Gillian Margot

Having an exquisite voice, a disarmingly wide range and a style that is deeply rooted in the tradition of the great jazz vocalists, Gillian Margot possesses a gift of storytelling and stunning lyrical delivery. A native of Toronto, Canada, Margot studied under a generation of jazz legends including Oscar Peterson, Freddy Cole, Carol Welsman, and Norman Simmons. Equally at home in the musical worlds of jazz, R&B, chamber, and pop, she has been invited to perform in major venues worldwide with a long list of top-tier talent, including rock icon Sting, famed soprano Kathleen Battle, jazz stars Jeremy Pelt and Chris Botti, and GRAMMY®- awarded artists Robert Glasper and Geoffrey Keezer. Additionally, her voice can be  heard in commercials, feature films, and television programs including Jane Goodall’s  Wild Chimpanzees (IMAX 2002), New Year (Doublesee 2010), Lethal Weapon (FOX  2016), The Young and The Restless (2016-2019), and One Good Reason (Alone.Calm  2020).  

Margot’s new album entitled Power Flower, builds on her unique and emotive  interpretations of American Standards. A deeply soothing homage to her influences in  the Jazz, Pop, and Funk of the 70s and 80s, Margot spent two and a half years building  the work; selecting seasoned titans Geoffrey Keezer, Billy Kilson, Seamus Blake, Ingrid  Jensen, and Munyungo Jackson. Included in the liner notes is the phrase ‘All vocals  recorded without use of any pitch correction technology,’ which sums up the attention  she has paid to Power Flower. The song selection reveals the same care; three rare  covers from Stevie Wonder, Wayne Shorter, and Joe Sample are balanced with three  originals and a wonderful arrangement of the traditional song “Black Is The Color (Of My  True Love’s Hair).” Power Flower released in Japan in December 2019 (Coreport),  globally in October 2020 (Ropeadope Records) and on vinyl in March 2021.

“Gillian has a love for song and the storytelling aspect of musical performance. The tone and sincerity of her voice, her remarkable presence and knowledge, use of phrasing, and ability to communicate with an audience make her relatable and personable. She has a penchant for hard work and a tendency to win over an audience.” – JEREMY PELT (Trumpeter/ Recording Artist/ Producer)

“Margot’s smoky contralto, solid pitch and warm delivery might remind some listeners of Dianne Reeves and the multi-tracked background voices are a creative plus.” – NEW YORK CITY JAZZ RECORD

“...a rich, clear and earthy voice, both rhythmic and free... strong in voice yet vulnerable in spirit, conversant and still melodic... This lady needs to be heard!” — L.A. JAZZ WEEKLY

POWER FLOWER

Release Date: October 23, 2020

Gillian Margot - voices
Ingrid Jensen - trumpet (tracks 1, 7)
Seamus Blake - soprano saxophone (track 3)
Ben Butler - guitar (tracks 4, 6)
Geoffrey Keezer - piano, keyboards
Richie Goods - bass
Billy Kilson - drums (tracks 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)
Mark Whitfield Jr. - drums (tracks 1, 4)
Munyungo Jackson - percussion (tracks 2, 4)
LIZEN Strings of Highland Park (tracks 1, 6) 

Produced by Gillian Margot 
Track 1 arranged by Gillian Margot McMillan 
Tracks 2 & 5 arranged by Gillian Margot McMillan and Geoffrey Keezer 

All vocals recorded without use of any pitch correction technology 
Recorded by Aaron Nevezie and Todd Carder in 2017, 2018, 2019 at Bunker Studios in Brooklyn, New York 
Strings recorded by Jeremy Miller in Los Angeles, California 
Mastered by Alex DeTurk 

Cover Artwork painted by Tokio Aoyama 
Photography by Deneka Peniston 
Graphic design by Kaya Marks