Best Singer

Transplanted Haligonian or not, Laura Smith is the city’s Best of Halifax survey pick for Best Singer. Her soothing tones have become a landmark in the melée that is the Atlantic Canadian music scene. Crossing the lines of celtic, jazz and folk but at home in none of those categories, the music Smith crafts with long-time musical partner George Antoniak is beloved by many, not least of all adoring fan Peter Gzowski. Coincidentally, Smith has just released a new album celebrating her sprawling 10-year career as a songwriter and singer. Vanity Pressed is a collection of Smith’s most prized and popular songs from her three solid discs, Laura Smith (1989), b’tween the earth and my soul (1994) and It’s a Personal Thing (1997). If the loyalty of Smith’s fans is any indication, Vanity Pressed may be her most successful venture to date.

Runner-up: Sarah McLachlan