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
Raised on a rich mix of classical, world, country, pop, and folk, Abby’s lifelong love of music has always been about exploration, connection, and joy.
A seasoned performer across theatre, film, and television, Abby has also led creative workshops with organizations like the Royal Conservatory’s Learning Through the Arts, DAREarts Foundation, and Kickstart Arts, while inspiring students across the GTA and northern Ontario as a Pop-Up Choir leader, voice instructor, and guest artist.
She formed the MadriGALS, an a cappella Renaissance, releasing and touring the acclaimed CD Alchemy in 1998. That same year, she co-founded the early music ensemble, Strings Attached.
As one half of folk-trad-pop duo Two Roads Home with Bryan Williston, Abby performed at Canada’s first LGBTQ wedding and recorded two albums (Dovetailing and Sweet Shadows) with James Gordon. Her solo album, Local Honey, earned her the LA Music Critic Award for Best International Artist in 2018. She now performs with The Local Honey Band—sometimes joined by the choir for special events.
Local Honey, the album, 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.
Since 2011, Abby has brought her signature warmth, musical expertise, and unmistakable spark to every choir she leads. As the heart behind AbZolutely Choir’s four chapters—Durham, Northumberland, Peterborough/Kawartha, and Toronto Upper Beaches—she’s not just building beautiful music, but a vibrant, joy-filled community that gives back.
Yes, life is sweet.
Photo: Anna Marie Therrien