The Dalai Lama says that this planet will be saved by the consciousness of western woman. Last night, while sitting in the audience, listening to Arwen Ainsley and Shauna Janzen, (Shauna and Arwen Serenade the Spiral), I really began to believe this was true. These two young women are wise beyond their years. Their voices are truly beautiful, although they are very different, one from the other. Dennis and I arrived just as Arwen Ainsley was singing. For such a tiny young lady, she invokes a powerful soul, as she sings her deeply reflective music...calling on us all to feel, to love, to care for our planet and each other. Arwen, your song about the children, flying thousands of kites for freedom, on the Gaza Strip, was so moving to both Dennis and I. Thank you for not singling out Palestinian children over Israeli children. All children want this freedom. I remember seeing Arwen at her very first open mic, at the Cornerstone Cafe in Fernwood. Even then, it was obvious that she had a talent to sit up and take notice of. It was such a delight, last night, to see how much she has been working on her craft. Her unique delivery, her confidence and the many shades of her lovely voice filled the appreciative audience with joy. Arwen, your original, The Truth touched us all to the core. Beautiful job on Tracey Chapmans Fast Car. Dennis and I think you sound so much like her. I was fortunate enough to meet Arwens beautiful look-a-like sister, and her youthful mother, who informed me that there is a third sister who resembles Arwen! Great DNA! After a break, the irrepressible Shauna Janz took the stage. I first heard Shauna at the Cornerstone Cafe, as well. She blew me out of the water with her confidence and musical expertise...her beautiful voice with the amazing range. Last night, she regaled the audience with her humour, charm and talent. Shauna has an incredible vocal range, hitting the high notes most singers only dream of. She shared great stories about how she came to write each song. The sight of majestic redwoods, in the dark of a forest night, invoked her latest new song. I love Shaunas songs, Gamblin Woman and Echo...shes not afraid to look at the passion of a woman, at her strong way of navigating relationships, even the less than satisfying ones. Great job on the Johnny Cash/Nine Inch Nails song, Hurt. Shauna is a force to be reckoned with, strong in her focus, the development of her music. Her tunings are fascinating, and the instrumental that she did, with Mel Gantly, delighted the audience, resulting in a huge wave of applause. Mel and Shauna came upon their song, Taking Flight, serendipitously, while jamming together. Shauna also invited another friend to accompany her on two songs with his stellar muted trumpet. She loves to jam with different sorts of sounds. I know there will be some gorgeous photos from York Stewart, coming soon. I also know that that the entire audience was left looking forward to a future Cd, from each of these very talented ladies. A great night!
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 19:12:40 +0000
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