Two-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter Dominique Fils-Aimé places the history of African American musical culture at the heart of her work. Based in Montreal, she reflects on the social realities that have influenced the genres of blues, jazz and soul. Moreover, her trilogy highlights the history of African American music. Thus, three albums in quick succession were inspired by soul icons such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Etta James.
2018’s Nameless was about confronting historical silences and sorrows. This blues-tinged album has become an audiophile’s reference recording across the globe. Also, the album’s success led to two sold-out shows at the 2018 Montreal International Jazz Festival. Her second album Stay Tuned! was a call for revolution. Also, It won the 2020 Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Additionally, it won the Félix prize for Best Jazz Album at the 2019 ADISQ Gala. Furthermore, it was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize and featured among the nineteen best Canadian albums of 2019 by CBC. Dominique Fils-Aimé [FEES-em-AY] was also nominated that same year as Radio-Canada’s 2019-2020 “Revelation in Jazz”.
In 2021, Dominique closed the final chapter of the trilogy with Three Little Words, a call for reconciliation. Further, the record received rave reviews in prestigious publications worldwide. Finally, it claimed the Number One spot for best-selling album in Quebec and Number Two in Canada. On stage, whether in Canada or Europe, Dominique’s magnetic presence captivates the audience, leading them on a transcendent journey.
In 2023’s Our Roots Run Deep, Fils-Aimé frames her latest installment with a loose, dreamlike narrative structure. It won the 2024 Juno for Best Jazz Vocal Album.
Recommended for fans of Erykah Badu, Gregory Porter, Lianne La Havas and José James.
📸: Jetro Emilcar
