Countermeasure - Guest Sessions
COUNTERMEASURE RELEASES THIRD STUDIO ALBUM – ‘GUEST SESSIONS’
Toronto’s grand international art-pop group Countermeasure recently released their third studio album, Guest Sessions, featuring a who’s who of Grammy winners, Juno Award winners, and platinum-selling artists.
Countermeasure
Guest Sessions was made possible with the support of Ontario Creates, Canada Council for the Arts, FACTOR Canada, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council.
The album celebrates Countermeasure’s 10th anniversary and is infused by elements of jazz, pop, folk, soul, and modern choral music. A concept album, Guest Sessions comprises original works composed by Aaron Jensen. Each track features a guest instrumental soloist, including Randy Brecker (trumpet), Dame Evelyn Glennie (percussion), Cindy Cashdollar (dobro), along with Quebecois guitarist Christian Roberge, Natalie MacMaster (fiddle), Pamelia Stickney (theremin),88-year-old bandleader Charlie Gabriel, Rich Brown (electric six-string bass), Kevin Fox (cello), and Michael Davidson (vibraphone).
Countermeasure’s Artistic Director, Aaron Jensen, shares, “This project has felt like one giant sandbox for us to play in. We’ve given ourselves the time and space to experiment, to explore, and to tune into the frequencies of each of the guest artists. It’s been incredible to watch these sensitive, high-level players adapt to the project in their own way...integrating themselves into the arrangements as a 14th “voice” of the group.”
The vocal group known as Countermeasure is made up of 13-members, who have toured throughout Canada, the U.S., Italy, Scotland, Japan, and the U.K. They have recorded with the crème de la crème of artists: The Barenaked Ladies, Alan Doyle, and Ron Sexsmith, as well as sharing the stage with Corey Hart, Alan Frew, and Naturally 7. Their awards include Best CAL Album, Best Video, and Best Original Song.
The ebb and rise of this song, both tantalizing and dreamy, exudes sumptuous interweaving sonic threads.
At the present juncture, Countermeasure is preparing to perform with the New Japan Philharmonic at Triphony Hall, Sumida, Tokyo, in May 2021.
Encompassing 10-tracks, Guest Sessions begins with “Hold On,” featuring Michael Davidson. The song opens on low-slung shimmering colors, smooth and elegant, laced with creamy R&B filaments. A delicious female voice infuses the lyrics with warm devotional textures as soft, radiant harmonies fill the tune with glowing dimension.
Entry points on the album include “Carry Away,” featuring Kevin Fox’s scrumptious cello, riding on sweeping layers of alt-pop hues topped by polished vocals and blooming harmonies. The ebb and rise of this song, both tantalizing and dreamy, exudes sumptuous interweaving sonic threads.
“Pick It Up,” featuring Randy Brecker, hums with cool savors of jazz riding a funky groove, while scatting vocals sashay overhead. Brecker’s trumpet soars and wheels and dives with swaggering inflections, akin to another voice.
“Obvious Pair” echoes the cashmere tones of the ‘40s, slinky and lustrous, enveloping listeners in enchanting coloration reminiscent of the heady days of big bands fronted by charismatic voices. “Aubade” travels on Pamelia Stickney’s haunting theremin, discharging ethereal tones, while gentle harmonies waft languorously overhead, rising and building to majestic levels.
Guest Sessions delivers glorious music, rippling with exquisite vocals and marvelous instrumental performances.
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