photo by Gayle Seale

Synopsis

*  Ontario independent Music Awards Best Blues (with Lucas Haneman for How To Dance)

* “she’s got the soul.... she’s got rhythm...she’s got spirit... she’s going to be the next big thing”. Curtis Fuller and Fathead Newman, Nov. 17, 2007

* "...by far one of the most natural, wonderful talents that I've come across in a long, long time..."
Jeff Healey, June 30 2005

* One of select few to perform at the Jeff Healey Jazz Band Ball May 4th, 2008, a tribute to Jeff Healey.

* Semi-finalist at the 23rd annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN

*  Winner Eastern Ontario Blues Challenge

* 2005 Maple Blues Award nominee for New Artist Of The Year.

* Semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition for Hot Desert Sun (see discography) making top 4% in 15,000 submissions worldwide

* "Ottawa's little Blues Lady" Hot Toronto Magazine July 16, 2007

Performing recorded artist/singer/songwriter Elyssa Mahoney has been singing publicly for over 10 years. It began in JK and by the time she was in Kindergarten she was doing her own 30 minutes sets at Ottawa’s Agricultural Fair called Super Ex. She would continue this event annually for the following six years. By the time Elyssa was ten, she had her own band. At 12, Elyssa released her debut full length CD, called Try To See Me Like That which garnered Elyssa a New Artist Of the Year Award nomination at Canada’s Maple Blues Awards and sold in countries around the world. It featured guest performances by artists such as Jeff Healey and Chuck Jackson (Downchild Blues Band)

Elyssa has given hundreds of shows including: performances at festivals such as the Ottawa’s Bluesfest, Mont-Tremblant Festival du Blues, Festival of The Islands, four consecutive years at the Southside Shuffle Jazz and Blues Festival, so many other festivals and events across Ontario to NB with stops in Upstate NY; competing in Memphis TN in the International Blues Challenge as the Eastern Ontario representative; opening and guest performances with bands like Jeff Healey Blues Band and The Jeff Healey Jazz Wizards, members of the Downchild Blues Band, the James Cotton Blues Band (who played with blues legend Muddy Waters amongst others), David “Fathead” Newman (who toured with Ray Charles for 12 years), Curtis Fuller (member of bands such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane); earning numerous awards and scholarships in pop (blues/jazz), musical theatre and classical competition , and so much more. Elyssa’s activities have received much appreciated media attention in numerous radio, television and newspaper interviews and features.

Elyssa’s vocal training is classical, which she has studied since the age of 5. It is credited for helping to develop Elyssa’s entire vocal range (just under 3 octaves now and still growing). She’s accomplished in various styles of music including blues and jazz, 60’s R&B, soul, and classical (soprano voice) with repertoire in five languages.

Cherished moments certainly include meeting and chatting with BB King on his tour bus and being one of the select few so honoured as to perform at Jeff Healey's Jazz Band Ball, a Tribute to Jeff Healey and his love of jazz.

Elyssa’s collaborative spirit has led to her working with national award winning guitarist Lucas Haneman. A founding member of the Ottawa band Epiphane, Lucas brings a broad stylistic approach and genuine knowledge of music to the table.  Elyssa and Lucas have performed numerous duos, trios or full band formats together.

Elyssa and Lucas have also co-write songs and released their first CD together in 2008. The majority of the album comprised their own originals with valuable input from their Co-Producer Ken Friesen who has worked with bands such as Great Big Sea, The Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo. 

Elyssa’s honest, soulful voice, with her appreciation of the lyric, and Lucas’ endless energy, intricacy and impressive range of style and tone on the guitar combine to bring music lovers something truly unique. 

Seeing is believing? www.elyssamahoney.ca includes video under the Cool Stuff/Sound & Video. References available.  Streaming audio, video are also available at Elyssa's electronic press kit www.sonicbids.com/elyssamahoney or visit www.myspace.com/elyssaandlucas 

Elyssa is "a true show person." (Jeff Healey)

www.elyssamahoney.ca