The Willows

The Willows are making a name for themselves as a dynamic close harmony A cappella trio, wowing audiences with their signature nostalgic charm. With Krista Deady as contralto, Andrea Gregorio as soprano and Lauren Pedersen as mezzo-soprano, the refreshing harmonies of these sophisticated songstresses transport audiences back to the classiest of eras in music—today.

Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, the tri-hair coloured trio met as young dance students. Together, they not only nurtured an appreciation for the performing arts, but became the closest of companions. Their passion for the performing arts eventually brought them across the country to study in Toronto and they’d soon discover that their talents would extend beyond dancing. A music class encouraged the trio to sing in front of their Ryerson classmates, and in no time they were harmonizing at open mics and eventually as The Willows at venues across the country like the Virgin Mobile Mod Club, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Danforth Music Hall, Lilac Festival and Blue Chair Café.

The group released their first full-length album 'Tea For Three' to a full house at Jazz Bistro in Toronto, as the album debuted at #2 on both the iTunes Jazz Chart and Nielsen Soundscan Jazz Chart in Canada. This potent brew of caffeinated jazz and mellow, chamomile-infused balladry showcases a fresh take on the group’s signature, nostalgic style. The album features a who's who of the Canadian jazz music scene, including Ben Riley on drums, George Koller on bass, Adrean Farrugia on piano, William Sperandei on trumpet, Alistair Kay on trombone, Tom Szczesniak on accordion, Mike Freedman on guitar and John MacMurchy on clarinet. Drums by Max Senitt, bass by Chris Adriaanse and trumpet by Tim hamel on ‘Breakfast in Bed’, as well as Max and Chris on ‘What Are You Waiting For?’. The songs were all co-written by Lauren in the group, who also plays piano on the final track.

Following the release of the album, the group toured extensively across Canada, including dates in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. In addition to their annual residency at the Jasper Park Lodge, the group also recently traveled to Russia to perform 3 shows with Igor Butman and the Moscow Jazz Orchestra as part of the 2018 International Music Humour Festival. The group also just released a Japanese only version of their debut album ‘Tea for Three’ on Fabtone/Flatcar, available at all Tower Records in Japan.

We are able to sing at any moment, in any place! Depending on the venue/event, we can walk around and sing a Cappella, or we can entertain with our sound equipment. If instrumentation requested, additional fees are to be discussed.