Singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist
In her debut solo album, Local Honey, Abby takes an exhilarating leap … with arms wide open … and soars. Infused with a spirit of freedom, her new sound is a satisfying union of wistful pop blended beautifully with gospel, folk and blues; all filtered through her gift for emotional and philosophical contemplation. Abby’s is a voice that is at once authentic and pure, yet time and experience have lent a new edge to it; a broader vocal range and maturity that adds dimension and a touching honesty to her lyrics and emotional depth to her songs.
“..substantive musicality and commercial appeal in the same package...natural sounding magic.”
-The Music Reviews
Launched in October of 2018, Local Honey has been touring Ontario and Quebec and enjoying healthy airplay across Canada. In early 2019, the album garnered two LA Music Critics' Award nominations and a win for Best International Artist. Its three video singles – Big Hope, Good Bones and See Your Face – capture Zotz's effortless stylistic adaptability and poeticism of her lyrics without compromising her universal appeal.
"A voice at once sweet and rich - beautiful!"
-Tatjana Barr, Simple Moments, Nova Scotia
A gifted musician and vocal artist, Abby’s message is an uplifting and often poignant expression of the human experience. She explores tiny fragments of life, both the lighter side and the struggle of finding hope in a troubled world. Her songs are at once intimate and relatable.
"A piece of pure optimism."
-Neufutur Magazine
Bio
From classical and world music to country and traditional folk, Abby’s early exposure to a medley of styles set the tone for a life-long thirst to explore new musical avenues and expand her range.
In the 80s she studied Drama and English at U of T and Theatre at York University. She spent several years working in Canada and Germany as a singer, actor, writer and director in theatre, film and TV.
She formed the MadriGALS, an a cappella Renaissance, releasing and touring the acclaimed CD Alchemy in 1998. That same year she co-founded early music ensemble, Strings Attached.
In 2001 Abby reunited with childhood music partner Bryan Williston to create Two Roads Home, a folk-trad-pop duo. They performed as soloists at the first LGBTQ wedding in Canada and went on to record two albums, Dovetailing and Sweet Shadows, with co-producer James Gordon. Bryan and Abby toured the east coast with Zotz honing her songwriting skills to become the reflective side of the duo. .
In 2011, Abby added maestra to her CV, becoming a director of three Shout Sister women's choirs in Toronto, Whitby and Cobourg and guest conducted throughout Ontario for Shout Sister founder and blues woman extraordinaire Georgette Fry on her show Georgette Sings Etta.. She continues to create and direct three-part pop arrangements for youth and children as well as teach voice to pop divas, guitar heroes and even an Elvis impersonator here and there, from Toronto to Kingston
Two Roads Home went on a forced hiatus in 2014, and the solo project Abby had long contemplated became an exciting reality..
Local Honey features Bryan Williston co-writing and on guitars; Gary Craig (Bruce Cockburn, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Kathleen Edwards, Anne Murray) on drums; Tom Sertsis (Super Godlike) on bass and percussion; Chris Saunders on guitars; Alana Bridgewater (Joe Sealy, Nathaniel Dett Chorale) on guest vox; Chris Rawlings on guitar and recorders; Dan Gooch (Emily Jill West, Foolhearts) on flugel horn and keyboards; Seana Lee Wood (Sound of Music & Once with Mirvish) on guest vox; Jim Hodgkinson (Pendulum, Percwood) on piano; and the inimitable Steve Sherman on guitars and co-production.
Her touring band includes Chris and Joel Saunders (award winning finger style, guitarist and songwriter), Anna Marie Therrien and Anne Gingras on vocals and Bryden Chernoff on drums.
Yes, life is sweet.
Copy: Monique Schuette
Photo: Anna Marie Therrien