Samantha Savage Smith

“…an incredibly self-assured first recording… wounded-angel vocals (are similar to) Feist (and) Cat Power… her adept songwriting skills belie her youth.”
- Lisa Wilton, Calgary Sun

Calgary-based singer-songwriter, Samantha Savage Smith will be performing at the West End Cultural Centre on Sunday, March 18th. Savage Smith is set to showcase songs from her debut album Tough Cookie which was released in April 2011. Drawing influence from classic songwriters such as Anita O’day and Billie Holiday as well as present-day songsmiths like St. Vincent and Dan Auerback of The Black Keys, Tough Cookie is a product of Savage Smith’s years spent honing her craft.

Shortly after posting demos online and playing a handful of extremely well-received shows, word spread quickly in the Calgary indie scene of the young singer-songwriter’s talent. The online demos caught the ear of local producer Lorrie Matheson (Rae Spoon, Ghostkeeper), who was struck by her achingly beautiful voice, melodies and lyrics. After seeing her perform live, he saw the potential in Samantha for a long and fruitful career. He offered his services to assist her in the next step - the production of an album that would showcase her personal and poignant songs and the voice that delivers them.

“Tough Cookie” was recorded in 2010 at Matheson’s Arch Audio studio in Calgary. Backed by Chris Dadge, Scott Munro and Brooker Buckingham (who have lent their talents to recordings and live shows by Chad Van Gaalen, Rae Spoon, Ghostkeeper, Fake Cops and Woodpigeon), and featuring the back-up vocals of the Dudes’ Dan Vacon, the album incorporates her love of torch songs, classic blues, R&B and rock music.

Winnipeg based franco-acoustic-pop performer marijosée will be opening the show. Combining subtle touches of jazz with other exotic rythyms, her voice is as surprising as it is seductive. Marijosée weaves together tales of life with levity, colour and wit.

Samantha Savage Smith myspace| bandcamp | musicCBC

marijosée website | musicCBC

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