This charismatic and quirky duo, offer a unique performing style with their evocative and adventurous songs.
Norbury & Finch swing easily through an astonishingly wide range of styles and encompass numbers in a folk tradition bordering on medieval madrigal, a capella, blues, jazz and rock, all delivered in an easy and unselfconscious manner.
The obvious rapport between Judy and Joanna is a reflection of their mutual admiration and affection for each other. One seems to inspire the other to take risks in their music as well as their personal lives. Finch accompanies Norbury's guitar and dulcimer on a variety of instruments - including the almost famous invisible nose-cornet - and Norbury has mastered the art of 'playing her face' to excellent effect. They create a relaxed atmosphere and easy rapport with their audiences, making even the biggest venue seem intimate and friendly.
Born in India and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Judy spent much of early adult life participating in the west-coast music scene. She has played at concerts and folk festivals throughout British Columbia, Canada, primarily on Vancouver Island where she has made her home for the past 25 years. With two albums, and a vast repertoire of original songs ranging from bluegrass to folk-rock, Judy is an established and respected artist throughout Vancouver Island.
Judy Norbury is a blithe spirit that knows no limitations. Through her songs she extols the abundance of love, laughter and whimsy that has propelled her along her journey of life. Judy plays guitar and Appalachian mountain dulcimer and sings, with a voice that is both rich and sweet, songs with humour, melancholy and courage. The lyrics in her songs document her personal experiences in a way that is both powerful and intimate.
Raised in Victoria, BC, Canada, Joanna Finch spent most of her life living in various B.C. coastal villages until she moved to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island in 1990. A humorist by nature, Joanna enjoys playing with words and vocal mimicry to add a dramatic flair to her compositions. Trained in classical voice at the Victory Conservatory as a child, and in jazz as an adult, Joanna's broad range of styles is reflected in her music.
Inspired by Judy's provocative songs, Joanna first started performing seven years ago as an accompanist to Judy, adding harmony and rhythm with flute, viola, penny whistle, hand drum, and singing some of her own folk compositions. As the duo developed, Joanna's jazz background contributed to the duo's eclectic and unusual style. Her knack for creating harmony and interesting arrangements, coupled with the duo's blending of voices, make them renowned for their a capella songs. With a voice that moves from sultry blues and soothing Celtic, to the nasal whine of her own special nose cornet, Joanna's vocal gymnastics are an intriguing compliment to Judy's sure, clear voice.
