((( ALBUM )))
Jannie Spain's DEBUT CD release
sweet awakening
a fusion of Chinese songs
and American jazz
David Friesen, bass
Jay Thomas, tenor & soprano sax, trumpet, flugelhorn
Greg Goebel, piano
Jeff Busch, percussion
Peter Ma, erhu (Chinese
2-String)
Alice's
Children's Choir
For
listening tracks and purchasing info, visit Jannie Spain's CD Baby page.
REVIEWS of sweet awakening
"... the interesting Chinese folk melodies, combined with re-haromonized chord changes ... the musicians involved, unpredictable arrangements and the textural quality of Jannie Spain's voice provide the listener with something very special and worth hearing." -David Friesen
"The experience of listening to this CD is pure pleasure. Jannie Spain's love and understanding of traditional Chinese songs and how to interpret them to an American audience is a gift to every listener. The arrangements are masterfully produced and the musicians are outstanding. Jannie Spain's ability to harmonize with the musicians on track 11 [Morning's Dawn] is haunting. Track 13 [Sweet Awakening] is my favorite of all and I was delighted to learn Jannie composed this song. Each time I listen to this CD, I enjoy it more. We are so fortunate to have such talented artists sharing their work with us."
-Andrea Furedy
"Jannie’s sensuous, lute-like voice has a wonderful coaxing quality to it—wistful and sweet like that place between sleep and waking. Such a gentle floating world of music she and her supporting musicians have given us." -Tess Gallagher
"I've always had a strong feeling that the best art comes from the mixing and combining of cultural influences. In this album Jannie Spain combines her native Chinese cultural inheritance with the world of American jazz. The result is a unique and contemplative music that transcends genre and becomes a thing of beauty unto itself. The old Chinese folk tunes on the album were masterfully produced and arranged by one of the jazz world's most creative musicians; David Friesen. For over 40 years David has been in the forefront of the music as a creative player, composer and teacher. The masterful musicianship of Jay Thomas, Jeff Bush, Greg Goebel and Peter Ma are a perfect compliment to the voice of Jannie Spain." -Jerry Simon
"I have been following Jannie Spain's career from her earliest performances in the Seattle area, and I had certain high expectations from this CD. Those expectations were blown away by the time the first track finished playing. Jannie has grown as both an artist and a performer, and that growth is gorgeously displayed in Sweet Awakening. The artist's voice is both strong and seductive, perfectly suited for jazz interpretations of popular Chinese recordings. The music is sophisticated and worldly, easy to listen to but at the same it, intellectually challenging. I have been keeping it in heavy rotation on an iPod in my office - it provides a pleasing counterpoint to my daily endeavors, but I've found myself stopping at various moments to simply enjoy the music. Despite constant repetition, the music retains it ability to surprise and delight. I consume a lot of new music each month, and it takes a truly great album to achieve "stand out status" for me. Sweet Awakening is worth not just a first or second listen - but a regular slot in my list of favorite albums. Anyone who is looking for a uniquely beautiful listening experience will appreciate Sweet Awakening." -Lita K.