New York with the legendary Sheila Jordan and did workshops in Banff with Dave Holland, Kenny Werner and Joe Lovano. Her expressive vocals are rich and soulful, her delivery of lyrics mature and her technique flawless. She says music is her connection to the source and this reverent approach shines through in her sincere and unaffected performances.
Jazz has always been Yvette’s main focus but growing up in Toronto’s multi-cultural and inclusive society, she was exposed to a myriad of roots and folk music from around the world. By remaining open to the world of influences that surround her, Yvette sports immense versatility by lending her talents to Hungarian, Arabic, Yiddish, Brazillian, Jamaican, African and Indian projects. She has sung in at least 9 different languages and more than a dozen genres including Traditional and Modern Jazz, R&B, Classical and Klezmer music.
Yvette has taught with The Academy of Music since 1996 and has coached many successful vocalists including Grammy winning Canadian pop star, Nelly Furtado.
Yvette Tollar – Vocals
Dave Restivo – Piano
Alexander Brown – Trumpet
Mike Downes – Bass and Backing Vocals
Mark Kelso – Drums and Backing Vocals
Here is Yvette with Shine On performing Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy”
