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Deb Rasmussen (vocal) and Jon Day (piano) began their musical collaboration in earnest at the most unexpected time – the midst of COVID. From that remote work sprang UNSPOKEN, released in 2022 and nominated for the 2023 YYCMusic Awards Jazz Recording of the Year. It features Deb’s original works arranged by Jon as well as refreshing takes on jazz standards. Their concert will include originals from UNSPOKEN, new creations they have since penned, and maybe a standard or two.
Deb Rasmussen (www.debrasmussen.com), Canadian jazz vocalist and songwriter, often takes a soft, understated approach to a song, but make no mistake, she can swing! She’s known for her spacious, playful interpretations of standards, performing her own tunes, and for the way she makes time stand still as she connects heart-to-heart with listeners.
Her new release, UNSPOKEN, takes you on a musical and emotional journey through the parts and types of love we often leave unspoken. It features new compositions and her partnership with Calgary jazz pianist Jon Day. They are joined by bassist Jeremy Coates, and drummer Robin Tufts. The album was developed through a remote collaboration in 2020 and 2021 and recorded at Studio D in Calgary in January 2022. It has been nominated for the 2023 YYC Music Awards Jazz Recording of the Year.
Here’s what the critics have said:
“Deb Rasmussen sings convincingly of joy, loneliness, hope, and heartbreak with a delightful voice exquisitely accompanied by the most sympathetic backing. Jon Day’s piano again merits praise for his subtle accompaniments and well-conceived solos. “Unspoken” is an engaging jazz vocal release of considerable charm.” Ron Weinstock, Jazz & Blues Report
“Poignant and powerful, Unspoken is a work of emotional beauty, and a treasure for connoisseurs of dulcet vocals. Highly recommended.” Midwest Book Review
Deb’s long-time collaboration with the late jazz guitarist Keith Smith is highlighted in her first album – Heart Wide Open (2011). On Northern Lights — Altai Khangai (2009), she adds her vocals to a unique mix of jazz and Mongolian traditional music. Northern Lights – Altai Khangai was conceived in Mongolia and toured Canada in 2009.
Jon Day (jdaymusic.com) is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, arranger, and composer. As an accomplished trumpet player, pianist, and educator for two decades, Jon has been a featured artist in a variety of music festivals around the globe and has had the privilege of sharing the stage with a variety of world-class musicians. In addition to an impressive performance career, Jon is also a respected leader having conducted and composed for a wide variety of ensembles (symphony orchestra, studio orchestra, theatre orchestra, brass bands, brass quartets, big bands, and jazz ensembles) and vocal groups (choirs, quartets, theatre ensembles, and soloists).