Judy Norbury

Born in India and raised in Vancouver, Judy Norbury spent much of early adult life participating in the west-coast music scene. She has played at concerts and folk festivals throughout British Columbia, Canada, primarily on Vancouver Island where she has made her home for the past 25 years. With two albums, and a vast repertoire of original songs ranging from bluegrass to folk-rock, Judy is an established and respected artist throughout Vancouver Island.

A blithe spirit that knows no limitations, Judy, through her songs, extols the abundance of love, laughter and whimsy that has propelled her along her journey of life. Judy plays guitar and Appalachian mountain dulcimer and sings, with a voice that is both rich and sweet, songs with humour, melancholy and courage. The lyrics in her songs document her personal experiences in a way that is both powerful and intimate.

Judy says:

I have been singing songs all my life. I was raised by a mom with a beautiful voice. As she worked she sang popular tunes from the 30’s and 40’s, standards and hymns. My dad had an enthusiastic voice and sang English music hall songs, Gilbert and Sullivan and naughty army songs with grunts and abbreviations in the place of the rude bits. My sister and I still puzzle over what were the original versions. Broadway musicals and operatic arias were enjoyed by my family and songs were always being sung. My grandad had a fine strong voice and sang at parties; songs such as The “Whiffenpoof Song” and “Far Away Places”.

On my 6th birthday I received a red leather transistor radio that changed my life. I became immediately addicted to 1950’s rock and roll, a passion that remained throughout all my growing up years. Choir and music classes were highlights of elementary school, although I now regret I was too impatient to learn to read music and only wanted to sing.

My older cousins introduced me to Bob Dylan in my early teens, and through a wonderful friend, Peggy, I learned of Buffy St. Marie, Phil Ochs, Judy Collins and a host of other folk artists.

The acquisition of a big old Yamaha guitar and an Appalachian Mountain dulcimer allowed me to accompany my singing. An obsessive infatuation with the folk, rock, jazz singer/songwriter Tim Buckley kindled my desire and need to express myself through songwriting, a need and desire that has continued through the years, although thankfully without the obsessive quality.

It’s a great privilege to work with my very talented friend Joanna. She teaches me much about music and encourages and bullies me into completing unfinished musical projects. Without her dedicated enthusiasm our CD would not have made it to fruition.

Joanna Finch

Raised in Victoria, Joanna Finch spent most of her life living in various B.C. coastal villages until she moved to the Comox Valley in 1990. A humorist by nature, Joanna enjoys playing with words and vocal mimicry to add a dramatic flair to her compositions. Trained in classical voice at the Victory Conservatory as a child, and in jazz as an adult, Joanna's broad range of styles is reflected in her music.

Inspired by Judy's provocative songs, Joanna first started performing seven years ago as an accompanist to Judy, adding harmony and rhythm with flute, penny whistle, hand drum, and singing some of her own folk compositions. As the duo developed, Joanna's jazz background contributed to the duo's eclectic and unusual style. Her knack for creating harmony and interesting arrangements, coupled with the duo's blending of voices, make them renowned for their a capella songs. With a voice that moves from sultry blues and soothing Celtic, to the nasal whine of her own special nose cornet, Joanna's vocal gymnastics are an intriguing compliment to Judy's sure, clear voice. You can visit Joanna's own website here


Joanna says about the CD, “Tease For Two”:

This is the dream I have carried for a long time. A lifetime of loving to sing is infused in these seven songs I have chosen for our album. There is a twenty year span between Black Bird and Joy Reflected and the songs in between contain a sampling of many of the musical styles which have influenced and shaped me.

I recited silly, rhythmical poetry as a child; I sang sacred music from the Middle Ages in a small ensemble in Victoria; I loved Looney Tunes and Merry Melody cartoons. I went wild when my brother introduced me to Django Rhinehardt, Stephane Grappelli and Leo Kottke, my Mother played Edith Piaf and Benny Goodman, and my sister pretended to be Eartha Kitt and Aretha Franklin. The sweet, soothing sound of Celtic music has always transported me to a place of soulful mystery. I love the feel of the lilting melody in my throat and the warmth this music brings to my heart. I love words and sounds and the ways they make me feel when they’re put together.

These songs came as a gift to me during walks in the woods and along the beach, while vacuuming, while washing dishes and while riding my bike. For the pleasure they have brought me and the fun I have with them I am grateful to my many Muses. I also feel very honoured to have so many fine musicians adding their skill and love of music to make this CD a rich compilation of our two hearts singing. I am lucky to have Judy as my friend, mentor and partner, whose eternally inspiring spirit and songs have been pivotal in awakening my dream.