Mélanie E. combines classic French songs and jazz at TD Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival

Last June Mélanie E., a group created by Mélanie and Keith Hartshorn-Walton, were a huge hit at the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival’s 24-Hour Jazz Ramble. The Festival invited them to take part in this year’s TD Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival on February 9, 8pm at La Nouvelle Scène’s (333 King Edward Ave) Studio B.

This husband and wife team, after recently moving to Ottawa from Toronto, have joined their two diverse musical universes (voice and tuba) to create a jazz-flavoured twist on popular French songs, with arrangements that touch the hearts of those familiar with French chanson, and rhythms for those who enjoy jazz. They’ll be joined by Alex Tompkins on guitar and Michel Delage on drums.

“People can expect to hear a variety of classic French songs and originals reinterpreted with a variety of jazz styles. The band has great energy, solid grooves and are free to interact and create spontaneity within the song forms,” explains Melanie Hartshorn-Walton. “The fun is in thinking in which jazz style we could set a particular song, reinventing it and perhaps surprising listeners who are familiar with the originals.”