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 Centre”
was
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)