THE BEST SASKATCHEWAN ALBUMS OF 2016
#6. JEN LANE: This Life of Mine A well-established singer/songwriter and multiple Western Canadian Music Award nominee, Jen Lane has an impressive dis- cography of solo projects, collaborations, and guest appearances. Effortlessly spanning genres of country, roots, folk, and Americana, Jen’s fifth studio album (produced by multi-instrumentalist John MacArthur Ellis) developed following a challenging period in her life, as she
healed from a significant injury. The resulting album is organic, honest and heartfelt, taking the listener on a journey through joy, hope and longing; with no small involvement from her partner in life and music, John Antoniuk, who contributed guitar, vocal and harmonica per- formances. “This Life of Mine is a milestone in Jen Lane’s career, (an) amazingly strong album from start to finish with brilliant performanc- es and breathtaking production.”- Beatroute
Recorded at: Bottega Studio, Kelowna BC. Produced by: John MacAr- thur Ellis. More:
www.jenlane.com
#7. ANDINOS SUNS: Madera Andino Suns’ third full length LP com- bines the sizzling sounds of the South American sun with the earthiness of prai- rie solitude. It’s laced with elements of traditional Andean music; yet it also con- tains the charm and sensibilities of art, which, although far from its origins, feels more than comfortable in its surround- ings. Focusing on acoustic instruments for this release (Madera = wood), it’s also
a collaborative offering, featuring fellow artists The Dead South, Me- gan Nash, Keiffer McLean, Scott Richmond and members of the Re- gina Symphony Orchestra. The band, consisting of Andres Davalos, Andres Palma and Cristian Moya, worked with Montreal-based Dan- iel Emden as co-producer, a world renowned percussionist who has performed with the prestigious Berklee World String Orchestra. Andi- no Suns‘ raucous and memorable live performances have made them festival favourites, and garnered them a 2015 Western Canadian Mu- sic Awards nomination. The music may have been forged in the fire of Chilean revolt – which it undoubtedly is - but it is also rooted heavily in the fabric of the vast Canadian prairies.
Recorded at: Blue Door Recording, Regina. Produced by: A. Davalos, A. Palma and D. Emden. More:
www.andinosuns.com
#8. BELLE PLAINE: The Unrequited Love The Fosston-born songstress could be Saskatchewan’s version of a James Bond villainess: Sultry-voiced, charismatic, sure-shot hunter, beautiful. With a num- ber of acclaimed recordings under her belt, she still felt her catalogue didn’t represent all that she had to offer in a live show: The easy shift between coun- try and jazz; ballads and blues; humour and honesty. The Unrequited Love was
her answer. This live album (recorded Valentine’s Day, 2015) contains 11 songs that display all the musical versatility she shares with band- mates Jeremy Sauer and Elizabeth Curry, expanded to include a full band for the album, with drums, backup vocals, lead guitar and horns. She doubled down by recording only one concert, relying on the band to deliver a performance that was worthy of commercial release. The results evidence her place in the Canadian music scene as an inde- pendent, who, as Carolyn Mark said, “is a national treasure.” A well- travelled performer, Belle Plaine has many festival experiences to her credit and has received numerous awards including the Regina May- or’s Arts & Business Award for Emerging Artist, Best Singer in numer- ous prairie dog magazine “Best of Regina” readers’ polls, and a member of CBC Saskatchewan’s “Future 40.”
Recorded at: The Artesian by Chris Haynes; mixed by Orion Paradis, Melanie Hankewich, Jeremy Sauer and Elizabeth Curry at SoulSound Studio, Regina. More:
www.belleplainemusic.com
#9 (tie)
THE GARRYS: Warm Buds The Garrys are a trio of sisters (Erica, Julie, and Lenore) from Saskatoon who play “garage surf doowop” that is equal parts eerie and comforting. Their harmo- nies are dreamy and precise, and their instrumentation stays true to the likes of Dick Dale, and The Shangri-Las. Formed in 2015, The Garrys pull a strong influ- ence from early reverb rock’n’roll and 1950s-era harmonies. The group’s tour
dates include a recent, lauded showcase at M for Montreal. This is their debut record, and along with their captivating live shows, it’s helping them win big love from both fans and critics. “It all comes together in a swirl of melancholy vocal melodies and hypnotic instrumentation.” – Exclaim Magazine
Recorded at: Recording Arts Institute of Saskatoon. Produced by: Chris Smith, Duncan Pickard, and Alex Stooshinoff. More:
https://thegarrys.bandcamp.com
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SASKMUSIC THE SESSION - FEBRUARY 2017, VOL 30.1
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