Widely regarded for her enchanting and dynamic delivery, jazz vocalist and improvisor Susannah Adams is well versed in the art of stepping into the unknown.
Often described as being a ‘fearless performer’, Susannah welcomes audiences in to the wild magic of song.
Deeply committed to the realm of jazz, Susannah has spent decades crafting a voice that harkens to the great masters whilst cultivating a relevance for today’s world.
Blending the emotion of Billie Holiday, the versatility of Ella Fitzgerald and the storytelling of Sheila Jordan, Adams weaves these qualities with her own unparalleled style of free improvisation and sheer delight for the music.
Her signature flair for adventure has earned Susannah great acclaim. Dr. Patrick Boyle, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Victoria, admires her bold and unique expression.
“She is a consummate professional, constantly honing her craft. More than most singers, Susannah spends a great deal of time cultivating her original voice as an improviser.”
— Patrick Boyle
Susannah has worked with some of Canada’s finest musicians, (Miles Black, Oliver Gannon, Daniel Lapp, Joby Baker, Miguelito Valdes, David Restivo, Scott White, Phil Dwyer, Attila Fias, Ryan Oliver),
and has performed at numerous festivals and clubs across BC (Islands Folk Fest, Rifflandia, Victoria Jazz Fest, Hornby Island Festival, Frankie’s Jazz Club, Hermann’s, The Avalanche).
She has been featured on CBC’s Hot Air and is regularly heard on Saturday Night Jazz.
Working with producers Miles Black and Joby Baker, Susannah released her first album, As the Morning Light (2018), as a tribute to her foundation in jazz, citing influences such as Chet Baker, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and Sheila Jordan.
More recently, Susannah has brought her love of improvisation into the world of sound healing. Her second album, HEARTH (2024), weaves jazz, freely improvised poetry and earthy rhythms to create soundscapes perfect for deep relaxation.
A versatile and dynamic musician, Susannah Adams’ performances are as varied as her repertoire.
Whether singing the jazz standards or her own dreamy compositions, Susannah has a truly authentic approach to music. With her warm stage presence and exceptional choice of songs to suit the occasion, Adams invites the listener into a playful and emergent place of connection.
“You have a unique approach to it all and you don’t play it safe. Bravo!”
— Oliver Gannon
Born and raised in London, England, Adams resides by the ocean in Victoria, BC, with her husband and two children. She can often be found singing to the ducks as she tends to their urban farm.
