Lorraine Foster

THE CONSUMATE PERFORMER, SWINGS AND SINGS WITH VOCALS THAT ARE STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART

Toronto born Lorraine Foster’s first love has always been Jazz and her first influence, Ella Fitzgerald. In her late teens, Lorraine succumbed to her passion and became a vocalist with the Art Hallman Orchestra, which allowed her the freedom to craft her own style of vocal purity and armed with a formidable repertoire, Lorraine started touring nationally as a soloist.

For several years, her home base was Montreal where Lorraine took time to have a family. She continued to headline at all the top venues and was a staple at the legendary Biddles, as well as a favorite for frequent radio and television appearances. Moving to Toronto, Lorraine, heralded as one of Toronto’s finest jazz vocalists, continued performing in major hotels and Jazz clubs. Top of the list, the DuMaurier Jazz Festival, Top of the Senator, Royal York Hotel, King Edward Hotel, Delta Chelsea Inn and Hy’s Steak house.

Having conquered the East, Lorraine decided, in 1991, to take the West and moved her base to Vancouver where she joined another legend, Dal Richards and his orchestra. She worked for Dal for eleven years, all the while headlining Vancouver’s hottest venues, the Alma Street Café, Rossini’s O’Doul’s and the Cotton Club as well as appearances in the Du Maurier Jazz Festival. She took Vancouver by storm and continues to perform at festivals, private functions and Jazz clubs. Lorraine has recorded with the legendary Linton Garner and the internationally acclaimed Oliver Jones. Her latest recording featuring Miles Black, Oliver Gannon and Rene Worst is titled “Compositions by Musicians”.

Lorraine’s live performances are filled with depth, passion and versatility only overshadowed by her talent. Her strength as a vocalist has garnered her a solid reputation as the consummate performer. A staple of the Canadian Jazz scene, Lorraine Foster has come to be recognized and loved as one of CANADA'S foremost ladies of jazz.

Lorraine Foster: Eyeing Cross-Border Prospects

by Fradley Garner
January 30, 2008

Lorraine Foster, a veteran vocalist with a growing reputation as Canada's first lady of jazz, would like to sing south of the border. Ella Fitzgerald was Foster's first vocal idol and spark for a career choice in her late teens. Decades later, another icon has inspired concerts and a CD: Rosemary Clooney.

Foster hitched her vocal wagon to the departed star with special concerts and a trio-backed album called Remembering Rosie: A Tribute to Rosemary Clooney ...

"Lorraine has been singing for many years and her voice has not lost a beat. She can be seen playing the smaller clubs and bistros in Vancouver and other major cities. I watched her recently singing songs from her CD, 'We'll Meet Again', and the grace and tenderness with which she handles songs like 'Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square' melt the ice cubes in your drink." --Vancouver Lifestyles

"It could be a nice old ballad or a swinging standard, Lorraine's renditions are always a pleasure to hear." --Toronto Jazz