If I were to sit and talk with you about who I am and what I do I would sum it up in one word “Artist” It’s a blessing to have a singing voice but it’s an even greater gift to be a performer. Singing for me is an expression of art. I love expressing emotions that derives from beautiful poetry and melodies that transforms music into art. I started off at a little Seventh Day Adventist church when I was only five. So from five to nineteen I was known and appreciated as a gospel singer on two little islands in the West Indies. Trinidad and Tobago was the sunny paradise that baby sat me through most of my girlhood, through a humble life of growing up on a small farm yet; surrounded by music and musicians. My father- Beckles, was a singer and trumpeter and my mother- Bailey, was a beautiful singer. They were living in Montreal when I was born but moved back to the islands when I was a very young girl. Canada is not only my place of birth but it’s also my first home, so when I returned at nineteen I felt embraced and ready to continue my journey in discovering and developing myself as a professional Canadian vocalist.

          When I came home and before I got settled I almost immediately started performing with different bands. My voice and ability to perform in any genre of music landed me as a front singer in the Taste of Madness band, Cross section, Ken Louis and many more. I was gigging almost every day of the week, in and out of town; doing clubs, concerts, festivals and parades. It wasn’t until 2005 that I decided to do my own thing, recording my first album with 10 songs that meant next to nothing to me at the time but kept me busy with self development. Even though the CD turned out to be a big “NAH” It was how I met Richard Uglow. Through working with him as my producer and engineer for about a year, I discover that I had so much more to learn, that I was capable of much more. Somehow at the end of that year of music in the studio and friendship over breaks Richard became my one man band and my hubby.

          We traveled around Ontario performing as a Duo at the most wonderful places to catch jazz music such as; Fitzgerald's on the pond in Collingwood, The Home Smith bar at the Old Mill, Distillery District and many other venues. Richards long time friend and drummer / sax player also joined the group and made us sound like a septet. Richard on a piano, bass pedals and harmonica- Myself on vocals and percussion and Mike on drums and sax. Through Richard I rediscovered jazz in a new light other than how my mother presented it to me. Through my parents I learned how the jazz standards came across but through Richard jazz came across in ways I was not familiar with. “Middle of the day” is a perfect example of how jazz is not limited to one type of sound, and that Canada has its own sway of contributing to jazz. “More” A song written for me and one that connects me with my love for Richard and my love for singing gospel; has been well received by fans and lovers of jazz. My repertoire for the first jazz CD consists mostly of Richard’s originals that he’d composed when he was a teenager and in his early twenties. The lyrics are mostly written by Johnny Blue, a special friend and a very talented lyricist of Toronto. At the end of the night I’m just the messenger, the singer, the vessel used in expressing creative beauty. I’m encouraged to perform the originals at every gig; it’s what makes Jasmin Bailey different. The words compliment the music and they both compliment the singer.

          Although most of my gigs now consist of corporate or private events I accredit most of this to all of my experience doing the local clubs and bars in and around Toronto. I’ve met so many people through my clubs gigs and working as a vocalist and song writer at a few studios in Toronto. I met Peter Holmes at Studio 92 and sang lead and backgrounds on some of his own material; including a 2010 commercial project as the vocalist on Credit Canada’s 2010 commercial, “Reverse the blues” Mark Webster, a song writer who commissioned me to sing lead on some of his materials represented by Urban Launching Pad, consisting of smooth jazz and produced by Eddie Bullen of Toronto; met me at Alleycatz singing Fly Me To The Moon. I’ve worked with many people and you all know who you are; Steve Toskan son of Frank Toskan founder of Mac cosmetics, the Bay, Baycrest Gala, Sam Mitchell award ceremony, ect . I think we’ll all agree that working with me is fun because I love what I do; along with food and laughter, the best spices for great entertainment.

          At the moment I’m still performing at private events and sonetimes at a club here or there in Toronto. I’m recording a fourth album, the second step to “To the change in you” I’m promoting my gospel album “songs from my Hymnal” on my official gospel website. wwwjasmingospel.com I also own a music school that provides lessons to underprivileged kids in the Scarborough community; especially highlighting the Fund Music Program to sponsor music lessons for kids that can’t afford it. I teach music, both singing and piano and I’m especially proud of our wonderful Kinder Program that teaches the basic fundamentals of piano to age 3 to 5. I’m busy working as a vocalist for hire and song writer at various studios. What’s most important right now is that I continue having fun doing what I love. Music is the art and the art is in me to express.

          I’m proud of my Caribbean background which also includes Grenada and Barbados. I’m proud of my parent’s ancestries that flavored me as an African Canadian consisting of East Indian, Carib tribe and Scottish. I’m especially proud of my work at the music school and my work as a musician staying true to my roots of gospel and jazz. I’m content about everything that contributes to me being who I am as an individual and a musician. And whether or not I become rich or famous, it will always be about the art and the improvised expression of its Canadian beauty. My goal is continue being part of making a difference, even if it's only in a small way; continue being happy and appreciative for everything, including all the air play we've recieved and to sing my heart out every chance I get!