About

Modern jazz vocalist Meghan Gilhespy is an innovative voice from the diverse Vancouver jazz scene. Currently based in Halifax, Meghan is a lecturer at Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Community College. As the first woman in Canada to pursue a DMA in Jazz, her work examines the cultural politics of experimental jazz vocalization. 

In addition to a long history of conventional jazz performance, including her own published album Vive Le Tour, Meghan has done studio work for Netflix, which has expanded her skills as an experimental vocal improviser. Her performance and pedagogical work continue to push boundaries and raise marginalized voices, contributing to an inclusive and equitable Canadian artistic sphere.

Writing + Research

Gilhespy, Meghan. 2021. “RIPM Jazz (Database)”. CAML Review / Revue De l’ACBM 49 (1). https://doi.org/10.25071/1708-6701.40399.

Gilhespy, Meghan. 2021. “Understory: Exploring the Roots of Artistic Interdependence”. WholeNote Magazine. https://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/newsroom/blog/general-music/31172-understory-exploring-the-roots-of-artistic-interdependence

Gilhespy, Meghan. 2021. “From Move To Checkmate”. WholeNote Magazine. https://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/newsroom/beatcolumns-sp-2121861476/choral-jazznotes/31152-from-move-one-to-checkmate

Gilhespy, Meghan. 2021. “Music and the Movies: Fire Music”. WholeNote Magazine. https://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/newsroom/blog/music-and-the-movies/31319-music-and-the-movies-fire-music

Gilhespy, Meghan. 2020. “The Oud & The Fuzz: Community Building in Challenging Times”. WholeNote Magazine. thewholenote.com/index.php/newsroom/blog/general-music/30561-the-oud-the-fuzz-community-building-in-challenging-times