Recording artists from long bygone eras seemed to have the market cornered on exuding coolness, grace and elegance both with their recorded work, and their live performances. A few of those performers are still around, and they’re just as classy as ever. Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis come to mind, both still capable of sharing their catalogues of popular songs that have stood up for decades, and in a way when you see either of them live that makes you wish there were more musical acts of that calibre level still out on the road or appearing in some swanky, high-class nightclub.

Canada does seem to be offering that in at least two of our current artists, given the performances last night out at Redwood House for Bragg Creek Performing Arts.

David Myles and Ellen Doty both keep their music modern and captivating, and both owe much to artists before them, along the lines of greats like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Ricky Nelson, Marty Robbins and so many more

A handful of questions with jazz, folk, and pop singer and songwriter Ellen Doty. 

We talk about her influences, learn of some extremely interesting connections to at least one legendary music giant via her family, plus there's a teaser for a new album!

Mike Bell, Calgary Herald

A loss is only a gain if you do something positive with it. Only if you use it to help others, help yourself while healing. Ellen Doty has gained that insight recently, tragically, as a result of some losses — and they’re thoughts and experiences she has now shared with others in her new single Just So You Know. The contemporary jazz ballad, which the local artist released last month, had its beginnings in grief, as she was dealing with the death of her close friend, Sheree Evangelista, who was taken suddenly in a car accident.

Shiva Jahanshah, ShawTV Calgary

Alberta Vocalist Ellen Doty is working harder than ever to achieve her dreams, following the success of her Debut Album, “Gold”. Shiva Jahanshah gets personal with the singer songwriter from Okotoks Alberta next on ShawTV Calgary. 

Click below to watch the video!

Mike Bell, Calgary Herald

On this week’s episode of Bandwagonish, my guest is rising Calgary jazz star Ellen Doty. It’s a fitting and timely conversation for a number of reasons, notably the fact that the city just celebrated International Jazz Day, a new summer jazz festival was just announced for Calgary and Doty, herself, just released a new song and has a pair of shows coming up at Fort Calgary, May 8 and 9.

Remington Fioraso, Canadian Beats

Ellen Doty is a singer-songwriter from Calgary, Alberta.  In 2014, she released her debut album “Gold.”  On April 13, 2015, the singer released her latest single “Just So You Know.”  I had the opportunity to conduct an email interview with Ellen.  Be sure to continue reading to find out more about the singer and connect with her via social media. What inspired you to pursue a career in music? Dave Mancini, an incredible jazz drummer from New York, inspired me to pursue my career. I was going into my fourth year of a Geology degree at the University of Calgary when I met Dave. 

Ashton Wong, Great Canadian Music 

I learned about the Great Canadian Music of Ellen Doty through a message from her kind manager @dotysarah on Twitter! I am glad we connected and I look forward to hearing more of Ellen’s music! Just 1 week ago, Ellen released her first single “Just So You Know” off her upcoming second album. Have a listen!

Tammy Rollie, Western Wheel

Hope is the message an Okotoks-grown singer wants people to get from a heart-wrenching single she released this week. Calgary pop-jazz singer/songwriter Ellen Doty is celebrating her newest single Just So You Know, released on April 13, and is getting a highly emotional response to the touching song. “It's a sad song for me to sing,” she said. “It's very emotional and really raw. It's one of hope.”

Ken Kelley, Canadian Musician 

The first adjective likely to come to the listener’s mind upon hearing Calgary’s Ellen Doty is “smooth.” On her full-length debut album Gold, released in May 2014, Doty’s voice effortlessly and almost breathlessly glides over the smooth jazz influence heard in songs such as “I Think I’m In Love” and “Perfect Day,” the latter of which really showcases Doty’s impressive vocal range. Last year, Doty had the opportunity to entertain audiences all over Canada on her national tour, which saw her play 30 shows over six weeks.

Lana Michelin, Red Deer Advocate

There are almost as many kinds of love songs as people falling in love — and Ellen Doty ought to know. 

The pop-jazz singer who performs a Valentine’s Day concert Saturday at Fratters Speakeasy in Red Deer, released a debut album of love songs called Gold. It’s made up of all-original material she’s co-written with various Canadian artists, including Ontario folkie Danny Michel.

Justin Wilson, Lifestyle YYC

A rising star in Calgary’s jazz community, Ellen Doty might be the perfect blend of time-honoured tradition and musical evolution. The singer’s ability to mold and integrate the best of Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, with the upbeat energy of today’s pop genre, has created a form of jazz separate from the conventional.

Her award winning voice, an ability to command the room and the overwhelming talent of the musicians behind her, have brought about a revitalization to Calgary’s jazz scene — one audiences are excited to take in.

Stanley Fefferman, OpusOneReview

Ellen Doty sings like a whispering canary, in the hushed, intimate manner of Peggy Lee, if you go back that far, or the ethereal Margo Timmins of the 80′s band Cowboy Junkies. Ms.Doty is an original jazz vocalist and she also had a hand in writing the songs on her first full album. She opens the album with “Diamond From Cole”, a tune with a catchy big band though slightly four-square bounce, then settles into a more intimate, reflective, 40′s club mood with “Restless Heart,” “No Good Man,” and “Wait For Your Call.”

Mike Finigan, Cape Breton Post

These gifted, accomplished musicians dazzled us all.  And. They all wear tuxedos when performing. They believe, where jazz is concerned, you play better in your suit.  I believe it too.  I’d sunk to wearing whatever for work, but I got back to the shirt and tie, dress pants, polished leather shoes.  Blazer. It’s good for the mojo.  

And yes I love a nice tie. It’s a useless, perfectly ridiculous piece of wearing apparel that brightens my day. Like music.