Simone Morris
“…a pop of delicious and sultry goodness in an otherwise dull and dreary day... each piece offering a new stylistic experience that perfectly showcases her unique timbre and exceptionally varied musical background... slightly Krall-esque but with an intriguing touch of spunk, she has succeeded in creating a captivating modern yet timeless quality within her music… will delight jazz aficionados and newcomers alike.” — Kati Killaspea (THE WHOLENOTE MAGAZINE)
“Simone's voice is just right for me with a tinge of sassy 'coarseness' that I am very fond of.” — T. Hagerty (host of JAZZ AT THE 45TH 100.9 Canoe FM)
Morris’ innate musicality was evident at an early age, beginning in piano at age 6. Possessing mature interpretive and technical abilities, the young musician expanded her horizons to include voice and french horn by age 13. Before graduating from high school she had already earned an array of opportunities to perform and direct: competitions (frequently placing Top 3 & often the youngest in her group), concert & stage bands, musical theatre (leading the pit band), accompanist for choirs and instrumental Royal Conservatory exams (her first paying gig!), and as Musical Director in musical theatre during summer breaks.
Simone went on to graduate with a BFA - Music from York University (Toronto). As a member of, and soloist in, the university's Jazz Choir ("Wibijazz’n’”), the joy of singing caused her to re-focus, hone her chops, and begin a lifelong path as a performing Vocalist. She planted the deepest roots in Jazz - a natural home for her skill, sultry vocal timbre, and sentimental memories of dad's Big Band records echoing through the family home. Musical influences are vast & varied and seep into the current of her fresh take on jazz performance and writing: from contemporary improvisation and world music studied in university, to vocal influences strongly tied to Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy, Aretha Franklin in addition to the great ladies of jazz studied and loved.
SETTLING UP - her "stunning" all-original debut album featuring Juno-award winning Jazz musicians - exploded onto the scene at #1 on the iTunes Canada Jazz Chart to wide-acclaim, extensive radio airplay, interviews and reviews (including a 30-minute feature on CBC Radio's "Fresh Air”). With relatable songs chock full of eclectic textures & rhythms, the music reveals a musical soul, a love for words, and an authentic desire to connect.
A wordsmith, Simone artfully lures listeners into craftily-spun musical stories, treating audiences to an intimate musical ride that is delicately dipped in velvety sweetness and poetic charm.
Simone has been featured all over the Toronto Jazz scene & beyond, soulfully serenading at notable jazz clubs & festivals such as The Jazz Bistro, Manhattans, The Distillery District Music Series, Toronto Jazz Festival, Merrickville’s Jazz Festival, World of Jazz Festival, Winterfolk Festival, SPEAK Music's Be Kind Festival, & more.
