DENISE BAKER BIOGRAPHY
 

Jazz Vocalist, Denise Baker, has been making her presence known on the jazz scene for the past 18 years and what a presence she is!

Her two latest CDs, “Under Exposed – Live at the Centre” and “Love Is A Four Letter Word is a fine example of just how this sensitive and sultry singer brings a song to life. Her audience has been waiting anxiously for her release of “Under Exposed” and they are not disappointed. That is because Denise breathes new life into her choice of songs - songs that haven’t been heard for quite awhile. She stirs up emotional feelings from the listener that are usually kept silent.
 

Denise Baker is a trained vocalist in the bell canto form of vocalization.  At the start of her singing career, Denise immersed herself in the genre of the Blues. This gives her the emotional and vocal edge that is so vital in relating to her listeners. Her need and desire for this type of expression has always kept her attuned to the legendary singers, such as Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday who are known for their rawest form of expressing passion. This vocalist delivers her songs with a sophisticated yet sassy approach and has chosen her music to complement her life experiences. Her musical selections range from upbeat and fun, to smoky jazz ballads, Latin flavoured Bossa Novas and Cha Chas to songs that have a Jazzy hint of the blues. Denise's sultry approach in fronting her band makes her a joy to watch! Definitely a must see!

 

Denise is said to remind people of an earlier time in life when the world was a little more simplistic, honest and refreshing. She is known particularly for her hypnotic stage presence and how she can take her audience on a trip to another place and time. Perhaps where love lingered in the air and life was magical.

 

Denise started her singing career late in life. While most musicians were well on their way, Denise was only starting! She had always had a passion for singing, starting at a very young age, but never really having the opportunity to take lessons. In developing as a singer, Denise sang with various bands. Some rock, some blues, basically trying a bit of everything. However, she always seemed to turn back to the days of the big bands, the legendary singers such as Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McCrae, Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday. It was like a calling - a calling to her soul.

 

Denise Baker is now recognized in an international artist. Her third and newest CD, “Under Exposed – Live at the Centrewas released in January of 2006. Her second CD, “Love Is A Four Letter Word” is in heavy rotation in some of the world’s finest Jazz Stations and her sales in countries such as Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Japan and the United States are making her a European favourite. Many fans visit her web site and regularly correspond with this approachable vocalist. Denise has, extraordinarily enough, been able to capture the unique stage quality she is known for and places it directly onto her CDs without any illusions from the mixing console. She revitalizes the sound of classic Jazz while offering the listener fresh renditions. Denise Baker won't disappoint anyone who loves music that is mixed with real emotion.

 

Denise's song selections promote L-O-V-E!  And you can't get any better than that in the world today.  Promoting this style of music changes people and she sees that in the audiences whenever she performs. Denise states, "People come into the club and then the transformation begins!  By the time the evening is over, they have shared an evening of love with me and also leave in the love for each other. Nothing is more satisfying than to watch the faces of people as this happens to them!” Denise explains.  "One night, two women in their eighties came out to a club. I knew that they would like the music because I select songs from the 30's and 40's. However, I didn't think that they would stay long. Well, they stayed all night!  During a break I went over to speak with them. Their eyes sparkled as they spoke, 'Thank you! Thank you for taking us back to when we were young girls. It brings back such great memories!’ That is why I do the things I do!  I get to fill people's hearts with love!  With memories!  With emotion!"

 

To quote from my first CD’s linear notes, "For all the loves lost, and all the loves gained . . . this is for you!  All aboard! For A Journey in Love!


DENISE BAKER - Past Events:

Denise Baker’s appearances have ranged from small, intimate club settings to full blown concerts, television appearances to fund raising events in Europe. Denise has been a sought after entertainer for the corporate client who demands sophistication, elegance and absolute professionalism. For these reasons, Denise has a very strong presence in Southern Ontario. The Denise Baker Group's musicians are some of the most respected in their field - and Denise would not have it any other way. She sees her musicians as family and also as an integral part to her successes. The following are some of her past performances:

 

Grand River Film Festival Inaugural Gala – October, 2007

This was one of the most exciting events that Denise has ever been a part of for two reasons: Playing at the Gala which was a fabulous event and she also was a volunteer with the Festival. Denise joined this not-for-profit organization because she felt that something new was needed in this area. Well, she put my money where my mouth was and helped, along with the commitment of so many others, this event was a great success. She  looks forward to next year’s Festival.

 

Kidney Foundation of Canada:
Brush of Hope
– November, 2007 E-Bay Auction

Denise is very proud to be part of this extraordinary event to raise money for the Kidney Foundation of Canada -- and it's personal because she knows people with Kidney disease. Do you?

 

How about someone with high blood pressure? Or diabetes? Well, these are the two leading cause of kidney failure. Or maybe you know someone who gets kidney stones? If so, then you know someone with kidney disease! Beginning November 2nd for 10 days only, YOU will have the chance of a lifetime to buy original paintings by some of Canada’s most recognized stars.  That’s right, you could have an original “Brent Butt of Corner Gas” (or in my case, "an original Denise Baker") hanging from you living room wall, over your bed, or perhaps you’d prefer to hang it in the recreation room or music room. Well, here's your chance!

Dozens of Canadian celebrities have generously donated their time and talent to help fight kidney disease.  Check out her painting and others at "Kidney Foundation of Canada" the paintings here, then go to www.ebay.ca on November 2nd and type “Kidney Foundation” into the search field and start bidding! All funds raised from the sale of the paintings will go toward kidney research in Canada.

Canadian Consulate – Terry Fox Run – Naples, Italy – October, 2006

Canadian Representative for the Terry Fox Run in Naples, Italy. Sponsored by the Canadian Consulate, Air Canada and the Hotel Majestic of Naples,

Together with some amazing musicians from Naples, Denise gave a concert for over 2,000 participants of the Terry Fox Run, Governmental dignitaries and Italian celebrities. Another part of being the Canadian Representative was to give interviews to the local Neapolitan media and to speak with groups of school children. This year’s run raised over $20,000 Euros – an increase from last year.

Canadian Blood Services of Canada – 2006

Celebrity Blood Donor for donor drive put on by the Guelph chapter.

Live Recording Concert of “Under Exposed:  Live at the Centre” -  Release Date:  January 2006

Produced by Denise Baker, this unique concert gave the audience a behind the scene look at what exactly goes into a concert and putting CD together. Many businesses supported Denise in this special event by donating of well over $20,000 of equipment and services.

 
CTV's Good Morning Canada Four Episodes (2000 - 2004) ‑ National Television and CKCO Noon News

 Theatre Aquarius ‑ DuMaurier Centre, Hamilton, ON

 Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON

 Canal Days Festival 22nd Annual, Port Colborne, ON

 Canadian Clay & Glass Museum, Waterloo, ON

 Guelph Spring Festival Wine Gala, Guelph, ON

 Toronto Historical Association, Scarborough, ON

 Playdium Corporation - Customer Appreciation Event

 Cruisin' On King Street, Kitchener, ON - Annual Cruise Night

 Annual Downtown Jazzy Fashion Fundraiser, Kitchener, ON

A fund raiser for the Kitchener United Way held every September. The Kitchener Downtown Business Association and Denise Baker originally put together this event and over $10,000 with during her involvement.

Capistrano's Cafe, Guelph, ON - Capistrano's

Cafe hosted this event as part of the Guelph Jazz Festival.

Canadian Mental Health Association  / K-W Counselling Association

City of Kitchener (Various Events)