Thursday, March 22, 2007

Appreciating Canadian Talent

To my political readers: Please indulge me for a few minutes while I take a brief time-out to flog a terrific Canadian talent, jazz-pop singer Holly Cole.

This Halifax native has just released a new self-titled album which was reviewed today in the Record (Click on 'Arts' and then "Other Releases this Week").

As is the case with most Canadian singers, getting proper recognition is difficult although Holly Cole has had great success in Japan in terms of jazz CD sales and tours. The writer of the Record review laments that her two previous pop albums have been "criminally ignored", and that she is returning to her jazz roots with the latest release.

We have a special place in our hearts for Holly Cole, because several years ago a member of our family was going through a critical medical situation and Holly personally went to great effort to cheer us all up. I don't want to go into details, but let me assure you that Holly is not just a terrific singer, but also a warm human being who has great compassion and concern for others.

Please visit her website and sample the songs available under 'Discography'. If you enjoy her unique musical style, please consider purchasing a CD and telling your friends.

Holly Cole is a Canadian treasure.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I watched Holly on Canada AM the other day. She look good and sounds great. Hope a tour is being planned. I did picked up her CD and it is very good.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

I watched Holly on Canada AM the other day

Oh no! I missed that. Maybe they'll replay it sometime.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I know personally what a warm human being she is and even though it never came out when she & the band made a personal stop and a personal impromptu concert we all felt the warmth of this wonderful Canadian human being.

Anonymous said...

Since the first time I heard her voice (singing "I Can See Clearly Now" on Inside Entertainment in '95 I think) she has been and continues to be my favourite singer. Enjoying her CDs prompted me to venture into purchasing other CDs in the jazz genre, although none comes close to her.

Her CDs are so musically accomplished and bring me so much joy to listen to them. I hope that many other Canadians will give themselves the opportunity to enjoy this unique home-grown talent by going out and purchasing her new self-titled CD. One of the many highlights on that CD is a song written by the "worldly Nova Scotian" herself called "Larger Than Life".

Anonymous said...

Joanne, Holly Cole has been very much appreciated in all her appearances at the Montreal Jazz Festival, held yearly for the past 25+ years. She always garners good reviews.

For those wanting to know more about this year's fest, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/3aeg9g
She's apparently one of the performers again this year.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Thanks for that, Gabby! Maybe we'll have to take a little road trip this year...

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info about the jazz festival Gabby. On her website it says she'll be there June 28th and 29th. I've always wanted to check out that Jazz Festival. I've heard it's amazing.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

On her website it says she'll be there June 28th and 29th.

Nice time of year, too!

Anonymous said...

Holly Cole is fantastic. She also happens to be a niece of former NDP leader Alexa McDonough. Not her fault though.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Porter Joe - I didn't know that!!

Oh, well. I won't hold it against her. ;)

Anonymous said...

Steph & Joanne:
You're welcome. And if you do decide to come to Montreal, let me know a few days ahead (post here) & maybe we can make arrangements to meet.

Porterjoe said:
"She also happens to be a niece of former NDP leader Alexa McDonough. Not her fault though."
Good one!
You know, conservatives are often painted as dour, humourless people. That canard is so often shown to be untrue in sites such as this one & others.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

conservatives are often painted as dour, humourless people. That canard is so often shown to be untrue in sites such as this one & others.

Gabby, you don't know the half of it! ;)

BTW, maybe you could send me your email addy (mine's on my profile). Thanks.

Tarkwell Robotico said...

So freaky.

I love Holly Cole. I have all her CDs except for this newest one (which of course will be purchased).

My favorite would be her covers of Tom Waits songs.

I even bought a CD of "Jazz versions of Steven Sondheim" just to get her one song on it - it was terrific.

Also, my favorite Jazz Fest concert was her.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Chucker - No way! Wow.

Well I have a story for you! Someday I will share it with you.