Album Review: Aural Landscapes by Karine Chapdelaine & the Sketches

Album Name: Aural Landscapes
Artist: Karine Chapdelaine & the Sketches
Year/Label: 2006 / Independent

[Buy at Jazz Promo]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I’ve said this before in reference to jazz, but I’d be deluded if I thought you all read all my reviews so I’ll say it again: I am not very well versed in jazz music. It’s not that I don’t like it. It’s just never really been something I’ve been exposed to often enough.

I do like it, but it’s not something I’d listen to on a regular basis, in general. However, I find that since first playing this record, I’m amazed at how many times I pop it in when I just want something nice filling my ears and brain.

The press release regarding this CD says it includes “exclusively original music, based on folk French melodies.” I definitely hear a “Frere Jaques” in there on “Embracing Life”.

I also have always liked the song “Au Claire de la Lune”. It was one of the first songs I learned on the piano as a kid. I’m not familiar with the other French tunes that led to these songs but they’re all lovely.

I played this record for a friend and he said that track two sounded like a bunch of instruments falling down the stairs. It is a bit scattered but it’s pretty cool. It has almost a spooky feeling. But that drum does make one think of something tumbling.

For not being a true jazz fan, I am pleased how much I like this record. It is instrumental which is another reason I’m surprised I like it so much. For what this is, this is an excellent record.

Posted on April 6, 2006

Track Listing
1. Your Lips on Mine (for Josh) (Le Roi Dagobert)
2. Clairere d’ombre
3. Embracing Life (Frere Jaques
4. Wings of Silence (Au Clair de la Lune)
5. Share Some with You (A la Claire Fontaine)
6. Sleeping Beauty (Au Chant de L’Alouette)
7. Mes Delices, Mes Amours
8. Mouton Tondu

[Karine Chapdelaine & the Sketches Official Site]

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