Tune in all this week at 3:40 pm as Jay features Guelph’s Ambre McLean on the Local Spotlight!
Ambre McLean has created a sound that is entirely her own incorporating a number of her influences including jazz, country, blues, folk and pop.
“She must have been born to it” says CBC 3’s Craig Norris. “Ambre’s a brilliant player, a brilliant songwriter and a brilliant performer.”
After many years of performing in a band setting; including seven piece folk group “Kyn” and alt/pop band “Sharon Said”(feat. members of Eccodek), Ambre emerged with her first solo EP “Just Passing Through” in 2004. The 8 song, all acoustic EP brought forth a new side of Ambre, showcasing her evolving songwriting skills. Since embarking on a solo career Ambre has released a total of four CD’s (all available on iTunes). In 2009, Ambre won 1st place in Guelph ’s first singer/songwriter contest. She also maintains the tri-cities ECHO award (People’s Choice) for best singer/songwriter.
Ambre has recently partnered with Canadian Indie label Busted Flat Records (Matt Andersen, Jay Semko, Brock Zeman). Ambre’s latest full length “Murder at the Smokehouse – a musical novella” is due for an October 2010 release. Busted Flat will also be re-releasing Ambre’s 2007 full length CD “I Wonder If.”
To appreciate Ambre McLean is to see her perform live. Her piano work is a bit funky, yet haunting. Her breathy voice is ethereal and mesmerizing, she truly is a decadent pleasure captured on the stage.
McLean’s rich vocal styling’s have often been compared to Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple and Tori Amos. She’ll dazzle you on piano or guitar – a little bit blues ‘n jazz, a little bit pop and all soul.
