Grimsby jazz singer plans to take new direction on upcoming original CD

“I think people are interested in seeing artists grow.” — Suzanne Ramsay
By Shella Gardezi
The News

GRIMSBY -- A former Hamilton musician is enjoying the quiet life in Grimsby, while still taking advantage of a reinvigorated local music scene.

Suzanne Ramsay is taking her music to a new level with a new CD in the works. She’s well-known locally for her ’50s-style jazz vocals, but she and her band are taking a newdirection.

She’s written an original CD with drummer, Mike Stanutz. “My music is in flux,” she says. “We’ve played with a lot of different styles on this CD.” She’s recently begun to incorporate these new works into her performances. Audiences at Grimsby’s Rumour Mill were recently treated to one of the CD tracks, “In My Next Life, I Want to Be a Cat.”

Ramsay says there’s no doubt that Grimsby audiences are ready for something different.

“I think people are interested in seeing artists grow,” she says.

Originally from New Liskeard, Ramsay has been singing her “whole life.” She moved south in her late teens to pursue her career, but later decided the quieter life was for her. She moved to Grimsby — “the best of both worlds” — to benefit from access to nearby cities while still enjoying a rural environment.

Ramsay performs with Stanutz, drums; Clark Johnston, up-right bass; Bob Shields, guitar; and Mike Malone, trumpet.

For more information about Suzanne Ramsay, visit www.suzanne-ramsay.com. Suzanne is a frequent guest at the Rumour Mill’s Jazz Night’s, which take place from 5 to 9 p.m.