MANDY LAGAN has been contributing to the Toronto jazz scene since 1990. She is recognized as one of Toronto’s finest jazz singers, recording and performing in clubs such as Lula Lounge, the Jazz Bistro, theatres, Aeolian Hall (London ON), and festivals including the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Festival of the Sound (Parry Sound ON), and the Hudson Music Festival in Quebec.
She released her first CD, “I Thought About You” in 2002; her second, “You See Me” in 2003; her third, “Verses” in 2007; and her most recent recording, “The Joni Book” in 2018.
The members of Origins, her recording band, are David Restive (piano), Ted Quinlan (guitar), Jim Vivian (bass), Andrew Downing (cello), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), and Blair Mackay (drums). Their arrangements of Joni Mitchell songs are uniquely original and masterfully executed.
“The Joni Book” was heralded as one of the top 20 CDs of 2018 by JAZZ.FM91where it receives regular airplay, and CBC Radio’s “Jazz with Laila Biali” Saturday nights. The media have praised Mandy’s imaginative arrangements, as well as her earnest and stunning vocals. She has truly made these songs her own, while honouring the stories, melodies, and harmonies that make Joni’s music so powerful.
For tonight’s Old Mill Hotel performance, singing star MANDY LAGAN features stellar musicians TED QUINLAN (guitar), JIM VIVIAN (bass), and DEREK GRAY (drums), entertaining in the cozy intimacy of the Home Smith Bar.