Hélène Leone weaves classic jazz and contemporary pop together with her Quebecois roots in her original interpretations. Born in Montreal, Hélène has lived in Vancouver, British Columbia since the age of four but her francophone culture flourishes through her music. Working with French and English songwriters, Hélène easily combines musical styles and languages to produce a mature and intoxicating sound. Hélène began classical training at the age of nine. She has performed with jazz bands, contemporary pop groups and musical theatre companies in her performances in Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles. Hélène's formidable talent was recognized in 2003 when she won first prize in BC's Gala provincial de la Chanson. An audience favorite wherever she appears, Hélène has also won acclaim for her performances during the Diane Dufresne show at Vancouver's Festival d'été francophone 2003, and Claude Léveillée's concert at the Coup de cœur francophone 2003, also in Vancouver. Her approach is best summed up by her musical mentor, chanteuse Joëlle Rabu, who says, "Hélène does not simply reach for the stars; she touches them." Hélène's debut CD, released in the spring of 2005, offers listeners a soulful, intimate blend of old and new that erases musical boundaries. The CD's producer is David Sinclair, acclaimed guitarist to artists such as Sarah McLaughlin and k.d. Lang. Also lending their considerable talents are bassist Brain Newcombe and keyboard player Bob Buckley, who have both backed musical greats such as Celine Dion and Bryan Adams; songwriter Adam Levy who is currently on tour with Norah Jones; songwriter/producer Dave Pickell who has worked with Bryan Adams and Lara Fabian; Juno-awarding winning "strang" violinist Jesse Zubot; keyboard and accordion player J. Douglas Dodd; and percussionists Graham Boyle and Shawn Souci. www.heleneleone.com