Bio
Peter Liu & Kellylee Evans -
November 2, 2018
With his smooth lyrical voice, dynamic phrasing, and charisma, Peter Liu has risen to prominence as one of the leading jazz vocalists in the National Capital Region. He has a wide vocal range and he has established a reputation for his ability to sing in a variety of jazz styles, grooves, and tempos, and to tell his stories with clarity and authenticity. Peter performs songs that evoke the full range of emotions involved in love relationships and the complexities of life, with a meaningful musical conversation shared between musicians and with the audience. Inspired by jazz greats such as Chet Baker, Mel Torme, Jack Jones, and Kurt Elling, he has developed his own unique and captivating vocal style, always with a caring, playful and uplifting spirit.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, he graduated from New York University, completed doctoral studies in clinical psychology at the University of Vermont, moved to Ottawa, Ontario, and is currently a proud Canadian citizen. With a musical background in clarinet, bassoon, and vocal performance, Peter began training intensively in vocal jazz in 2007. Over the years, he has studied closely with Montréal based Sharada Banman for jazz vocal coaching, and with Ottawa’s own Laurence Ewashko for classical voice training. Peter attended the Jazzworks Summer Jazz Workshop between 2008 and 2014, where he engaged in intensive combo work with top Canadian musicians, including Sharada Banman, bassist Kieran Overs, and guitarist Kevin Barrett. He studied with jazz legends Sheila Jordan and Kitty Margolis, and in April 2012, Peter was a featured masterclass student with Peter Eldridge, of New York Voices fame, as part of the "Manhattan on the Rideau" series at the NAC's Fourth Stage.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, he graduated from New York University, completed doctoral studies in clinical psychology at the University of Vermont, moved to Ottawa, Ontario, and is currently a proud Canadian citizen. With a musical background in clarinet, bassoon, and vocal performance, Peter began training intensively in vocal jazz in 2007. Over the years, he has studied closely with Montréal based Sharada Banman for jazz vocal coaching, and with Ottawa’s own Laurence Ewashko for classical voice training. Peter attended the Jazzworks Summer Jazz Workshop between 2008 and 2014, where he engaged in intensive combo work with top Canadian musicians, including Sharada Banman, bassist Kieran Overs, and guitarist Kevin Barrett. He studied with jazz legends Sheila Jordan and Kitty Margolis, and in April 2012, Peter was a featured masterclass student with Peter Eldridge, of New York Voices fame, as part of the "Manhattan on the Rideau" series at the NAC's Fourth Stage.
Peter Liu and the Pollcats at the Kitchener-Waterloo Dixieland Jazz Club - Saturday, April 20, 2019 - Peter Liu (vocals), Scott Poll (clarinet/sax), Peter Turner (trombone), Tony Quarrington (guitar), Ron Johnson (bass), Glenn Anderson (drums)
Special Guest for Voice of Jazz Quartet at the National Gallery of Canada - Peter Turner (trombone), Tom Denison (bass), Bill Gobby (guitar), Peter Liu (vocals)
Peter now performs regularly at public and private events as bandleader and as special guest for other groups. He has been honoured to share the stage with celebrated vocalists Alex Pangman, Wallis Giunta, Kellylee Evans, and Fawn Fritzen. Recent highlights include performances at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Merrickville’s Jazz Festival, the Canadian Tulip Festival, the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery, and Rideau Hall. He has also been thrilled to play for Almonte's JazzNhouse concert series, the Ottawa Swing Dance Society, Asian Heritage Month, and at many area restaurants, pubs, and clubs supporting live jazz.
Peter performs with a variety of Ottawa's finest musicians, playing selections of beautiful jazz to suit the needs of specific events, including public concerts, weddings, dances, corporate functions, and private parties. Peter has two recorded albums to date, "Bamboo Groove" (2014) and "Count On Lindy" (2017).
Peter performs with a variety of Ottawa's finest musicians, playing selections of beautiful jazz to suit the needs of specific events, including public concerts, weddings, dances, corporate functions, and private parties. Peter has two recorded albums to date, "Bamboo Groove" (2014) and "Count On Lindy" (2017).
Peter was formerly one of the hosts of "Swing is in the Air" on CKCU 93.1 FM, airing on Sundays from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, where he presented unique selections of vocal and instrumental jazz. Archived shows are available through the program's webpage.
Peter has also planned large scale jazz events, such as founding the annual Ottawa SwingFest at the Canadian War Museum, and co-founder of Ottawa Summer Swing. He is an avid swing dancer, educator, and public speaker, and is committed to lifelong learning, growing, and community building. Due to the pandemic, live music was shut down for some time, but over the past year, Peter and his bandmates have been eager to return to music making as conditions gradually improve.
Peter has also planned large scale jazz events, such as founding the annual Ottawa SwingFest at the Canadian War Museum, and co-founder of Ottawa Summer Swing. He is an avid swing dancer, educator, and public speaker, and is committed to lifelong learning, growing, and community building. Due to the pandemic, live music was shut down for some time, but over the past year, Peter and his bandmates have been eager to return to music making as conditions gradually improve.
Peter Liu and the Pollcats at the 2018 Ottawa Jazz Festival
Peter Liu (vocals), Scott Poll (clarinet), Peter Turner (trombone)
Yves Laroche (piano), Magnus Paulson (guitar), Alex Mastronardi (bass), Steve Gallant (drums)
Peter Liu (vocals), Scott Poll (clarinet), Peter Turner (trombone)
Yves Laroche (piano), Magnus Paulson (guitar), Alex Mastronardi (bass), Steve Gallant (drums)
Special guest with Fawn Fritzen's "Pairings" CD Release at the Steinway Gallery, Ottawa
Fawn Fritzen (vocals), Peter Liu (guest vocals), Dave Restivo (piano), George Koller (bass)
Fawn Fritzen (vocals), Peter Liu (guest vocals), Dave Restivo (piano), George Koller (bass)
