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September 2007

I typically see each year beginning in September instead of January and I think that is because of my memory of the excitement of starting the new school year when I was a child and then later on starting University classes when I was a young adult. Now I still feel a fresh beginning each time September comes around. Perhaps some of that is also because I have just experienced summer holidays and although I was working as a teacher and as a performer during July and August, it wasn’t quite as hectic as the regular year can be. It was holiday time with lots of cycling and hiking and fun.

One of the highlights of this past summer was going to teach vocal jazz in Sorrento BC. This was my third time there as an instructor. Many of my colleagues including vocalists Kate Hammett-Vaughan and Jennifer Scott were there too so aside from the teaching that we did there was much socializing and we really got to enjoy each others company. We performed together at the faculty concert as well. Kate, Jennifer and I have a number of performances coming up again this season so that is exciting to me. It really is wonderful to be friends with these talented women and then get to work alongside them as well. Both of them are unique and sound only like themselves stylistically speaking and timbre-wise as well. They remain true to their craft and continue to grow as performers, improvisers, arrangers and composers. Such inspiring artists they are!

I made new friends in Sorrento again and as usual CD’s were exchanged as we got to know each other during the course of the week. One of my favorites has been a CD by mandolin player Radim Zenkl. He was born in the Czech Republic and now resides in the USA. He is a wonderful composer and player. He seems to incorporate bluegrass, jazz and folk music into his compositions and the final effect is very gratifying to listen to. Radim seems to like waltz rhythms as much as I do. In the past year I really have been trying to compose some interesting waltzes so it was quite enjoyable to hear some of his entrancing pieces in 3/4 time.

As usual in Sorrento the beautiful Kristina Olsen never ceased to amaze me with her great talent not only as a dance instructor (yes we all learn to swing dance in Sorrento) but her talent as a magnificent songwriter, storyteller and slide guitarist. Each year as I see her perform her songs I am deeply moved by the heartfelt stories that she sings, She knows how to sing in such a way that she is able to wind each note and lyric around your heart and soul. I suppose one could call Kristina a true gypsy because she tours almost non-stop to almost every country you could imagine. She’s a beautiful person and a truly inspiring artist. I hope to sing some of her songs in my repertoire this coming year.

It’s been a long time since I have made a new recording and I am itching to do so. There is a project that I recorded sometime ago with a wonderful Toronto band and I hope to finish mixing that this year and I would also like to plan some other recording project or two. All of this takes money of course but more than that it takes careful planning and faith in oneself and the project idea. Perhaps I can admit that this past year I haven’t had complete faith in my own abilities musically speaking. Perhaps that happens to many artists along the way as they grow and learn. I think I have come through that stage for the time being and I am excited about the idea of making music with some of my favorite players for the purpose of recording a CD again. I think about this in the age of the dying CD. I download music periodically and I purchase CD’s as well. I still prefer having the actual CD in my hand and reading the liner notes and seeing the CD booklet etc but more and more we are headed into the world of no CD”s and only digital downloads. I am finally getting my music available digitally as well on Itunes. I must resist being a dinosaur and keep up with the times!

Now this year I have decided I won’t resist the Fall season as I usually do. I have had a fantastic Summer and it is now time to get back to work and create and learn and appreciate all that may come my way. Soon I’ll be singing one of my favorite standards at my gigs: “Tis Autumn” and I will happily do so. Alright Fall, I am ready to embrace you this time around. Perhaps I am older and wiser and realize that there is no fighting you, you are there as you always must be, it’s almost time…

Karin