Kellylee Evans

Juno Award-winning singer, songwriter and motivational speaker Kellylee Evans is a high-octane, chameleon-like performer whose natural charm and improvisational vocal style embody jazz, soul, pop, and hip-hop. Since winning 2nd place in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in 2004, the singer-songwriter has been nominated for a number of awards including numerous Juno nominations. She has toured extensively, captivating audiences throughout the world and opened for artists like John Legend, Tony Bennett, Willie Nelson, and Erykah Badu. She has been signed to Universal Music and Publishing, Motema Music, and French label Plus Loin, and today releases music on her own label, Enliven Media.

Her new EP, Show Love, offers a fresh and innovative approach that establishes new sonic terrain built on the foundation of familiar sounds and styles from her six previous studio projects.
From the satisfyingly phat, arpeggiated synthesizer introduction on “Friends” to the polyrhythmic trip-hop accompaniment of “Higher,” — courtesy of producer and arranger Michael Shand, who played every instrument on Show Love — Evans achieves a more futuristic soul concoction that blends elements of R&B, funk, and —yes — a hint of jazz into earworm ecstasy.
Whether it's romance, parenthood, or self-healing, Kellylee Evans offers food for thought on the six songs that comprise Show Love. Her impeccable and versatile voice meticulously delivers the emotional wallop of each song with picture-perfect phrasing.



HIGHLIGHTS:

Awards and Recognition:
2023 HER Awards
2018 Juno Award Nomination - Vocal Jazz Album of the Year - Come On
2014 Black Canadian Award - Best Jazz Artist
2014 Canadian Screen Award Nomination - Best Performance or Host in a Variety Program or Series
2011 Juno Award - Vocal Jazz Album of the Year - Nina
2009 Juno Award - Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year - Embracing Voices (with Jane Bunnett)
2007 Juno Award Nomination - Vocal Jazz Album of the Year - fight or flight?
2007 Gemini Award Nomination - Best Performance or Host in a Variety Program or Series
2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award - Female Vocalist of the Year
2006 Barnes and Noble Discover New Artist selected release
2004 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition - 2nd Place

Noted Opening Slots/Shared Stages:
Erykah Badu, Tony Bennett, George Benson, Chris Botti, Dee Dee Bridgewater, C2C, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, Hugh Masekela, Willie Nelson, Dianne Reeves, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Wayne Shorter, Derek Trucks.