Born in Montreal & raised on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands, Brockville, Ontario, Canada.
I got my early professional experience on Canada's east coast, performing in PEI & Halifax, NS where I was introduced to Country, Celtic, Bluegrass & Blues music. Drawing on this mixture of roots influences and world music, I developed my own harmonica style and composed instrumentals for the harp.
Returning to Ontario I studied jazz & vocal technique at Humber College. I lasted one year in school and then went back to PEI to perform with Dawne Fraser.
I eventually settled in Toronto after performing with Peterborough musicians; Reverend Ken, Johnny Pearl, Washboard Hank and the Honkers, Buzz Thompson, Curtis Dreidger, Pineapple Frank Barth and most recently, Brian Wakelin of the Wolfgang Bros.
Since 2001, I've recorded three independent albums. Two roots records with Juno award winning engineer, the late Ed Hutchison aka Eddie Baltimore. And one album of Jazz & Blues standards with keyboard/accordian player Dennis Keldie. Here's what they've said:
" Clela, I have really enjoyed listening to your CD's. I love your singing and the way you are using the minor tuned harps. Keep up the great work and keep on harpin'." Charlie McCoy, Nashville harmonica player
" Congratulations on producing a very fine album. You did a lovely version of 'Radiates' and I love your harmonica playing!" Chris Whiteley, Toronto Songwriter
" One of the highlights of this year's festival, Clela is a warm and engaging singer with a great voice." Garry Woodcock, Artistic Director, Folk Harbour Festival, NS
"It's wonderful Friday night music, thoughtful and reflective, sad and hopeful at the same time."
Toronto editor Philippa Campsie
"Clela's haunting velvet voice takes you on a lazy daydream river ride."
Toronto songwriter the late, Norm Hacking
Performances include:
Toronto City Roots Festival, Peterborough Folk Festival, Lunenburg's Folk Harbour Festival and The Thousand Island Jazz Festival.