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Sarah Begin

Sarah Bégin is a Toronto based jazz and Latin singer who performs regularly in Toronto and surrounding areas. Sarah attended Humber College where she graduated with a certificate in jazz performance. She also completed two years of the Bachelor of Music degree.

Her band The Jorge Gavidia and Sarah Begin Quintet has been active on the Toronto jazz scene since 2009 when guitarist Jorge Gavidia and herself decided to put their creative energy together to form an original jazz and blues project. Along with the leadership and talent of Jorge Gavidia and Sarah Begin, the quintet also features talented sidemen from the Toronto scene including drummer Matt Wills, saxophonist Dave Rubel and bassist Kevin Braun.

In December 2010, the band released their first album titled You Never Know, an album featuring 9 original compositions by Jorge and Sarah. The two songwriters are well versed in the jazz tradition and the blues. Their debut album is a modern look at cool jazz and blues music that was largely inspired by the couple’s trip to Montreal in 2009 and by their love of animals. Their songs and live performances are highly lyrical and entertaining while maintaining a modern edge to them.

The Jorge Gavidia and Sarah Begin Quintet are currently active as regular performers in some of Toronto’s most popular jazz clubs and in other venues around the Greater Toronto Area. The successful release of their first album brought with it a busy performance schedule and they are also making plans and writing music for their second album which they hope to start recording in the months to come.

Jorge Gavidia and Sarah Begin Release Their Debut Album, "You Never Know"

Source: Michael Ricci
February 1, 2011

The Jorge Gavidia and Sarah Begin Quintet are thrilled to announce the release of their debut jazz album, “You Never Know." The album represents a big step forward for Toronto based musicians, Jorge Gavidia and Sarah Begin, the masterminds behind the project. Consisting of 9 original songs, the album showcases the songwriting talents of Jorge Gavidia, with one song written by Sarah Begin. “You Never Know" is relaxing mix of jazz and blues, intermixed with odd-time compositions. A number of ...
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“So often do I hear the words “original compositions” and wish they would stick to standards, however this time it paid off. Sarah has a voice that can handle jazz or Latin songs and she knows how to swing. Jorge is a very melodic guitar player and seems right at home in the Latin vein.”

-Dave Milbourne, Toronto Jazz Magazine.

“For the blues to work, the vocals have to convey real pain. Bégin is no smooth operator like Norah Jones; her voice isn’t meant to soothe or comfort. This isn’t Starbucks-sponsored blues; this is the gritty stuff in dive bars.”

- Leslie Connors, JazzTimes