Maureen Washington

She slips easily from sassy to sexy within a single line of lyrics, at times echoing the haunting tones of Etta James and Carmen McRae, then faster than the mind and ear can make the transition, Maureen Washington exudes the impish irreverence of Jann Arden and the vocal agility of Holly Cole. And yet, with all splendor attached to such comparisons, Maureen’s musical style remains distinctly her own.

With more than a half dozen discs to her credit (see below), Maureen began her musical career in her home town of Prince George, British Columbia. Her vocal diversity lent itself to performances of blues, swing jazz and funk with BOP, a band widely acclaimed as the best dance band in the Prince George region. Their versatile repertoire, ranging from classics to lively originals, brought them sold out crowds.

Now based in Victoria, British Columbia, Maureen continues to create new musical avenues and is blessed with a growing entourage of fans as she performs with duos, sextets, and solo artists, including back up on Canadian Folk legend Valdy’s 2011 album, Read Between the Lines.

An always popular performer at a wide range of events and venues around Vancouver Island, including the Victoria International Jazz Fest 2008 - 2012, Maureen was named Monday Magazine’s Jazz and Blues Artist of the Year, and was nominated for the Vancouver Island Music Awards Female Vocalist of the Year.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Maureen has also worked as a singer-songwriter, vocal instructor, hosted and performed main stage for four years at the Prince George International Folk Fest, where she shared the stage with such musical luminaries as Bruce Cockburn, Janis Ian, Martyn Joseph, and has twice hosted festival clinics with Florida’s Lee Boys and Ruthie Foster and Canadian Indie rock singer and guitarist Amy Millan.

Passionate about the music, she has had the honor and privilege to personally work with some amazing West coast Canadian musicians: Daniel Cook, Karel Roessingh, John MacArthur, Miles Black, Joey Smith, Damian Graham, Ryan Tandy, Brad Hawkes, Bryn Badel, Sean Drabitt, Kelby McNayr, Don Cox, Tom Ackerman, Maria Manna, Jerry Cook, Nick La Riviere just to name a few....

Discography

Here We Go Again 2010 Blues In The Night 2010 Summertime EP 2009 Baby It's Cold Outside 2005 BOP 2005 Fly Away Be At Rest 2004 Beyond The Veil 2003

Awards

2011 Monday Magazine's Jazz and Blues Artist of the Year.

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