As
Canadian diamonds gain notoriety, there is another Canadian gem that is sure to
shine just as bright on the world stage. I am speaking of Ottawa born jazz artist,
Nura. Her recently released self-titled CD "Nura" is surely worth a
listen. With a voice sometimes reminiscent of the whispery Claudine Longet, Nura's
versatility is as diverse as the Canadian landscape. "We're Not Alone"
and "Falling" showcase Nura's clear, bell like voice, a sweet treat.
In fact, "We're Not Alone" has enjoyed significant airplay in both Canada,
and the U.S. The fun "Hangin'", where she is joined by members of "Faith
Chorale" and Raw Footage for look at hanging in the neighbourhood, with a
laid back beat, is a kind of smooth jazz, meets gospel, meets rap melange. Sets
the foot tapping for sure, with thoughts of hot summer lawn sprinklers and visiting
neighbours over the fence. A couple of delightful cuts are "Rue Clarendon"
and "Secret", a beautiful blend of top-notch instrumentals (show casing
the talented Stuart Steinhart on bass) with Nura's "vocalize". Surely
some of the best stuff on this album, and certainly an aspect of Nura's talent
that is not to be missed. Steinhart wrote each piece, joined by Nura, as co writer
on several, the variety offered both instrumentally and vocally on this CD is
as large as this land from which they hail. This is Canadian content, which is
sure to spill over the 49th. - by Liz
Rivard
