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February 2002

In January I purchased fellow vocalist Kate Hammett-Vaughan's newest CD. "DEVIL MAY CARE" is a truly interesting group of songs, some familiar and some unknown to me until now. Kate is singing with that unique approach that she always uses, she doesn't simply sing a song to make it beautiful, she stretches out and creates something fresh and "in the moment" with her band. She uses a variety of tonal colors in her singing and always leads you on a surprising journey as opposed to a predictable one; sometimes in the way she shapes a line's dynamics or in her choice of rhythm within a phrase.

I like how this recording really sounds like a band in the true sense. It in fact is the same band that Kate used on her last CD. It sounds as though they play together all of the time even if that is not really the case. Jim Pinchin on the saxophone absolutely oozes melody with that lovely fat sound he gets. He is such a versatile musician and plays beautiful subtle lines with sensitive care and then turns around and burns with intensity that makes you tingle. He is always reaching further and has a fearless approach to every line that commands you to listen as opposed to begging you to listen. His solo on "Devil May Care" is a stunner.

Chris Gestrin on the piano plays some beautiful moody colors and is really subtle in some of his choices. I like how he is not just playing in a "choppsy" way. (Is "choppsy" a word?). What he plays seems always intended in helping create the mood or tone of each song. There are places in the recording where his incredible technique is able to shine but when it does it comes as a lovely contrast and again happens only when the tune calls for it. Maybe that's what all musician's strive for but I sometimes think that there are those who just want to play flashy and forget about really making music.

André LaChance is on the bass and Tom Foster is on the drums and they are linked together driving along the rhythm section particularly so in the up tempo tunes. I love this CD.

This month I will be part of the second annual "DIVAS FOR LIFE" concert that is entitled "DIVAS FOR LOVE" as it lands on Valentine's Day. Six Vancouver vocalists will join forces again to raise money for The Friends For Life Society at the concert which takes place at The Vogue Theatre in Vancouver. It should be an exciting night. There will be solo numbers, group numbers and this year we will also perform some duets. I am honored to be singing a duet with Kate Hammett-Vaughan. This year three of us are returning divas while we welcome three new additions to the ever growing group of Divas For Life.

Christine Duncan returns from Toronto to sing with us and certainly in Christine fashion will bring the house down. Lee Aaron brings her star power and Angela Kelman, a well known member of Farmer's Daughter, will each sing from the heart this Valentine's Day. Once again producer Stevie Vallance has been working countless hours in preparing for the concert. There is an endless list of things that require attention and being the perfectionist that she is, all those things will truly be attended to. In my mind she is a type of Super woman. She has boundless energy and doesn't wait for things to happen, she makes them happen. I really admire her determination and conviction. Stevie is a force to be reckoned with, that's for certain.

Any of you who happen to be in Vancouver on Valentine's Day, do get a ticket for this event. You will hear some great music and the total proceeds from this concert will go to THE FRIENDS FOR LIFE SOCIETY, which is an organization that helps people living with life threatening illness such as cancer, aids and other illnesses. Hope to see you there!

Karin