It would not be an overstatement to describe Glenda Rae's voice as one of the great instruments in global popular music. Her gift is singular and doesn't suffer for lack of commercial exposure. The delight in discovery is a real treat for expectant audiences. She never disappoints.
Raised in a profoundly musical family (father and mother gospel ministers, sister Christine Duncan a respected jazz icon), Rae's exposure to music began seemingly from the womb. In her infancy she demonstrated an uncanny ability to harmonize with other singers. As she matured, it became apparent to anyone in proximity that her talent was nothing less than prodigious. Her passion for blues, soul and gospel saturated her musical development.
Her soulfulness is tied to a complete technical mastery of her voice. Centred as an alto, it glides effortlessly through nearly four and a half octaves of range. Unique in texture and timbre, she can express herself in the most pure of voices (complete with the most unwavering control in terms of pitch) or make her voice turn and tumble like a high wire acrobat. Velvet restraint in one instance and volatile passion the next are hallmarks of a Rae performance.
Rae has entered the world as a songwriter with a stunning velocity. Collaborating with celebrated Canadian pianist/multi-instrumentalist/composer/arranger Miles Black, she has penned lyrics and melodies to over one hundred songs, spanning a variety of genres including pop, soul, jazz and new country. Rae, Black and percussionist/producer/engineer Tony Chamberlist work closely together, producing and distributing recordings of the new compositions.
If you heard Rae at the 2005 Pender Harbour Jazz Festival, you'll want to catch her again.
Rae performs at the Pender Harbour Music Society's Performance Centre, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, available at John Henry's in Garden Bay, Harbour Insurance in Madeira Park, Talewind Books in Sechelt and Coast Books in Gibsons.
