Collette Savard
Musically influenced by her traditional Franco-Ontarian family, singer-songwriter and gifted multi-instrumentalist Collette Savard adeptly sings, writes, and, plays guitar, dulcimer, banjo and ukulele. Now living in Toronto she has seamlessly incorporated more urban jazz and pop-oriented sensibilities into her writing and composition, crafting a soulful new style of folk music which is completely her own.
Her intelligent hooks, insightful lyrics and silky voice, coupled with the multi- instrumental stylings and production savvy of her music partner and collaborator John Zytaruk (respected producer for Buck 65 and more) have made for a startlingly refined entrée into the music scene. Like Savard, Zytaruk is a multi-instrumentalist par excellence. He adds a perfect complement of guitars, lap steel, banjo, and mandolin to her mix.
As a live duo, they often carry eight instruments to each performance, creating an amazing “full-band” sound! Since the release of her critically-acclaimed 2005 debut CD – a collection of self-penned gems from her earlier songwriting years titled: “Most Improved Cheerleader” Savard and Zytaruk have been mesmerizing audiences across Ontario and Quebec with performances marked by intricate arrangements which sound deceptively yet elegantly simple – and engaging stage rapport.
It is not surprising that Savard has also spurred the imaginations of some of Canada’s most prominent creative minds:
An avid fan, cartoonist Lynn Johnston describes the music of Savard and her music-partner/producer John Zytaruk as “Truly worth listening to. A unique, bluesy folk sound with soul-searching lyrics."
Guido Basso raved: “I listened and I listened and I fell in love. Collette’s voice is my favourite voice”. Basso, a Juno award-winning flugelhorn player, was so taken with Collette’s voice that he was quick to offer his stellar playing to her first CD.
On her second CD “Zen Boyfriend” (released in May 2008) Savard has once again joined forces with music partner and producer John Zytaruk. On it, they have managed to capture the magic of her live show through an increased emphasis on acoustic instruments and intimate performances. Their powerful duo sound is enhanced by a host of talented guest musicians: Juno-award winning Richard Underhill (baritone sax), Saskia Tomkins (violin & viola), Eve Goldberg (vocals), Adam Warner (drums) and Wes Neal (acoustic bass).
Like her first CD release of originals, musically this one takes the listener on a journey of varied emotions and musical genres, lyrically inspired by Savard’s keen observations and empathy for the world and people around her. She is excited to note that: “Since the first album's release, I began translating my musical approach to other instruments (than guitar). So on this new CD, I have a batch of fresh new songs composed on dulcimer and ukulele.”
The only aspect missing from this recording (as compared to her live performances) is her uncanny ability to weave storytelling and quirky humour around her songs. You’ll just have to come to a live concert to experience it – and after listening to her latest offering
on CD, you will want to do exactly that.