chris wong in sync

I was intrigued to learn that on Dec. 16 at the Western Front, Vancouver singer Kate Hammett-Vaughan will lead a sextet in a concert called Songs to a Muse: new art songs for improvisers. My first reaction to the title was, 'What's an art song?'

According to the Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music, an art song "places emphasis on an equal partnership of music and poetry …" Hammett-Vaughan says classical composers like Schubert and Brahms and contemporary music composers have contributed to art song repertoire. She expands on the definition by noting that an art song isn't created to entertain. "Not that we don't hope it will be entertaining, but this is art for art's sake," says Hammett-Vaughan.

The idea for the concert was conceived about two years ago when Hammett-Vaughan was chatting with guitarist Ron Samworth about how she wanted to grow as an artist by stretching herself stylistically and exploring vocal technique. Samworth suggested a way to address these goals: she could ask composers in the local community to write art songs for her to perform.

Hammett-Vaughan applied for funding to support the project, but was turned down. Despite that, composers Mark Armanini, Andrew Czink, Rob Frayne, Peter Hannan, François Houle, Grace McNab, Mark Nodwell, Bradshaw Pack, Rodney Sharman and Samworth volunteered their services to create art songs. Hammett-Vaughan also contributed a tune.

A number of these people are known for playing and/or writing contemporary cutting edge music, or "new music" as it's called. But Hammett-Vaughan says the pieces they've come up with range from tunes with traditional classical or jazz harmony to "improvised soundscapes". The music crosses lines, just as Hammett-Vaughan simultaneously appreciates Bach, Duke Ellington, Patsy Cline and Bjork.

The textual content of the art songs also varies. Samworth, for example, set a poem by John Lennon to music for one composition; Nodwell, the talented young Vancouverite currently living in Colorado, based a brief tune on a haiku.

One of the most interesting aspects of Songs to a Muse is the mix of musicians, including saxophonist/clarinetist Jim Pinchin, pianist Chris Gestrin, bassist André Lachance, drummer Dylan van der Schyff and violinist Cam Wilson. van der Schyff is an obvious choice, given his ability to play everything from straight ahead jazz to freely improvised music. Wilson is primarily a classical player who has shown his versatility as a member of Joe Trio and co-organizer of the White Album tribute concerts. Pinchin, Gestrin and Lachance played on Hammett-Vaughan's glorious debut recording, How My Heart Sings. Their empathic playing amplified the singer's engagingly personal treatments of standards on the album.

Songs to a Muse offers an opportunity for the musicians to extend beyond their comfort zones. Hammett-Vaughan will literally do that since some of the composers wrote notes for her to sing in the "stratosphere". But the vocalist, who is an alto, can draw from her study of vocal technique with Bruce Pullan. Hammett-Vaughan's current experience of teaching at Capilano College and Vancouver Community College also probably enhances her considerable abilities.

One more thing about art songs: Hammett-Vaughan says people shouldn't read too much into the label. "Don't be afraid. Art is friendly. It's not about pretension and intellect. This is just about beauty and expression." Call Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, co-producers of the 9 p.m. concert with Hammett-Vaughan, at 872-5200 for tickets.

Any musician will tell you it takes an enormous effort to record and release a CD. That said, spirited Vancouver jazz vocalist Karin Plato has just put out two discs. One recording, Blue Again, features Plato on expressive duets with guitarist Bill Coon, Celso Machado (on guitar and vocals), guitarist Oliver Gannon and bassist Torben Oxbol. With backing from fine local players, Plato dynamically sings Christmas songs on the other album, Snowflake Season.

Plato will perform tunes from both CDs, including originals and standards, Dec. 15 at the Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre. Her band consists of Coon, pianist Lou Mastroianni, bassist Kerry Galloway, drummer Dave Robbins and trumpeter Brad Turner. Call 990-7810 for tickets.

Vancouver's Sandy Scofield just had an excellent Toronto adventure. Aside from performing at the Aboriginal Music Awards Nov. 24 at Skydome, the Cree singer-songwriter picked up two awards. She won single of the year for "Beat The Drum", the opening track on her enjoyable Riel's Road album. The CD, produced by Stephen Nikleva, was also chosen best alternative/new age album. While in TO Scofield played at a fundraiser for a native theatre company and performed in front of a packed house at the Horseshoe Tavern.

Related links:
Kate Hammett-Vaughan web site
Karin Plato web site

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