Joanna Chapman-Smith CONTRARIES (Woundup)

Joanna Chapman-Smith is a young woman who has been making waves on the Canadian folk scene since 2002. Alone on stage, sitting atop a percussion rig made out of a suitcase and outnumbered by instruments, she charms unassuming crowds into singing along and letting themselves be carried away into her world that questions right and wrong, mind and body, permanence and impermanence.

At 25 years old she has already been many times across the country, over to the US, Europe and New Zealand as well. Joanna has released two solo records to date - the most recent of which, “Contraries”, was awarded an IMA Award in the “Best Acoustic Song” category.

Joanna works frequently with contemporary choreographers, touring theatrical productions and live circus performances. She has also performed and recorded with such acclaimed artists as CR Avery, Sarah MacDougall, Ken Whiteley, and Jonas Shandel. She is currently working  - with the support of the Canada Council - on a solo show she will tour in the fall of 2010.

I love his album! I love its integrity, simplicity, acoustic exhuberence, and Chapman-Smith’s uncanny skill in combining serious messages with music that is so open and accessible - she connects big-time and quickly. Canada has traditionally been a hot-bed of singer/songwriters and it’s great to see a government encouraging the best, through grants, to write and perform new music.

Opening track ‘Urbanity’, with its rolling piano notes and brushed snares, showcases Chapman-Smith’s wonderful voice, vocal range and her grasp of simple but powerful narrative: “I grew up in Canada, went to a little high school…” ‘Arbitrary Lines’ has a French street song feel with its accordian and underlying bouncing rhythm. But it also sounds as modern as today. ‘A Glass Of Right & Wrong’ is a quirky, swaying song about love and friendship, with a lightness of touch that is delightful. ‘Body Language’ is the briefest of a capella songs with a distinctly blues feel which cleverly layers vocals to great effect. ‘Between The Minds’ is a contemplative song with an intimate vibe, and sounds like Chapman-Smith is in conversation with herself - I can imagine her walking along a stony beach singing this along with Daniel Chapman-Smith who both whistles and contributes response vocals. It’s simple and beautiful.

‘Things Are Gonna Go Wrong’ is another bluesy song with darker undertones dominated by another superb vocal and a powerful melody.’Tactile World’ adds even more diversity with Middle-Eastern sound. It’s uptempo but drops pace around the middle-eight before charging off again and is a prime example of how she can match sound and message perfectly. ‘Klezbian Mother’ is a wonderful, joyous instrumental folk romp that is wholly compelling; a great example of how she can combine the old with the new and come out on top. ‘In The Quiet’ opens with gorgeous piano and accordian intro before Chapman-Smith enters with a sultry and intimate vocal. Then a mournful violin arrives before the piano returns in this reflective and moving song. Love it!

The thing I most love about music is the discovery of a new artist that offers something that is both distinctive and of supreme quality. I also value albums that offer a diversity of sounds and moods. Chapman-Smith, with her album CONTRARIES, offers all this, and some.

4/5

www.joannacs.com