Susie Arioli

Music

These days she’s considered one of Montreal’s most successful jazz-and-blues vocalists, but back in the nineties, Susie Arioli was singing in the backrooms of the city’s many jazz clubs, trying to catch a break. That break came when Arioli met guitar player Jordan Officer. Together they formed The Susie Arioli Band, and in 1998, they were invited by the Montreal International Jazz Festival to open for Ray Charles. The performance was considered by many in attendance one of the brightest moments in the history of the festival, and it set The Susie Arioli Band on the way to greater opportunities. In 2000, the band released its debut album, It’s Wonderful. Arioli’s performance at that year’s Montreal Jazz Festival was a highly anticipated and sold-out event, evidence of Quebec’s growing love affair with her sultry vocal style. Now five albums in, Susie Arioli’s works have been both big sellers and critical favourites, garnering three Juno nominations and a devoted fanbase. (DN)