Shelley Montreuil and Franc van Oort make up this unlikely writing duo. Shelley, a sax-playing, singer/lyricist and Franc a Dutch composer/artist, the two found each other in Perth, Ontario as sidemen to Big Steve Forster. Like yin & yang, the sun and the valley or a sailbot and its mast, these two compliment each other's strengths - the result, jazz and blues infused folk funk - the perfect combination of engaging lyrics and insightful composition.

Take a handful of Peggy Lee, stir in some Kathleen Edwards, add a smidgeon of k.d. Lang, Norah Jones and Jann Arden and you are starting to get an idea of the Tell Mama style. Montreuil & van Oort have collectively played alongside Sue Foley, Keith Glass (Prairie Oyster), Susie Arioli & Chris Whiteley and have shared the stage with Salome Bey, Georgette Fry, Christine Graves and Lynn Miles.

With recognition from Trailer Park Ave. (www.trailerparkavenue.net), the International Songwriting Competition and the Portland Songwriter's Association Annual Song Contest, this group is establishing themselves as a writing/performance worth noticing.

Tell Mama is currently booking for the 2009 season beginning in March (when Franc gets back from his Mexico song-writing retreat).