The Lemmon Sisters
The Lemmon Sisters are Rosemary Buchanan, Jeanette Sanderson and Valerie Clements. Who are The Lemmon Sisters? Band? Family? Family Band? The short story is that the Lemmon Sisters have been performing professionally together as jazz/swing singers since the summer of 1999.
The longer story is about their common roots in the small rural community of Norwood in southeastern Ontario. Life holds many twists and turns. These friends went their separate ways after high school - careers, families, geographical destinations. Their musical bond, a friend's mother's funeral and a bit of serendipity reunited the women in 1998.
There was never a conscious decision back then to become the Lemmon Sisters. They just started singing. And, well, one thing led to another... Their decision to have fun together singing music from the 30s through 60s was conscious and easy -- music from these years is simply the richest repertoire to explore the mixing of voices. Harmony -- in voice and in life -- is the quest. The Lemmon Sisters are the expression.
Following a wildly successful run of the Lemmon Sisters World War II show in November/December 2005, the Lemmon Sisters have again teamed up with Ottawa writer Trudy Chapman to explore themes of women’s friendships with one another.
When Leslie Gore first recorded “Girltalk” in 1964, the stereotypical view of women’s conversation was “dresses, tresses and the neighbours’ fight.” How times have changed! And yet, in some ways, how they have stayed the same.
The Lemmon Sisters hosted a few cocktail parties with some of their favourite women over the past few months to explore modern Girltalk.
To hear what we’ve learned and share a musical experience with the Lemmon Sisters… join us for “Girltalk: What We Know Now To Be True.” Visit www.lemmonsisters.com to find a show near you.
For this fun and lively venture the Lemmons have reunited their stellar backup band under the musical direction of Rob Phillips. As with the War Years show, the band includes:
- Rob Phillips – musical director and pianist
- Richard Simpkins – double bass
- Carrie Chesnutt – sax, flute
- Mike Graham – guitar
- Curtis Cronkwright – drums