Eileen Joyce

Eileen Joyce's standing as one of Halifax's beloved and durable voices of the east coast is undeniably assured. The iron velvet warmth of this songstress, illustrated on her new CD No More Blue Tears, is proof that she is true to the making of the music she loves. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Eileen was inspired from a musical family. Her father and brother - both jazz drummers - played music all of the time. As a child, she would hear about her brother (now respected Canadian musician and conductor) playing in the bars. "I remember when I was four years old seeing my father on television. I thought it was so cool! That stuck with me!" Later, after singing as a soloist in school choirs, Joyce's musical thirst carried her in her teens to Toronto where she cultivated stage technique in top 40 bands and musical theatre. Her sound was woven out of a deep love of 'soul, jazz and r&b. As a songwriter, Eileen has come full circle in establishing herself. "While writing songs for the preschool children that I taught, I began to take an interest in writing about my own perspectives." A self-produced CD in 1995 began this journey. Comprised of twelve hot, bluesy originals, No More Blue Tears reveals yet new dimensions to Eileen's enormous musical gifts. Favourites You Must Go, Under Your Spell and Sweet Fool are sure to linger like new classics, as Eileen Joyce effortlessly shows her undiminished gift for rendering sassy heartfelt lyrics and fresh interesting rhythms that are her trademarks. Once again sharing production duties with her mentor Jeri Brown, the singer caps off her latest project with a true musical coupe - a breathtakingly gorgeous duet with blues talent Charlie A'Court on her original Too Hot To Handle. The title cut No More Blue Tears has already received promising international airplay in Germany and Argentina. Singer, songwriter, Eileen Joyce is well known as a vibrant entertainer and powerful vocalist in eastern Canada. Her honest, sensual and robust vocal style can be described to that of Etta James, and Dinah Washington with a touch of Janis Joplin. A vocal range from alto to soprano, this stylist sings from the heart with a passion for the blues. Eileen is no stranger to the hectic life of a professional musician. During the past eight years, Eileen Joyce has toured throughout Canada, and the western United States. As a producer she has created, founded and served as artistic director for her regionally based organization, The East Coast Blues Society, and published blues based articles in several Canadian music publications. Her annual concert series, Ladies in Blue, is in its fifth year in the region.