Ember Swift / LENTIC
Hometown: Norland, Canada
Canadian artist Ember Swift is an internationally touring musician and songwriter, and founder of the independent label Few’ll Ignite Sound.
Originally from Toronto, she has spent the past few years making her home base in the magnetic city of Beijing, China. In other words, this is where she has been landing in between touring extensively throughout Canada, the US, Australia, New Caledonia (French island in the Pacific) and now, also China.
She has released 11 albums and 1 DVD project since 1996 and continues to have a loyal fan base across many national borders. "11:11" is her 11th album, aptly named because she has just released it as of 11/11/11.
Having taken the time to learn Mandarin Chinese, immerse in the culture of Beijing, as well as to develop this new body of work that features "twin" language versions of almost all of the songs (English/Mandarin), Ember Swift has released the type of album that no other foreign artist has dared to release in China: an original collection of bilingual, activist songs.
The newest album "11:11," coupled with the 2009 release "Lentic," features material that is a merging of the Mandarin language, the 5-note Asian musical scale, and fresh new content, giving voice to experiences of cultural diversity, life in a foreign country, and the unfettered belief in love. Mix this into the accustomed Ember Swift themes such as environmentalism, urban sustainability and, not least of which the consistent pursuit of truth and integrity in all aspects of life, and we have ourselves a fresh cocktail of songs that are recognizably written by this veteran songwriter.
Especially known for her unique, jazz-influenced guitar playing and elastic vocals, Ember has long had an unflinching, unfettered perspective regarding the exploration of musical styles; if the song calls for a specific style, she'll explore it! Musical styles featured on this record include folk, jazz, swing, R&B, funk, pop, folk-rock, and blues.
song name: What Were You Thinking? --- rating : 4 - Great!
I would choose Gordon Lighfoot as a very asopmcliched songwriter....alot of his songs are very intriquing..My favorite is The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald..===I can write poetry..but I can't seem to write a song..So I would think its very difficult to master..===Lyrics are very meaty ..for songs..Composition..I might guess a song like put up, a parking lot ..would find compostion..Led Zeppelin..might find alot about..compostion(definging)composition..Finding the performance its higher standard..for being a song writer..===Julio Inglasius has a very solid performance in lyrics and annotate/ and Tony Bennett/I think Frank Sinatra uses impact ..many times..he might rely on a band..===I guess that's my 2-cents.
review written by: Doni
