Sarah Noni Metzner

Musical poetry for the ears

Nick Pannu, Associate Staff Contributor

Sarah Noni MetznerDaybreak Morning[Dog My Cat; 2006]

Lately there’s been a lot of hype and buzz surrounding emerging folk artist Sarah Noni Metzner; Something Beautiful, her first album, released just last year, received positive reviews from various publications including Vancouver’s Terminal City and the Echo Weekly. First time listeners will immediately be captivated by the album’s authentic sound, as Metzner’s sultry vocals emanate alongside her unique acoustics. And the instruments used in Metzner’s debut album are cued up appropriately, facilitating a soothing though invigorating listening experience.
Sarah Metzner takes an introspective approach to her songwriting that incites many revelations from listeners. The themes explored in Something Beautiful are diverse as Metzner examines the dynamics of family, friends, and lovers. Sincere and non-coercive, Sarah’s songs manage to, at times, trigger paradigm shifts on issues relating to the environment, peace, and gender equity.
Though as much as Sarah Metzner’s 2005 debut album might have set a precedent, her new album, Daybreak Morning, has somehow managed to evolve beyond it. Though her vocals and acoustics are still prominent on this sophomore album, other components such as piano and perceptive production have been seamlessly incorporated. Issues such as loneliness, drug dependency, and death are more explicitly examined this time in a symbolic fashion as to allow listeners to deduce their own meaning; through the consolidation of these aspects, Metzner’s Daybreak Morning is noticeably enriched when set beside its predecessor.
And though it’s obvious that Sarah Metzner’s style has evolved, the foundation and core aspects that define her authenticity as an artist remain present; candidness, humility, and unapologetic idealism still emanate from her songs, in addition to the symbolic nature found in Metzner’s writing that has to power to call vivid imagery to the minds of listeners as they delve into the issues she explores. Feminist issues are also subtly incorporated in a non-militant fashion. Metzner never goes off on abrasive rants that would offend anyone. Rather, Sarah Metzner tactically writes music that is not exclusive to one group, but inclusive to everyone. No one is alienated.
Sarah Noni Metzner’s live performances are quite entertaining and tend to live up to and surpass expectations. For more information about Metzner, check out her website at www.sarahmetzner.ca.

Mem Shannon

Mem Shannon I'm From Phunkville Northern Blues

Glancing at the liner notes of Mem Shannon's album - him on the front, a guitar across his shoulder - you get the immediate impression of a man on a mission. The title of the album states, "I am from Phunkville." Shannon makes it his prerogative to actualise the diverse preference of listeners whose thirst includes funk, jazz, and rock. Shannon is able to deliver each.
When the music plays for the first track you get an upbeat blues tempo. The third track, "Perfect World," initiates the metamorphosis towards jazz. The lyrics and singing are subdued, with the piano assuming the leading role. The next track has a guitar as well as a piano solo, but leaves one begging for more. Mem Shannon obliges the listener through his trumpet playing on the track "Battleground." He also offers provocative and sometimes profound lyrics on various tracks such as "Forget About Me."
If the CD isn't able to quench your thirst for a blend of blues, funk, jazz, and rock, then you can catch Mem's live performance at the Burnaby Blues festival on August 13. Performances are scheduled from 12-10 p.m. at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby. You can also catch the Neville Brothers, the Wailin' Jennys, Jonny Clegg, and Lhasa.
- Nick Pannu