French Songs with Heather Keizur & Steve Christofferson May 23, 2009

Heather Keizur, a jazz vocalist who sings in both English and French, is emerging as one of the most unique and gifted singers on the Northwest Jazz scene.

When asked what draws her to songs, Heather says: Passion. In order for me to be drawn to a song, it needs to have a certain element of passion to it. That way when I sing it, I can feel it and pass the story of the song on to those who are listening.

Heather recently recorded a demo CD with jazz recording artist Tom Grant and one of Portland’s top bassists, Dave Captein. She has performed with some of the Northwest’s premier jazz musicians, including Tom Grant, Dave Captein, Dennis Caiazza, Kerry McCoy, Robert Moore, Craig Bidondo, Leah Hinchcliff and Alan Tarpinian.

Born in San Jose, California, Heather grew up in British Columbia, Canada. Very early on she developed a love of performing as a vocalist and a love of the French language.

Heather first performed as a solo vocalist at the age of eleven singing for her school’s talent contest. Throughout her high school years she sang in the school concert band, for weddings and other special occasions. At 17 singing jazz became her passion when she became the vocalist in a local jazz band. Over the years Heather has sung with a variety of jazz bands, pop music duos, and in churches. Some of Heather’s greatest influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf.

Heather earned an honor’s degree in French at Portland State University in 1992. When asked why the French songs, Heather says: Not only do the French songs have an exquisite sound to them lyrically, but these beautiful songs are passionate in a way that compels me to sing them.

Heather is also a certified and devoted Montessori teacher and the proprietress of The Happy Children’s Montessori in Hillsboro, Oregon. She shares the joy of music and French with the children in her school every day.

Tom Grant describes Heather in this way: Whether singing in English or French, this dazzling vocalist projects the inner beauty of herself and the song she sings, straight to the heart of the listener.

Steve Christofferson has been described as "one of the Northwest's most inventive pianists," (Willamette Week) with "a deft, lyrical touch and fevered imagination." (Victoria Times-Colonist) His trio is "focused, a very cohesive group capable of exploring standards and lesser-known jazz pieces with a soul and drive that hearkens all the way back to Monk, Garner and Bud Powell." (Cadence Magazine) His originals are "among the best compositions you'll hear on the local scene," (Dan DePrez) and David Frishberg says "Steve gets a great sound and plays with real authority and impeccable taste...he's one of my favorite piano players." (photo by Charles Requien).

http://www.stevechristofferson.com/

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