Biography

Sarah Jerrom is a Toronto-based vocalist, composer, arranger and improviser whose sound represents an eclectic mix of diverse musical influences.

Sarah's critically acclaimed debut album, "Illuminations", released in March 2007, encompasses fresh original compositions, jazz-inspired arrangements of contemporary songs and traditional jazz standards. Described as "diverse and sophisticated" (Justin Litun, IAJE Canada Newsletter), "powerful, stirring and lush" (Peter Merrett, PBS 106-7FM, Melbourne) and "swingin' stuff" (Colin Smith, CKLN 88.1FM, Toronto) amongst reviewers and critics, the self-produced recording has generated considerable attention for its originality and musicianship. Sarah arranged much of the material and also surrounded herself with a large ensemble of top-flight musicians, including Stu Harrison and Jamie Reynolds on piano, Harley Card on electric and acoustic guitar, Mark McIntyre on bass, David MacDougall on drums, Mike Murley on tenor saxophone, Alison Young on alto saxophone, Rebecca Hennessy on trumpet and fluegelhorn, and Joel Green on trombone. Illuminations also features a string quartet on Sarah's arrangement of the Josefine Cronholm composition, "Wild Garden". "Illuminations" continues to receive widespread media attention and radio airplay at local (CFRB, CIUT, CKLN), national (CBC), and international radio stations in the United Kingdom (BBC), the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Denmark, France and Argentina.

Sarah is involved as a leader and collaborator in several projects that include jazz, original music, experimental music, country, and Irish music. She has had the privilege of performing alongside jazz greats Ingrid Jensen, Christine Jensen, GP Prasanna, Dave Young, Melissa Stylianou, Mike Murley, David Occhipinti, and Kelly Jefferson. Notable performances as a headliner include well-known Toronto jazz clubs "The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar", the now legendary "Montreal Bistro & Jazz Club", "Chalkers Pub", "Lula Lounge", and a four year residency at "Gate 403".  Performances at concert venues across Ontario include the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre in The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the Mississauga Living Arts Center, and the Dofasco Center for the Arts. Sarah has also headlined at the 2008 and 2009 Lakefield Jazz Festival and the 2007 and 2008 TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival.

A graduate of the University of Toronto's jazz performance program, Sarah has had the opportunity to study with some of the most in-demand musicians in Canada, including Heather Bambrick, Christine Duncan, Mike Murley, Kirk MacDonald, Terry Promane, Paul Read, Phil Nimmons and Kevin Turcotte. In 2008, Sarah attended the Banff International Program for Jazz and Creative Music under the direction of Dave Douglas. Sarah is currently studying composition with bassist and composer Andrew Downing.

Sarah also entertains at private/corporate functions and weddings. She teaches privately and also conducts school choirs in the Greater Toronto Area. Her vocal jazz arrangements has been performed nationwide.