Album Notes

When Collette Savard was a small child growing up in North Bay Ontario, she only wanted to do two things, to have tea parties and to write songs. Realizing that "tea party hostess" was an unlikely path to success she left behind the cucumber sandwiches and lumps of sugar to pursue her passion for songwriting. Collette's debut CD, "Most Improved Cheerleader" was released on June 2nd 2005.

The album's title, inspired by a somewhat ironic award Collette received in junior high, hints at her clever, frank, and reflective style. The culmination of what Collette has learned so far about life and song writing "Most Improved Cheerleader" explores many themes from revenge to religion and of course a sprinkling of love and longing. Embracing influences from across the musical spectrum, it mixes poetic ballads, sexy blues, funky pop anthems and heartfelt folk into a fresh, intimate experience.

Collette's intelligent hooks, insightful lyrics and silky voice, coupled with the multi-instrumental stylings and production savvy of her partner and collaborator John Zytaruk, make for a startlingly refined debut effort. Recorded in her home base of Toronto, the album also features the accompaniment of several world class musicians including bassist Chris Gartner (Kevin Hearn's Thinbuckle, Tasa), drummer Adam Warner (White Cowbell Oklahoma), vocalist Leah Salomaa and, most notably, Canadian jazz legend Guido Basso on flugelhorn and chromatic harmonica.

Most Improved Cheerleader heralds the arrival of a significant new songwriting talent. This album marks just the beginning of Collette's musical journey and those who travel with her are sure to be rewarded.