CD Review: Tricia Edward's Joy Spring

Calgary-based jazz pianist Tricia Edwards takes a handful of jazz standards and transforms them into a relaxing and playful set in her debut CD.

Tricia Edwards' musical journey has taken her down many paths, most recently, in local jazz bars and the recording studio. From classical piano to classic jazz, from soloist to collaborative artist and from student to teacher/performer. With Joy Spring, Edwards takes her audience on a cheerful yet relaxing, playful yet romantic ride.

The Journey From Classical to Jazz

Edwards' musical studies began in classical music. She earned her Masters' and Bachelors' degrees in classical piano performance at the University of Alberta. After graduation, Edwards worked as a teacher and collaborative pianist in Alberta and the Middle East.

In 2003, Edwards began studying jazz piano, studying with Derek Stoll, a prominent jazz pianist in Western Canada. In 2009, she was awarded the Richard Harold Cowie Scholarship by the Calgary Musician's Association and C-Jazz.

Since then, Edwards has been busy. She has formed her own trio and quartet, the Whisper Not Jazz Ensemble, Calgary Jazzwinds, the Wednesday Night Big Band, Wednesday Night Little Big Band and a new unnamed smooth jazz quartet. She has performed at popular jazz clubs such as the BeatNiq Jazz and Social Club and Koi Cafe.

Joy Spring Disc Information

Track Listing

1. One Note Samba (N. Mendonca/A.C. Jobim)

2. Sugar (S. Turrentine)

3. Sidewinder (L. Morgan)

4. On the Street Where You Live (A.J. Lerner/ F. Lowe)

5. There Will Never Be Another You (M. Gordon/H. Warren)

6. My Funny Valentine (L. Hart/R. Rodgers)

7. Cherokee (R. Noble)

8. Bluesette (J.B. Thielmans)

9. All the Things You Are (O. Hammerstein/J. Kern)

10. Well You Needn't (T. Monk)

11. Joy Spring (C. Brown)

12. Alone Together (H. Dietze/A. Schartz)

Musicians: Tricia Edwards (piano), Keith Smith (guitar), John Hyde (bass)

Arranger: Tricia Edwards

Label: None

Produced by: NRS Productions

Cover Art by: Alison Edwards

Release Date: March 9, 2009

Joy Spring Highlights

Joy Spring is a smooth jazz CD comprised of jazz standards; a little Latin jazz, a little swing and a little waltz. The first track, "One Note Samba", opens with a cheerful piano solo before being joined by the guitar and bass. The guitar solo teases us with a line that steps away from the "one note" but leisurely returns to that "one note". The piano matches the playful and unhurried tone set by the guitar. Gradually the line ebbs and flows.

"Sidewinder" displays the funky and frolicsome interplay between all the instruments. Each member of the trio takes ideas presented by another member and takes it to another level. Nothing is rushed, everything is smooth and relaxed.

"My Funny Valentine" begins with a piano solo, playing a simple ostinato over the descending bass. The guitar enters with a very melancholic saxophone-like line. The head is played simply with sparse accompaniment. Gradually, the harmonies become thicker. The solos do reach virtuosic proportions yet remain lazy, smoky and sultry.

The jazz waltz "Bluesette" begins with a dreamy piano intro that is soon joined by the bass. The piano solo is syncopated, unhurried and sprightly. The bass solo could have been louder.

The title track, "Joy Spring" is a playful Latin groove. The head wanders up and down at a laid back pace.

In the piano solo, Edwards plays with the rhythm, throwing in a couple of runs. The guitar solo is highly syncopated and melodic.

Lighthearted Relaxation Music

The interplay between the piano and guitar and piano is well done. It is clear that the members of this jazz trio listen to each other, lend support and build on each other's ideas. The bass gives subtle but strong support. Joy Spring as a debut CD presents Tricia Edward's joy of music and playful nature; making it a fun listen, whether you are curled up with a good book and a glass of wine, driving across the countryside or enjoying a romantic dinner.

To find out more about Tricia Edwards or to listen to sample tracks, visit her website. To learn buy Joy Spring, click on the icon below:

Originally published March 1, 2010. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Album Review - My Road - Songs from Guin Saga

When it was first announced that Satelight would be animating Guin Saga, the fantasy novel series by the late Kaoru Kurimoto, anime discussion forums on sites such as Animesuki and the Final Fantasy Shrine buzzed with excitement over two names involved with the project: director Atsushi Wakabayashi (Ghost in the Shell, Naruto) and composer Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger). After the first episode of Guin Saga aired, otaku were singing the praises of Kanon's This is My Road, comparing her voice to Enya and Sarah Brightman.

My Road - Songs from Guin SagaAlbum Details

• Artist: Kanon

• Supervisor: Nobuo Uematsu

• Recording Producers: Masa Sakuma & Kensuke Matsushita

• Label: Sony Music Japan International Inc.

• Released: August 26, 2009

My Road - Songs from Guin Saga Tracks

Kanon's affinity for classical music is evident in the opening chords of This is My Road. The opening sounds rather similar to George Fredrick Handel's haunting Sarabande & Variations in d minor. This is hardly surprising considering that Handel is one of her favourite composers

Kanon incorporates some Gregorian Chant ("Benedictus") to her musical quote of Handel before launching into the bridge by the piano. The drums and strings swell gently, leading up to Kanon's sweeping melodic line of the main theme.

Marius' Song is a haunting track with a Medieval/early Renaissance flavor. The juxtaposition of the lute against gentle modern percussion, choir and strings may seem strange; but it works. The weaving vocal lines near the end are stunning. Throughout, Kanon's tone remains clear and pure.

Track 3 is a music box instrumental version of This is My Road.

Where-er you go - Cavalleria Rusticana, shows off Kanon's classical training. The form is very much like a operatic aria. The song showcases Kanon's wide vocal range. The tempo is slow, testing her breath control.

Moonlight (or "Unfulfilled Wish - Moonlight) opens with a melancholic melody sung by Kanon, underscored by soft chords in the organ. Then it switches to a contemporary ballad with acoustic piano (performed by Kanon herself) and electronica accompaniment. The piano bridge and comping nod to jazz harmonies and comping style.

The sixth track is an instrumental music box version of Where-er you go - Cavalleria Rusticana.

Rounding out the CD is an English version of This is My Road.

My Road - Songs from Guin Saga

Kanon

Kanon - A Classical Contemporary Artist Making Waves in Japan's New Age Music Scene

Kanon was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1980. Her musical studies took her abroad, which greatly influence her compositional style and musical tastes. She made her debut in 2002, shortly after graduating from the College of Music in Queensland, Australia. In her 2004 album release, Hymn of Grace, Kanon's compositions were featured for the first time.

In 2004, Sony Music Japan International signed her onto the Sony Music label. In 2006, Kanon was asked to perform at the FIFA World Cup Germany-Asia event and Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale 2007 (MIDEM) as Japan's elite musical ambassador.

Kanon caught the attention of gamers with her music in the Tales of Legendia series.

With her Western influenced music, Kanon is considered a New Age artist in Japan although she staunchly defines style as "classical contemporary".

About Guin Saga

The anime adaptation ofGuin Saga focuses on Rinda and Remus, the "twin pearls" of the kingdom of Parros. Their parents, the king and queen, were slain when the Mongaul army invaded their country. The twins escape via an ancient device and are tranported into enemy territory. They meet Guin, a man with superhuman strength and amnesia. Guin wears a leopard mask that cannot be removed. Guin, Rinda and Remus meet allies and fight Monguls in their journey to Parros and their quest to recover Guin's memories.

A Beautiful Voice But Album Lacks Variety

My Road - Songs from Guin Saga contains beautiful, lilting and haunting melodies that showcase Kanon's angelic tone and technique. However, the songs all sound similar in style, melodies, form and tempo.

For more information about Kanon, visit the Channel-Ai Community Blog and Kanon's Official Website.

Originally published December 21, 2009 on Suite101.com . All rights are reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Pia no Jac Eat a Classic Album Review

→Pia-no-jaC← was founded in 2005 by pianist Hayato Tatsunari and percussionist Tadahiro “Hiro” Moritomi. →Pia-no-jaC← is a combination of Hayato and Hiro's instruments: “piano” and “cajón”.

The duo performs over 150 concerts a year. They have toured in France, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Tickets for →Pia-no-jaC←'s “Back in the Japan Tour” in 2010 sold out within five minutes. The duo is currently on tour throughout Japan (“First Light Tour 2012”).

This jazz group's music is a fusion that incorporates J-pop, Jazz, Rock and Classical. Hayato and Hiro describe their music as “hybrid instrumental” and they seek to entertain audiences with their technical ability, showmanship and humour shine through.

→Pia-no-jaC← has worked with several heavy hitters in the Japanese entertainment industry, including commercial creator, Michihiko Yanai, composer/director Joe Hisaishi, ARASHI and SQUARE ENIX. The duo has released nine albums to date.

Eat a Classic Highlights

Eat a Classic injects a fresh twist to well-known classical pieces, including Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite and Ludwig van Beethoven's "Ode to Joy".

“The Swan Lake” (Track 3) is a slow sultry jazz number. There is a wide dynamic range to this piece, soft and melancholy for the main theme and impassioned for the riffs. Some very bluesy riffs break out on piano between statements of the main theme. The percussion varies slightly in between the statements of the main theme. The balance between the two instruments is superb.

“Habanera” (Track 5) pays homage not only to Georges Bizet but Dave Brubeck. The syncopated driving rhythm steadily builds up to the main theme, which is filled with octaves and fifths, as well as twisting and turning triplets. The middle section is calmer, Coquettish. When the A section returns, it's more intense, with the percussion pushing the piece to a climax.

“Ode to Joy” (Track 6) starts dark and stormy in a minor key before the main theme is introduced. This number displays a wide range of dynamics, moods and rhythms. Like the rest of the CD, it is technically challenging and musically exciting.

Eat a Classic

is an upbeat album that shows that displays a fun side to classical music. The album is a classic (pun intended) example of Pia no Jac's “hybrid instrumental” style.

Eat a Classic Track Listing

1. Fugue in G minor (BWV 578) – J.S. Bach

2. Trepak from The Nutcracker - P.I. Tchaikovsky) and Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld - J. Offenbach

3. The Swan Lake, Op. 20 (Act 2) – P.I. Tchaikovsky

4. Prelude from Act 1 of Carmen – G. Bizet

5. Habanera from Carmen – G. Bizet

6. Symphony no. 9, Op. 125 (4th movement: "Ode to Joy") – L. van Beethoven

Label: BounDEE, 2009

Catalog Number: B001MT1JWQ

Check out Eat a Classic or some of Pia no Jac's music by clicking on the CD icon below:

Eat A Classic

Pia-no-jaC

(c) 2012 by Rhona-Mae Arca, Musespeak(TM). All rights reserved.