Bio

“Accessible enough for radio, and clever enough for critics.” – Now Magazine

Valery Gore returned in November 2008 with her self-produced sophomore album and debut on Do Right Music, Avalanche To Wandering Bear. It has been very widely received as a benchmark album in distinction and charisma, many critics agreeing that it was “one of the best written and produced records of the year that should establish Valery Gore among the strongest female voices currently writing music” (Exclaim Magazine). Her lyrical depth, unique vocal delivery and phrasing, sense of rhythm, unconventional arrangements, and progressive piano consistently set the mood for a bold audio journey. Her music characteristics have been named comparable to Cat Power, Feist, Stereolab, Regina Spektor, and Ben Folds.

Avalanche To Wandering Bear is borne of stubborn restlessness. The curiosity, trepidation, and victory of discovery are wrapped in a heavy dose of danceable rhythms, soul, and humour. The album features a handful of singles; Shoes of Glass has lush vocals harmonies and a steady 1950’s momentum. Worried Head playful lyrics soar over full and driving Motown horns. Scared pays homage to jazz fusion singer Karin Krog and lends an esoteric metaphor to the album name. Consolation’s harmonium arrangement and solid piano is a rough outline of Gore’s admiration of producer Jon Brion’s work.

The album features a handful of singles; Shoes of Glass has lush vocals harmonies and a steady 1950’s momentum. Worried Head is charismatic in its lyrics and full with driving Motown horns. Scared pays homage to jazz fusion singer Karin Krog and lends an esoteric metaphor to the album name. Consolation’s harmonium arrangement and solid piano is a rough outline of Gore’s admiration of producer Jon Brion’s work.

Engineered and mixed by Tim Abraham, this album’s depth and dynamic is matched by the musicians who made their mark on it: Devon Henderson on bass, Daniel Neill on drums, Trent Reschny on saxophones and clarinets, and Ben Bowen on trumpet.

The songs from ATWB reached most college radio charts, climbed over a matter of two months to #2 on CBC Radio 3’s Top 30, and get daily play on all CBC stations, as well as college and satellite radio. Gore’s full band has been featured on CBC’s ‘Q’ with Jian Gomeshi, Metro Morning, GO, Bandwidth, Canada Live, and XM Radio’s The Verge. The release of Kidstreet’s remix for Shoes of Glass has been getting regular play on CBC Radio 3. As well, Valery has licensed her music to such television series as CBC’s The Border, YTV’s 14/Love, as well as composed music for independent films and television programs.

The Toronto-based pianist and songwriter began her musical journey from the age of eight, tapping unemotional melodies on the black keys. Valery’s performing repertoire grew from songs about bees and snack time to the classical masterpieces of Chopin, Debussy, and Liszt. All the while her ears were tuned to her dad’s playlist of 70’s - 90’s rock. Gore decided to veer off in a new direction with jazz piano studies at Humber College and wove these disparate sounds into her own undefinable genre.

Her self-titled debut album was released in 2005 with Six Shooter Records in Canada and Europe. She has toured Canada, Italy, and Japan, headlining and supporting such artists as Josh Ritter, Joel Plaskett, Royal Wood, and more, as well as performing at NXNE, CMW, Toronto Jazz Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest, Altantic Jazz Fest, and Evolve Festival in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Valery is currently looking ahead to late spring and early summer 2010 touring, and is sourcing inspiration from books, music, history, relationships and obstacles for her third record.