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The Ostara Project
For Canadians, the arrival of spring is momentous: the air is fresh and full of possibility as tender green shoots reach up towards the light and the cycle of rebirth and renewal begins again. The Ostara Project, named for the Germanic goddess of the spring equinox, embodies hope and growth by showcasing the strength and creativity of Canadian women in jazz.
Ostara artists are all top-tier musicians, composers and bandleaders who reflect the geographical, cultural and creative diversity of Canada’s musical landscape. Lead by award-winning jazz musicians Jodi Proznick and Amanda Tosoff, The Ostara Project includes Rachel Therrien, Allison Au and Valérie Lacombe, with guest artists invited on a per-project basis. Individually, they are outstanding artists: collectively, they are a force.
Ostara’s self-titled debut album (Cellar Live, 2022) received a JUNO award nomination 2023. Two upcoming albums—Roots (instrumental) and Wings (vocal)— feature original compositions that celebrate the cultural, ethnic and familial backgrounds of Ostara artists plus an impressive roster of guests: Shruti Ramani, Emilie- Claire Barlow, Laila Biali, Dawn Pemberton, Kim Zombik and Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson.
In a genre and industry where women are severely underrepresented, the Ostara Project is a powerful example of perseverance, community and creativity. New growth rising, stretching to claim space, propelled by joy. This is the music of Ostara.
Check out the individual projects of the talented artists who have contributed to The Ostara Project:
Jodi Proznick
Amanda Tosoff
Rachel Therrien
Allison Au
Valérie Lacombe
Emilie-Claire Barlow
Laila Biali
Dawn Pemberton
Shruti Ramani
Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson
Kim Zombik
Awards
2023 | JUNO Award Nominee | Vocal Jazz Album of the Year
Tags
"The OSTARA Project is a new collective of Canadian female jazz musicians drawn from across the country, most of whom are accomplished leaders in their own right... Indeed, bands such as OSTARA Project are important not only because of the beautiful music, but also because representation matters, both in jazz and society at large." ~ Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen
"The Ostara Project is an all-star collective of top female Canadian jazz players whose music swings far above the ordinary." ~ Stuart Derdeyn, Edmonton Journal
Renee Rosnes
pianoMaria Schneider
composer / conductorWayne Shorter
saxophoneBilly Strayhorn
pianoTerri Lyne Carrington
drumsJohn Coltrane
saxophoneHerbie Hancock
pianoJoni Mitchell
vocalsOscar Peterson
pianoKenny Wheeler
flugelhornMusic
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson