Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Beth Portman is a vibrant singer-songwriter with a nostalgic touch. Capturing the essence of a bygone era when musical genres were less defined, Beth weaves her dynamic voice through a fusion of folk, early jazz, swing, blues and bluegrass she calls Acoustic Folk Jazz. Strumming her ukulele or guitar, this songstress delights audiences by touching on life’s emotions and stories melding the past with the present.
Before pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter, Portman performed with the beloved Edmonton-based a capella world music sextet Juba, that toured from Vancouver to Yellowknife to Harare (Zimbabwe). The group performed at festival main stages, folk clubs and theatre venues across Canada, and recorded numerous albums.
An accomplished visual artist as well, Portman created two short animated films for the National Film Board of Canada, Cactus Swing and Fair Phyllis. Both films used music as their creative inspiration, one being a country swing song performed by Alberta’s The Great Western Orchestra, the other an original English madrigal for which Portman wrote the lyrics.
In addition to her solo work, Portman performed in the 1940s Home Front Cabaret The Swingin’ Sisters Club with real sisters Bridget and Kate Ryan. Bringing her graphic skills into use as well, Portman designed a series of WWll inspired posters with the actors promoting pies, jams and the war effort. The production toured British Columbia, Northwest Territories and Alberta.
In May 2011 Portman released her debut solo album Lovin’, a collection of original songs that touches on the many states of loving someone. It was recorded at Homestead Recorders with the award-winning Barry Allen. Lark Clark of CKUA Radio co-produced with Barry. The recording project gave Portman the opportunity to work with a number of prominent Alberta musicians including Ann Vriend on piano and Aldo Aquirre of the group Bomba on violin.
Described as “multi-disciplined, multi-talented and sweet as sugar!”, Beth Portman delivers a vivacious performance that is sure to delight.
