Evans, a Juno Award-winning vocalist, has crafted an album that beautifully blends traditional Christmas standards with her unique vocal stylings, making the music her own. The title track, Winter Song, is a standout example of how Evans infuses the sounds of the season with her personal experiences, drawing listeners into a world where warmth, nostalgia, and emotion flow seamlessly together.
Inspiration Behind Winter Song
For Evans, Winter Song is not just another holiday tune. It’s a heartfelt reflection on her own childhood experiences growing up in Scarborough, Ontario, and the sights and sounds she associates with Canadian winters. The single is rooted in personal memories, from the crunch of snow beneath her feet to the sound of ice cracking on winter walks. Yet, it’s also about the bittersweet longing for family during the festive season.
"I think as an only child, growing up watching holiday movies and consuming so much media of warm, cozy homes filled with happy families gathered around, I had a sense of longing for that and wanting to create that when I grew up," Evans reflects. "But as an adult, I now know how complicated those manufactured images of an ideal family life can be. Family is what we make all around us. I've learned that it's okay to be alone as well."
This nuanced understanding of family and togetherness is woven throughout Winter Song, making it a deeply personal and relatable composition for listeners who may be experiencing similar emotions during the holidays.
The Sound of Winter Song
Winter Song is the sole original track on Evans’ album of the same name, and it perfectly encapsulates her soulful and velvety vocal delivery. Evans’ voice is a defining feature of the track—smooth, warm, and compelling. The song's soft, alluring phrasing gives it an intimate, reflective quality, while its outro builds to a slow, inventive crescendo that adds an unexpected twist to the holiday ballad. It’s a moment of musical brilliance, showcasing Evans’ talent for blending classic jazz vocals with modern, innovative touches.
Evans co-produced Winter Song with Steve Foley (known for his work with artists like J-Cole, Chad Kroeger, and Carly Rae Jepsen). The track features arrangements by Evans and keyboardist Steve Boudreau, along with contributions from bassist Chris Pond, drummer/percussionist Stephen Adubofuor, guitarist Ben Di Millo, and Clayton Connell. The song was recorded and mixed by Foley at Audio Valley Recording Studio, with mastering handled by Jason Fee at Conduction Mastering.
The Album: Winter Song (2024)
The album Winter Song is a lush, 11-track collection that strikes a perfect balance between holiday nostalgia and Evans’ distinct jazz-soul style. While the title track is the centerpiece, the album also features a delightful mix of standards and covers, each reinterpreted through Evans’ unique lens. Among the highlights are Joni Mitchell’s “River,” a fresh and emotional take on Irving Berlin’s “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm,” and an intimate, stripped-back version of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
Another notable track is Evans’ rendition of John Lennon’s iconic “Imagine,” which she reworks into something entirely her own, with an understated and reflective approach. Fans of classic Christmas hits will also enjoy the band’s lively take on “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” made famous by Brenda Lee, which brings an infectious energy to the album.
The album also features flugelhorn player Ed Lister and additional percussion and backing vocals from Steve Foley and Gabriel Merino, respectively. Together, the musicians create a cohesive and warm atmosphere that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.
A Personal Journey of Christmas and Music
Evans’ journey to creating Winter Song is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in a single-parent household, Christmas often meant spending the holidays with her mother on the phone while she worked shifts as a nurse. "Some of my earliest memories are of opening presents with her on the phone while she worked," Evans recalls. Despite these challenging circumstances, her mother always found ways to make the holidays feel magical. Music was central to that magic, with the family often enjoying classic Christmas albums by Nat King Cole, Elvis, and Boney M.
It was in these moments that Evans dreamed of creating a holiday album of her own—one that would reflect the warmth, complexity, and love of family, regardless of what that family looked like. Now, with Winter Song, Evans has fulfilled that dream, offering a collection of songs that feel like a celebration of both the holiday season and the journey of life itself.
Kellylee Evans: A Career Rich with Accomplishments
Evans has had a long and varied career in music, and Winter Song is a continuation of the growth she has experienced as an artist. Her debut album, Fight or Flight?, released in 2006, put her on the map, while subsequent releases like The Good Girl and Nina (2010), I Remember When (2013), and Come On (2015) solidified her place in the music industry. Evans has also opened for some of the biggest names in music, including Willie Nelson, John Legend, and George Benson.
In 2013, Evans survived a lightning strike, an experience that profoundly impacted her outlook on life. She has since shared her journey of pain management and recovery, becoming an advocate for others facing similar challenges. In addition to her music career, Evans has also performed the national anthems at games for the Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators.
Tour Dates: Celebrating the Album Release
To celebrate the release of Winter Song, Kellylee Evans will be touring Quebec and Ontario in late November and December 2024, with additional dates scheduled for February 2025. The tour promises to bring her unique holiday sound to audiences across Canada, giving fans the chance to experience the magic of the season live.
Tour Dates:
November 26, 2024 – Carleton Dominion Chalmers, Ottawa, ON (Ottawa Jazz Festival Holiday Fundraiser)
November 29, 2024 – Massey Hall, Toronto, ON (Women’s Blues Revue)
December 6, 2024 – Empire Theatre, Belleville, ON (Sean Jones Holiday Soul)
December 7, 2024 – National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON
December 12, 2024 – Salle Bourgie, Montreal, QC
December 13, 2024 – Hugh’s Room Live, Toronto, ON
February 13, 2025 – Hermann’s Jazz Club, Victoria, BC
February 15, 2025 – Anvil Theatre, New Westminster, BC
February 22, 2025 – Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora, ON
April 24, 2025 – Koerner Hall, Toronto, ON (Guest of The Breithaupt Brothers)
Kellylee Evans’ Winter Song is a stunning addition to the canon of holiday music, offering both fresh takes on timeless classics and a deeply personal, original contribution to the genre. With its soothing, jazz-infused sound and Evans’ captivating vocals, the album is poised to become a new holiday favorite for many. Whether you're looking for something cozy to play by the fire or a refreshing twist on the season’s most beloved tunes, Winter Song is a must-have addition to your holiday music collection.
Fans can look forward to experiencing the magic of Kellylee Evans live as she tours across Canada this winter—bringing her signature blend of jazz, soul, and holiday cheer to concert halls near you.
Album Available: Winter Song – Now available on digital platforms and LP. As an Amazon affiliate, we benefit from qualified purchases. Discover here.
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