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| Canadian Vocal Group Countermeasure's Fourth Studio Album: Orchestral Sessions. Countermeasure announces the release of their fourth studio album, Orchestral Sessions. Mixed in both stereo and ATMOS, the album features fan-favourites, and new works composed by Artistic Director, Aaron Jensen. Defined by their genre-defying sound, the jazz, pop, soul and choral-inspired repertoire is presented for the first time with a full orchestra and rhythm section. Countermeasure is a 12-member Toronto-based vocal group who have sold-out theatres across Canada, the U.S., Italy, Scotland, Japan, and the U.K. The group has become known for their complex harmonies, engaging performances, and their musical spirit of adventure - experimenting with live-looping, instrument imitation, and theatrical staging. Countermeasure has recorded with GRAMMY and JUNO award-winning artists including Randy Brecker, Cindy Cashdollar, and The Barenaked Ladies; and has performed alongside the likes of Corey Hart, The Swingle Singers, and Naturally 7. They have won multiple awards from The Contemporary A Cappella Society of America, including Best CAL Album, Best Video, and Best Original Song. They've contributed to the soundtracks of internationally-featured short films, and their music has been featured on the EMMY award-winning TV series, Schitt's Creek. "Orchestral Sessions feels like a retrospective album." says Jensen. "We're currently enjoying our fourteenth season together. Countermeasure has become a second family to us. We've played a role in each other's major life events. The process of making music, and the music itself have merged into one. I don't just write songs for the group, they're inspired by the singers. These pieces are born of shared experiences, written in response to members' personal stories and life events, and shaped by our remarkable musical collaborators. CARRY AWAY reflects upon the emotionally-stirring experience of touring to Japan for the first time. HOLD ON gives the stage to Qwyn Alexis to sing about her hopes and fears in raising a daughter. I WILL chronicles our co-founder, J-M Erlendson's, battle with cancer. TRAIN THE B TAKE underscores a hilarious National Film Board of Canada animated short, and was developed in tandem with SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival, TAKIN IT HOME has been a long-time raucous finale for Countermeasure concerts. These songs have earned their place in the collective soundtrack of our lives." Releasing an orchestral album is a conceptual about-face for Countermeasure. The group's previous release, Guest Sessions, explored the opportunities presented for voice plus solo instrumentalists (including notable performances by Dame Evelyn Glennie, Randy Brecker, and Pamelia Stickney). After their experiment in artistic austerity, the new record, Orchestral Sessions, is a celebration of abundance. The Burlington New Millennium Orchestra is joined by a GRAMMY/JUNO award-winning rhythm section made up of Larnell Lewis on drums (Snarky Puppy, Jacob Collier, Quincy Jones), Jeremy Ledbetter on keys (Eliana Cuevas, Canefire, Andy Narell), and George Koller on bass (Peter Gabriel, Bruce Cockburn, Dizzy Gillespie). Countermeasure embraced the opportunity to join forces with the notable Canadian conductor/ orchestrator, Charles Cozens. "I was delighted to be asked by composer, Aaron Jensen, and Countermeasure to help arrange and orchestrate the Countermeasure Orchestral Sessions recordings. Always a challenge of blending compelling a cappella vocal textures with orchestra, the songs are exciting, poignant, evocative and simpatico with Countermeasure's unique presence. Conducting and recording this project with my very own Burlington New Millennium Orchestra was exhilarating and rewarding. I sincerely hope you enjoy this masterful work." Charles Cozens is a celebrated performer, orchestrator and conductor. His compelling symphony shows, featuring his arrangements for full orchestra, have been performed by artists such as Sir Elton John, Randy Bachman, The Canadian Tenors, Countermeasure, Quartetto Gelato, Mark Masri, The Nylons, and many more. With over 150 CD recordings to his credit as a composer, arranger, performer, conductor and producer, he was recognized by the International Conductors Guild in 2007 as a leading expert on orchestral conducting in the recording environment. In 2023, Maestro Cozens was inducted into the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame. Aaron Jensen's original music has been premiered and recorded by JUNO and GRAMMY award- winning artists, celebrated choirs, and symphony orchestras around the world. He acted as musical director, band leader, and composer for the nine-time EMMY award winning series, Schitt's Creek. He has contributed to a Broadway-optioned musical, a BAFTA-nominated video game, and a New York Times Bestselling book. Jensen is the Artistic and Musical Director of Countermeasure, and the Artistic Director Emeritus of SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival. Orchestral Sessions was recorded by Stephen Kosler, Luke Schindler and Kohen Hammond at Revolution Recording, and Kai Koschmider at T+J Studios (Toronto). The album was mixed by the GRAMMY award-winning, John "Beetle" Bailey. This project was made possible with the support of Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council. Countermeasure singers are Gianna Antonacci, Nina Brown, Elora Burns, Icarus Devdas, J-M Erlendson, Aaron Jensen, Marla Kishimoto, Qwyn Alexis, Tara Park, Hayley Preziosi, Daniel Boyle, and Jeremy Voltz. write your comments about the article :: © 2024 Jazz News :: home page |