Debut Album 'START TO MOVE'

Juno Award Nominated "Vocal Jazz Album of the Year" 2007

Voted #3 Jazz Album of the Year 2006 on Gilles Peterson's Worldwide BBC Radio 1 London

Imagine a cold winter night in Toronto, walking past a small jazz club, when you catch through the folds of your scarf the warm deep grooves of a jazz trio playing to an intimate crowd. Welcome to the scene a fresh new sound from singer/songwriter Elizabeth Shepherd.

There are times when something new comes along at once familiar and yet completely original.  The album ‘Start to Move’ from the Elizabeth Shepherd Trio is just that.  But what’s more she has added her own unique blend of jazz-funk, soul, blues, and samba to the fundamentals of Jazz – improvising a deep driving bass from Scott Kemp, the swinging beat of the drum from Colin Kingsmore, and Elizabeth’s playful piano and captivating voice to tie it all together. Recorded over the winter of 2005/2006, you can feel yourself with them, locked away in a small studio, protected from the cold winter night, pushing through track after track for that deep warm sound.

Elizabeth strives to push the boundaries of what is considered conventional jazz to create a sound all her own.  Raised by ministers of the Salvation Army, an early exposure to the sounds of the Army Band mixed with her love for house, disco, classical and hip hop, to lay the foundations of a soulful musician.  Having trained extensively in conservatories from Alberta to France, and completing a degree in music from McGill University in Montreal, Elizabeth has emerged onto the Toronto jazz scene where she has already established herself as someone to be watched.  Playing in some of Toronto’s most popular spots, the Rex Hotel, the Montreal Bistro, Supermarket, and the Distillery District, and has grace the stages from around the world including London UK's Jazz Cafe twice within one year!. She has also appeared on numerous 'Live in Session' including Gilles Peterson's Worldwide show on BBC Radio 1 UK, and Matt Galloway's Here And Now show on CBC Radio One Toronto.  As far as being a “jazz performer”, Elizabeth does not count herself as one to be defined by a particular genre; her music comes straight from the soul, and is more than just what she does, but what she loves.

The album, ‘Start to Move’ is Elizabeth’s debut with Do Right Music, a label which seeks out new talent playing music that is out of the ordinary, and marks the inaugural release of the “Do Jazz” series.  Co-produced with Do Right's label boss John Kong, Elizabeth has put together a mix of original tracks and timeless classics.  Her lyrics sing to us her struggle to find a place in a dynamic yet crowded jazz scene, as well as drawing on stories of love and life.  From the jazz funk of ‘Reversed’ to the samba beats of ‘Melon’, the hip hop influenced ‘George’s Dilemma’ and the swinging modal of ‘Roots’, the Elizabeth Shepherd Trio has given us music that seems effortless in its perfection, displaying her talents and the remarkable chemistry she shares with her band to never compromise her style for those seeking tradition.

"Proper vocal Jazz, a name to watch." Straight No Chaser, UK

"This is hard-bopping jazz that commands you to move." NOW Magazine

"Adding to the worldwide roster of new jazz artists who are bringing something fresh to an old blueprint" DJ Mag, UK

"A contemporary jazz artist who isn't afraid to do her thing." Montreal Mirror

"Refreshing in their lack of artifice....righteous grooves." Exclaim!

Elizabeth Shepherd Trio - 'Start to Move' 1. Start to Move [Listen] 2. George's Dilemma [Listen] 3. Roots [Listen] 4. Four [Listen] 5. Circles [Listen] 6. Reversed [Listen] 7. Melon [Listen] 8. Ton Visage [Listen] 9. Along the Way [Listen] 10. Just Getting By [Listen] 11.Price is Right [Listen] Album in stores and available on

New release: 'Besides' - Remixes and B-Sides

Although Start to Move would be found in the jazz section at your local music shop, Elizabeth’s blend of jazz-funk, soul, blues and samba reaches far beyond just the jazz massive. Besides is a collection of dancefloor remixes, b sides, exclusives and unreleased gems that will appeal to all music lovers.

Besides begins with Elizabeth belting out her new single, a bossa-tinged rendition of Lionel Hampton’s “Midnight Sun”. This up-tempo, feel-good, soundtrack to the summer features her Trio, Scott Kemp on Bass, Colin Kingsmore on Drums, and Elizabeth on Piano and Vocals. Next up, highly sought after UK Tru Thoughts producer Nostalgia 77, gives ‘Reversed’ some tough drums, finger-snapping bass and a heavier, funk-influenced sound. ‘Just Getting By’ is Elizabeth’s take on the sad state of affairs that most artists have to face, as she sings about having to “wait tables just to make bread”. Croatia’s Eddy Meets Yannah of Compost Records, turn ‘Just Getting By’ out on a twisted brokenbeat tip but drench the track with layers of soulful keys giving it that warm, blessed out vibe. Prolific Toronto producer Alister Johnson takes the track ‘Circles’ and completely reworks the entire song into a soulful, bumpin’, jazz groove. He drops a deep and funky bassline, adds a dope hip-hop beat, some complex synths and new instruments including live saxophones performed by Arthur Kerekes. Tokyo’s Daisuke Tanabe of Fluid Ounce, known for his signature electronic bleeps and dubby beats, actually samples and loops Elizabeth humming at the beginning of crowd favourite ‘Georges Dilemma’ and uses it as the bassline on this future-jazz remix. ‘Start to Move’ is the title track of the album where Elizabeth pays homage to the jazz greats of the past, but remains rooted in her own style. Rising UK producer Natural Self takes this gorgeous tune and turns it into a jazz-funk dancefloor stomper with stunning horns and a dirty, bumpin’, bassline. ‘Reversed’ gets a second working over by Toronto multi-talented producers, Circle Research as they flip the track on a hip-hop tip, dropping sound effects and scratches - this was the demo before they even recorded the album version. ‘Georges Dilemma’ also receives an alternative take with a dancefloor oriented jazz version. Other exclusives include Elizabeth’s late-night jam of Pierre Leduc’s ‘Soya’, the stunning version of Chick Corea’s ‘Open Your Eyes’, as well as her live-in-session recording of ‘Just Getting By’ for Gilles Peterson's Worldwide radio show on BBC Radio 1. Also included is her new song ‘One Trump Card’, a beautiful and bluesy tune that will send shivers running up and down your spine.

Besides picks up from where Start to Move left off, maintaining jazz aesthetic while fusing the original recordings with fresh new dancefloor focused sounds and styles, redefining the way people think about jazz.

'Shepherd's vocal style feels focused and casual at once - cool, smart and sexy. Globe And Mail

"With a remix roster that really brings out the limitless potential of this diamond in the ruff... her already accomplished debut lives again." Montreal Mirror

"A whole new level of genius from one of our favorite artists of the past few years -- a step past her amazing debut album, and a showcase for the sorts of exposure and circulation her music has gotten in the aftermath of its release." Dusty Groove