These three releases are interesting examples of what some Canadian jazz and contemporary music artists are up to these days. They are a mélange of English and French-Canadian cultures (with a tinge of avantguard edginess) fitting nicely in the country’s duality (Happy Canada Day—Jul. 1st).

“Recording Songs from the Harp was by far the most fun I’ve had making a record and a long held dream.” So says Victoria B.C.-based harpist/singer Julia Cunningham. Starting with a prestigious musical education studying classical harp and several years touring jazz and blues festivals with Solomon Burke, followed by a half-dozen self-released instrumental recordings, Cunningham delivers a stellar vocal recital of compositions from the standards songbook. One has to wonder what took her so long to get to this place.

Throughout this 14-track release, produced by Joby Baker, Cunningham stays in her comfort zone as she delivers delightful turns on “There’s A Small Hotel”, ‘God Bless The Child” and the uptempo “On The Sunny Side Of The Street”. Not forgetting her harp antecedents, she features a gorgeous instrumental rendition of the Consuelo Velázquez bolero “Bésame Mucho”. With this debut vocal release, Cunningham has laid down a markerthat this could be the kick-off of something important.

Julia

“Songs from the Harp”

(Independent)

As if the Victoria, British Columbia-based harp virtuosa Julia Cunningham’s life in music has not already been remarkable enough, the release of her gorgeous 7th album, Songs from the Harp, delivers an unexpected, yet extremely welcome twist. Even though the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan born and raised musician has performed live across many genres, whether within the realms of new acoustic composition or metaphysical music, with the exception of sporadic wordless vocalizations Julia has to date exclusively issued instrumental material.

Until now…

As the culmination of a creative dream that began when studying classical harp over two decades ago, Songs from the Harp reveals Julia the singer, and in this respect what a triumphant debut it is. In short, Songs from the Harp is an instant late night classic, with Julia’s breezy vocal range of expression ranging from tender and heartfelt to playful, coy, and undeniably seductive. It is clear that Julia is singing with a smile on her face throughout, no doubt beyond the emotional thrill of singing also overjoyed with the phenomenal cast of collaborators, brought together from the rich Victoria music scene by producer extraordinaire, Joby Baker (Cowboy Junkies/Marc Atkinson/Alex Cuba).

Gypsy jazz guitar wizards Quinn Bachand and Reuben Wier (both Brishen); pianist Miles Black; bassist Joey Smith (Glenn Miller Orchestra); violinist/viola player Richard Moody (The Bills); drummer Kelby MacNayr (Harry Manx/Phil Dwyer); guitarist Adam Dobres (The Wailin’ Jennies/Outlaw Social), and Cuban trumpeter Miguelito Valdes (Afro-Cuban All Stars/Omara Portuondo) comprise the formidable ensemble backing Julia on Songs from the Harp. Julia, her brilliant band of luminaries and sonic architect Baker have created a lush, nostalgic gem in which Julia’s glorious harp plays an anomalous support role to her front-and-centre vocal. This being said, its glittering tones are never far away, in particular starring as Songs from the Harp’s sequential pivot – a sumptuous instrumental version of the classic Consuelo Velázquez bolero, Bésame Mucho. Of this track and its deliberate midpoint placement Julia says, “I like to think of it as the sorbet to cleanse your palette!”.

Having spent four years as the ‘Soul Harpist’ in his touring ensemble, it was none other than the late soul giant Solomon Burke that Julia has to credit for encouraging her to step up to the mic, a sentiment later furthered by Baker and Julia’s ever-supportive life partner. Julia toured the world with “King Solomon” for four years, along the way opening for The Rolling Stones and Van Morrison, and in her amazing career has also shared stages with the legendary ilk of Luciano Pavarotti, Tom Jones, Chrissie Hynde, and many, many more. During global travels in pursuit of her art Julia has performed for Pope John Paul II; Albert II, the Prince of Monaco; Charles, the Prince of Wales, and Oprah Winfrey among many both famous and unsung, though undoubtedly all were equally dazzled by her skills as a harpist.

Now, though, Julia will sing…