News and Views :: Debbie Fleming

Posted on May 26, 2019 by Debbie | 0 Comments

On May 25th, 2019, Debbie Fleming was awarded The Slaight Music Legacy Award, by the SING Vocal Arts Festival, for her contribution to vocal music in Canada as arranger/songwriter/contractor/producer/singer over the years. Debbie’s early years were the 40s and 50s, when everyone listened to music on the kitchen radios. There was a plethora of music styles played on each station,…

Hair, and the Brilliance of Dylan Bell

Posted on May 26, 2017 by adming | 0 Comments

Last night – May 25th, 2017, I crossed off a “bucket list” item that had been on my wish list for 48 years – I sang onstage with some of the original members of the Toronto production of Hair. In fact – I sang Aquarius, as a solo, all dressed up with a headband, and snazzy fringed vest I crafted…

2016

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Debbie | 0 Comments

DEBBIE INTERVIEWED ON BEACH CORNER RADIO Debbie was recently interviewed by Dianna Chycki for Beach Corner Radio in Wasaga Beach. During this 45 minute interview, Debbie answers questions posed by Dianna, on her early days in the music business, and features two songs from her new CD Full Circle: Back To Bacharach. Beach Corner Radio THE HARD WORK BEGINS Since…

2015

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Debbie | 0 Comments

ORI DAGAN’s TRIBUTE TO ELVIS PRESLEY On January 7, 2015, I was honoured to be asked by Ori Dagan, to sing an Elvis Presley song at his tribute to Elvis at the Lula. I was always a HUGE Elvis fan – Elvis was the first real love and inspiration in my life. I sang Peace in Valley, and LOVED revisiting…

2014

Posted on June 5, 2016 by Debbie | 0 Comments

2014 was rung in with dear friends Irene, George and Kathy, as we enjoyed the great music presented by George Olliver, John Finley, Cathy Young and schwingin’ band led by Grant Slater. VIRGIL SCOTT’S MUSICIANS’ NEW YEAR CELEBRATION On January 21, at the Hollywood on Queensway, musicians from all parts of the GTA came out of the woodwork, to attend…

2013

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Debbie | 0 Comments

2013, VIRGIL SCOTT’S MUSICIANS’ NEW YEAR The year began with Virgil Scott’s annual Musician’s New Year at the Hollywood on Queensway. It’s always a fabulous reunion for those of us who used to see each other all the time in the old days, when the music biz was hot, and lucrative. CARNIVAL VALOR UKE CRUISE In February, I went on…

Full Circle – Back to Bacharach – The Process

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Debbie | 2 Comments

THE INSPIRATION: Toronto is a plethora of excellent singers and musicians. I’m so happy to feel still part of the Toronto music scene, and to enjoy the community,camaraderie and artistry of many singers and great musicians in Toronto – most of whom are much younger than I am. Over 10 years ago, Lisa Particelli began a regular evening of jazz…

Bummer!!!

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Debbie | 2 Comments

Colonoscopy and what it “Entails” WARNING!!! The following is rated “R” – restricted only to those who are not offended by “TMI” – and want to know the ins and outs of this procedure, which most people must undergo in the name of health. This is my personal account of my BEST colonoscopy yet! Having had some not-so-pleasant experiences…

Upon Becoming Old(er)

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Debbie | 3 Comments

DECADENT BDAY SPEECH – 2013 This year, I reached a milestone birthday, and I gave a speech to the dear friends and family who honoured me by attending my Decadent Toast and Jam, a musical celebration at the Dominion on Queen in Toronto, April 28th, 2013. A few of them asked me to share the speech I gave about growing…

Travelblog: Cruising on the Carnival Valor, 2013

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Debbie | 1 Comments

CARIBBEAN CRUISE, 2013 Sometimes it’s difficult to even think of going on a vacation. To me, vacations are for sharing with friends or lovers who enjoy doing the things you enjoy doing. I haven’t felt the need to go on a vacation in 17 years – and really wasn’t complaining about it. I love my home, my family…

Christmas Message 2012

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Debbie | 1 Comments

Here comes another Christmas! The world didn’t end, as was predicted by the Mayan Calendar, and things are still chugging along in a relatively normal way. Like most of you, this year I’ve experienced ups and downs; disappointments and victories; sadness and happiness; loss and gain – a virtual roller coaster, as life often is. By this time in my…

Backing Up Babs

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Debbie | 2 Comments

“Wow! That must be so exciting!” people exclaimed when I told them I was going to be backing up Barbra Streisand for her Toronto appearance at the Air Canada Centre. I knew there wouldn’t be a lot of excitement – it was, after all, a job. And a “free” one at that! I was one of 60 “peons” in…

2012

Posted on August 18, 2012 by Debbie | 0 Comments

NEW SONGS: Wrote Happy New Year for my CUJAM ukies, and got them singing it with me the first Wednesday back after the Christmas break. Co-wrote a song with Ilana Waldston – The Whatchamahoozit Blues. Ilana is a lot of fun, with some zany lyrical ideas. I crafted the music and arrangement and a lot of the lyrics. Lost in…

The Last Three Years – 2009 – 2011

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Debbie

2011 JAZZ AT TEN FEET TALL: Sang a couple of Jazz gigs with Bruce Harvey and Jack McFadden at this charming east-end Toronto bistro, run by Carin Redmon and Andy. TFT had a jazz policy, that supported jazz music and musicians for nearly 10 years. Just before my third gig there, it closed down, much to the sorrow of Toronto’s jazz community. SONGS OF THE 60’S: Performed my first “Songs…

Make Lemonade – performances by choirs everywhere!

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Debbie

Make Lemonade, written and arranged by Debbie Fleming is being performed by choirs all around the world. Check out some of these Youtube offerings: Hampton Avenue Sheldon-Williams End of Year Concert Halcyon Chamber Choir Siyacula Youth Choir Ecco with SonoLux

The ChoirGirlz Journey – Start to Finish

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Debbie | 0 Comments

Back in 2001 when Dorothy McDonall, Mary Ellen Moore and I were singing soprano with the famed Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, we became friends, and ultimately decided to get together to learn some songs we bonded with from the “O Brother Where Art Thou” sound track – a movie we loved, and which gave us inspiration. We began rehearsing on Monday…

Niagara Rhythm Section

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Debbie | 0 Comments

For the past 5 years, around May, I travel to Niagara on the Lake to work with the award winning Niagara Rhythm Section led by Steve Goldberger. The band is made up of Mr. Goldberger on bass and vocals, Steve Grisbrook on guitar, Penner MacKay and Sandra Marynissen on percussion, Dave Norris on drums and either Roger Nyznik, Denis Keldie or Herb Nelson on keys. What BAND! They get…

MOVING DAY – Moving elderly parents to Assisted Living

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Debbie | 0 Comments

It seems 2007 was a blur of activity for me — not necessarily in the music area — but busy enough that I didn’t have the chance to do needed phoning and booking of gigs for my jazz trio or ChoirGirlz. I was doing what a lot of people of our age-bracket are doing — moving my parents out of…

CHOIRGIRLZ EARTH HOUR CONCERT, MARCH 29TH 08

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Debbie | 0 Comments

Earth Hour Lights Out at Trane Studio   SATURDAY MARCH 29TH, 2008  Trane Studio  964 Bathurst St. (just south of Dupont, West side)  Shows: 8 pm and 9:45  Admission: $10  Excellent food! Reservations recommended  Phone: 416.913.8197  Hosted by ChoirGirlz, and featuring Crabtree-Mills, Rosemary Phelan and Peter Verity. Saturday March 29th was designated as Earth Hour throughout the world, and in order…

SONG FOR THE DOCTOR, AND DOUG RILEY MEMORIAL CONCERT:

Posted on June 1, 2008 by Debbie | 0 Comments

September 2007 – In Memory of a wonderful man, and musical genius – by Debbie Fleming Doug Riley, ueber-talented keyboardist from Toronto, passed on suddenly Aug.27, 2007 at the age of 62. He set the bar so high! Excelling in R&B, jazz, classical, blues — playing Hammond B3 and…

Back to R& B roots!!  Troiano Tribute

Posted on May 20, 2008 by Debbie

On May 15, 2008, I was privileged to have been invited to sing as a guest artist at the Third Annual Tribute to Domenic Troiano – a fundraiser for the Toronto East General Hospital, taking place at the glorious on Toronto’s Lakeshore. The night was a perfect spring night – the moon on Lake Ontario was breathtaking, and reconnecting with…

Sentimental Songs Contest

Posted on March 1, 2008 by Debbie | 0 Comments

DATE: Feb. 17, 2008  TRANZAC CLUB  ADDRESS: 292 Brunswick Ave., (south off Bloor between Bathurst and Spadina)  in the beautiful city of Toronto Canada  TIME: 7:30  Murphy’s Law: With ten entrants in this “mawkish” song contest, that has gone on for at least 10 years, under the auspices of the Flying Cloud Folk Club, I performed my song “Summer in the City”. It…

Deb’s Still At It!

Posted on January 4, 2007 by Debbie | 0 Comments

January 2007 Well folks, last year was a very busy year in my life. The JAZZ part of me did a few gigs with my band — Orleans Newmarket, Gate 403 and the revered Montreal Bistro. Just a few weeks after I appeared there with my band – Bruce Harvey, Jack McFadden, Donnie Vickery and John MacMurchy the favourite Jazz room in the city of Toronto closed its doors…

Rained out at Parti Gras

Posted on September 8, 2005 by Debbie | 0 Comments

June 2005 Parti-Gras, the weekend before the Beaches Jazz Festival, took place at the Distillery district. Debbie and her quartet were to follow the wonderful June Garber in the afternoon. Rain began to fall, and the outdoor “Tankhouse Diva Stage” was protected only by overlapping patio umbrellas. By the time Debbie and her band stepped onto the stage, the rain was coming down steadily, and…

Debbie Gets ’em Dancing Wherever She Goes!

Posted on September 1, 2005 by Debbie | 0 Comments

September 1, 2005 Debbie had a busy run of gigs in May and June 2005. She guested to a full house in Markham, with the marvellous Sgt. Pepper’s Quartet consisting of the great Norman Amadio on piano, Frank Wright on vibes, Jack McFadden on bass and Don Vickery on drums. These guys swing their patooties off — and Frank Wright is downright amazing as he continuously dances like a twenty year…

What Radio is Saying About “Steppin’ Out!”

Posted on April 8, 2005 by Debbie | 0 Comments

Debbie’s newly released solo CD “Steppin’ Out” was requested and played by many radio stations across Europe, America and Australia. The kudos and reviews were very positive: **” you reached me good on A Bad Goodbye. That track is soulful and heartfelt.” Fradley Garner, International Editor of Jersey Jazz (Journal of the New Jersey Jazz Society). **” For sure this CD…

Steppin’ Out Gets a 5 Star Review! E-Jazz News in California:

Posted on April 6, 2005 by Debbie | 0 Comments

Debbie Fleming..Steppin’ Out..Riverdale Records..2004 CD Reviews / CD Reviews Date: Apr 06, 2005 – 08:23 AM By John Gilbert First and foremost, let it be known that Debbie Fleming is a first rate  composer and lyricist. Every tune on this album goes right to the heart of hip. There is a message in every tune and it comes from the soul….

January 24th CD Release Launch, Montreal Bistro

Posted on January 26, 2004 by Debbie | 0 Comments

It was a cold frosty evening on Monday January 24th, but there was some hot jazz, and some warm vibes permeating revered Montreal Bistro, as Debbie Fleming took to the stage, backed by her stellar band. The room was close to full, and the audience was enrapt as Debbie soared through her originals and cover tunes. Bruce Harvey gave excellent support…

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