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Classically
trained, highly educated and accomplished, obviously talented and completely down to earth is the winning package
that is Glennis Houston. These elements support her musical soul, bringing us a voice that is undeniably alluring.
Glennis credits the origins of her talent to the rhythms of the swing and big band era that filled her childhood
home with the sounds of Duke Ellington, the Dorsey brothers and Glen Miller. Teachers of ballroom dance, her parents'
appreciation for music was a tremendous influence on Glennis and the nurturing of her musical pursuits. Her outstanding
accomplishments include achieving Grade IX, Royal Conservatory of Music after just 6 years of study, a Bachelor
of Music from the University of Calgary and a Masters of Music from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Also outstanding
are her warmth, spunk and extraordinary emotional connection to music that can bring this vocalist to tears, simply
from her heartfelt involvement with music.
Though Glennis boldly announced at an early age that she would be a singer, it would be 17 years before realizing
that dream by re-committing herself to the announcement she'd made as a child. Her first voice lesson at the advanced
age of 22 was quickly followed by joining a musical theatre group, lead by Dasha Goody & Tommy Banks in Edmonton,
Alberta. Training in acting, jazz, chorus and solo performance launched roles in theatre, including in dinner theatre
in Kelowna, BC. An early review calling Glennis "a delight" as Carrie in the production of Carousel
offered a glimpse into her developing talent.
Following those experiences, at age 25, Glennis was on the move to Calgary and then onto Colorado to pursue her
education. Throwing her heart and soul into classical voice would earn her a degree with a coveted spot on the
Dean's list, and the completion of a Master's program in only two years. Now armed with extensive classical training,
experience and thorough knowledge of her chosen craft, her self proclaimed "unconventional way of doing things"
would lead Glennis to head off the beaten path. Seeking authenticity in her performance led the singer to the realization
that her true voice and passion lay elsewhere.
Her move back to Calgary coincided with a move back into the music she was introduced to as a child. In her usual
tenacious way, Glennis continued her studies with Cheryl Fisher and Vivian Cardinal. Attending the Vocal Jazz Camp
at the internationally renowned Banff Centre of Fine Arts to study with with Jay Clayton and Sheila Jordan, would
cement her new dedication to Jazz. Also contributing to her training were Juno-nominated Kate Hammett-Vaughn and
Jennifer Scott, both of Vancouver.
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In
the mid 90's, Glennis emerged on the live music scene with her heart and her music in just the right place. The
venues, festivals, musicians and fans were delighted at finding her talent, keeping her busy in the popular spots
on the circuit. Calgary's McQueen's, KAOS, Beat Niq, Pik Niq and The Verve immersed Glennis in performing. Also
hosted at the best hotels in the Bow Corridor, including the Rimrock, Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs,
Glennis found herself a highly regarded, sought after voice and band leader in jazz, swing and pop genres for a
wide array of audiences.
Truly
established as a genuine jazz artist, she has performed at both the International Jazz Festival and the CJazz Festival,
wowing audiences with her powerful voice, scatting and her capacity to inject passion and emotion into soulful
ballads. On tours through Western Canada, Glennis has appeared with many top musicians including Michael Creber
(Vancouver) Randy Halberstadt (Seattle) and Mike Lent (Edmonton). Other notable highlights are feature appearances as the soloist for
Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies with Calgary's Folksopera, and also for Estelle-Elegance in Music Big Band.
As an artist, Glennis Houston has defined the triple threat of vocalists; pleasure, passion and prowess, which
she clearly demonstrates on her debut CD, Lies
of Handsome Men. The 2003 recording has received
airplay on CBC, CJSW, CKUA, and other Western Canadian, U.S. and European radio stations. Reviewers have handed
Glennis a place among the most acclaimed in her field, calling her "a marvelously talented vocalist with great tone, focus and range" (Keith
Hannaleck), displayed by her "warm, rich, emotive vocals over 13 playfully sensual
songs" (Mike Bell). A shining achievement
for her and a gem for her listeners, as another review interprets, "The bluesy, relaxed mood suits her voice and she can hold those notes with an intense
yearning that I find entirely pleasurable."
(Paul Donnelly)
The searching, nurturing, experimenting and challenging herself has brought Glennis to a place where she is truly
comfortable in her own skin as an artist, respected by her peers and cheered by her fans. It's this combination
that inspires her passionate, vivacious performances which bring both the singer and her audience a treasured,
sought after reward in every song.
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