Nancy Newman

Nancy Newman: A Voice Like No Other

Vancouver-based jazz vocalist and songwriter Nancy Newman effortlessly blends jazz, pop, and original compositions to create performances that leave a lasting impression. Known for her lush, evocative vocals and heartfelt interpretations, Nancy's artistry is a seamless fusion of passion, creativity, and raw emotional honesty. Her improvisational talents and fluid, nuanced style make every performance a memorable experience, transcending traditional jazz boundaries.

With a voice that is both powerfully expressive and richly textured, Nancy delivers music that resonates deeply with her audiences. Her ability to transform each song into a deeply personal story has established her as a uniquely original voice in the jazz world.

Nancy has performed and recorded with some of Canada’s finest musicians including Juno Award winning and Grammy nominated Michael Creber, Miles Black, Jennifer Scott, Rene Worst, Tom Keenlyside, and Buff Allen. Her voice has been featured at festivals, events, and venues including Chutzpah! Festival, Festival Vancouver, The Cultch Historic Theatre, The Norman Rothstein Theatre, The Orpheum, Rossini’s, The Cellar, The Sylvia, and Frankie’s Jazz Club. International appearances include France, the USA, and Barcelona.

With a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counselling from San Diego State University, Nancy paused her career as a Rehabilitation Counsellor to raise her three sons and study vocal performance. Inspired by the improvisational aspect of jazz, Nancy studied with celebrated jazz masters Sheila Jordan, Mark Murphy, Nancy King, Jay Clayton, Greta Matassa and Jennifer Scott. Enrolled in Jazz and Contemporary Voice at Vancouver Community College, Nancy sang lead vocals with VCC’s Latin Jazz Ensemble and Classic Jazz Band.

Teaming up with producer/pianist Michael Creber, Nancy recorded her first two albums: 'Palace of the Moon' and 'You Never Know'. Nancy’s background in Rehabilitation Counselling infused her original songs on ’Palace of the Moon’ with themes of emotional expression and resilience, while ’You Never Know’ inspires listeners with jazz and pop covers. Nancy's live performance of songs from both albums was received with a standing ovation at The Cultch Historic Theatre in 2012.

Nancy’s third album DREAM, to be released June 6, 2025, celebrates the multifaceted and therapeutic aspects of dreaming. This album reflects Nancy’s lifelong fascination with dreams—from the surreal landscapes of sleep to the aspirations that fuel us daily. With unadorned vocals and soulful expression, Nancy invites listeners on a restorative journey embracing the awe and power of dreams.

Additional albums featuring Nancy include Japanese compilation CD ‘Quiet Corner ~ Little Peace Piece’, Universal Gospel Choir’s ‘Joyful Noise’, and ‘Shiron Singers In Concert’.

Nancy has brought vocalists and musicians together in supportive community since 2014 with her popular monthly event “Third Thursday ~ Vocal Jazz Jam”, as well as with numerous self produced concerts such as: “First Saturday Sessions”, “Wildflower~Pop Hits Of the Past”, “Northern Night”, “Swing Into Summer” and “Songs of the Sixties”.

With her signature blend of unadorned vocals and soulful honesty, Nancy’s music connects deeply with listeners, evoking emotion, purpose, and joy. Whether she is reinterpreting jazz classics or crafting original works, Nancy Newman’s artistry continues to push boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on her audiences.