May 1, 2005 Prophetic voice sometimes sings

The Irish band U2 has been a pop music and pop culture phenomenon for over two decades. They were rock 'n' roll crusaders during an era of synthesized pop and heavy metal in the 1980s. At the top of the industry in the wake of...

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April 1, 2005 Cohen's elegiac album speaks for itself

At age 70, Leonard Cohen is long past any attempts to be either current or mainstream. In fact, he never tried. That said, the legendary bard's new album Dear Heather is both a statement that will thrill long-time fans and an...

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December 1, 2004 Christmas carols go unplugged

The "Very Special Christmas" album series is some 15 years old now. Six albums later, the projects have raised more than $60 million for the Special Olympics. Look for that total to rise substantially with the release of A...

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October 1, 2004 Sacred and profane make a soulful blend in Baptism

Fifteen years ago, Lenny Kravitz was both an anomaly and a breath of fresh air. A gifted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, he had the goods to deliver his classic rock leanings. Some may have decried his work as derivative,...

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June 1, 2004 Sweet, soothing harp music delights and heals audience

Usually when the parishioners of St. James church come to hear the story of Jesus at their medieval-looking stone church in the heart of this Annapolis Valley town, there is an organ and choir to carry the words home: a familiar...

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June 1, 2004 Jackson album evokes memories

We are young but getting old before our time /We'll leave the T.V. and the radio behind /Don't you wonder what we'll find /Steppin' out tonight. - "Steppin' Out" by Joe Jackson It was an opportunity frittered away back...

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June 1, 2004 Church choir nets CBC award

The choir of St. Thomas's church, Toronto, won first prize in the church choir segment of the CBC's national choral competition held recently. The choir sang Ubi caritas et amor by Maurice Duruflé and the Sanctus and...

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March 1, 2004 Second generation a welcome addition

Both change and constancy have marked the life and work of Manitoba-based musician Steve Bell. In his teens, he was honing his skills as a world-class guitar picker. In his twenties, he was a member of the folk pop trio Elias,...

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January 1, 2004 Personal journeys in powerful songs

Emmylou Harris: Stumble Into Grace The evolution of Emmylou Harris is really remarkable. She was already a famed star in a 30-year career by virtue of her unique, angelic voice and her equally unique way of crafting a vocal...

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November 1, 2003 Contagious album showcases a guitarist playing through his pain

From incredible pain often comes the most important art, be it painting, prose, music, or any other medium. Don Ross is a well-respected acoustic guitarist - the first person to ever win the prestigious U.S. National...

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