Artist Bio
JUNO Award winning artist Angelique Francis, is a versatile and exceptionally gifted musician. This multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, multi-genre singer song writer and composer has wowed audiences across the globe with her electrifying performances, instrumental abilities and powerful textured vocals. She is known for her eclectic mix of various musical genres including Blues, Soul, Folk, Americana, Jazz, Gospel and Rock. Angelique has shared the stage/opened for a large roster of well-known musicians such as Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Keb’ Mo’, Jimmy Vivino, Beth Hart, Tom Cochran, Burton Cummings, Sugar Ray and the list goes on. Her diversity, passion and love of music can be heard in all of her original compositions.
“…Francis has serious star power. She played the audience like a revivalist preacher, telling stories, singing uplifting lyrics… Angelique's vocals evoking shades of Bessie Smith or Muddy Waters. Also playing both double bass and electric bass as well as blues harmonica...”
- Alayne McGregor, Ottawa Jazz Scene
Born and raised in Ottawa Canada, Angelique is a naturally gifted musician, who first garnered attention as a young prodigy. She first took to the stage at age 7, and by age 13 she was playing at music festivals across North America opening for a variety of acts such as Beth Hart, Trooper and Shameka Copeland; proficient in playing instruments such as the piano, acoustic guitar, upright Bass, electric guitar and electric bass.
“…Powerhouse vocals, charming personality, and amazing double bass playing. Never speaking to the crowd, but singing all her questions and monologues made for a fun twist to Francis’ performance..” - Sound Check Entertainment
Angelique’s soulful Smoky vocals and instrumental techniques are reminiscent of a bygone era, but with a unique and modern sensibility. Within her vocal style, you can hear influences of legends like Big Mama Thornton, Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith and many more. Her instrumental abilities call to mind Willie Dixon on the bass, Sister Rosetta Thorpe on guitar, Big Mama Thornton on the Harmonica and Aretha on the piano.
Over the past few years Angelique Francis has established herself as a bona fide star on the Canadian Blues, Soul, Jazz and Folk scene. Her most recent album “Long River” won the 2023 JUNO Award for Blues Album of the Year. The record weaves through a variety of styles from Blues to Soul and Classic R&B. The acclaimed album showcases Angelique’s signature powerhouse soulful vocals, commanding Bass/guitar hooks and infectious Blues infused melodies.
This highly sought-after musician hosted the 2022 Maple Blues awards (Canadian blues music awards), was awarded with 2 Canadian Blues Music Awards, was nominated for four 2023 Canadian Blues Music Awards, a 2023 Canadian folk music award, a 2022 Ontario folk music award, and was a feature act at the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea festival (Miami to Jamaica), Grolsch Blues Festival (Germany), Sighisoara Blues Festival (Romania), Massey Hall, Montreal Jazz Festival, Mariposa Folk Fest, Calgary Folk fest, Canmore Folk Fest, Ottawa Blues Festival, Ottawa Jazz Festival, London Home County Festival, Mont-Tremblant Blues Festival, Trios-Rivieres Blues festival, Ottawa Folk Fest, Val-d’Or Blues Fest, Calabogie Blues Festival and the list goes on.
“…The best word I can use to sum up the performance I witnessed was WOW. Francis and her band put on an energetic show that transformed the Claridge Homes tent into a scene straight out of New Orleans.” - Sound Check Entertainment