Man Zou - "Take it easy"
Spirited musical traveler Josée Lajoie lures us into an intimate experience. Passionate and brimming with emotion, her first solo album reveals a voice as rich as the earth and a piano touch as pure as the essence of an uncompromising artist. The eleven tracks put forth by this singer-songwriter are a combination of original songs and luminous favorites. With this album, Josée unveils her immense talent like never before.
Man Zou
Josée is the best-kept secret there is... She's got that je-ne-sais-quoi about her, that profound joie de vivre, that passion thundering beneath the surface and a wonderful well of tenderness. Man Zou is to Josée what eyes are to the soul: a mirror image, which tells truth, at all times and at all costs.
JOURNEY
1989 / From LaCorey to l'Estrie
Guided by lucky stars, Josée covered many miles to acquire such ease on stage and in a recording studio. Originally from the obscure town of LaCorey, Alberta, Josée's talents brought her to Edmonton, where she received the high honors at the "Gala provincial de la chanson" in Alberta. From there, her path led her to the "Festival international de la chanson Granby," Québec, a prestigious music competition which rewarded her talent as the foremost interpreter. Ginette Reno, who was part of the jury that year, confided to La Presse, following the award ceremony, that " our new generation of artists is wonderfully talented; I was very impressed."
But the road had a few curves, and Josée met them with an adventurous spirit, willing to take on the challenge.
1989 - 1994 / More travels
When opportunity knocked, Josée followed through, touring in Québec and Ontario, as well as back home in Western Canada. She was invited to the Apt Music Festival in Provence, France and then shortly after, to the Théâtre des Amandiers in Paris. Josée rocked the Francofolies de Montréal, and in Ottawa, played the Festival Franco-Ontarien on several occasions and performed at the Tulip Festival, the Astrolabe, Zaphod's and Rasputin's. During these hectic touring years, Josée also worked as a back-up singer, for Johanne Blouin's Christmas album, among others.
1995 - 1999 / To the end of the world
Life being the roller coaster ride that it is, Josée had more to discover, in Beijing, capital of China. During her four-year stay, she began singing with The Rhythm Dogs, a progressive blues band. The "Canadian singer," as she was known, and the band immediately attracted large audiences, playing regularly at popular clubs and such coveted events as the United Nations International Women's Conference in 1995 and the Beijing International Jazz Festival. She also held the leading role in Deliver Us, an Elvis Costello and Brodsky Quartet musical, showcasing her versatility on stage.
2000 - 2003 / Back to her roots
Returning to Canada, with a wealth of experience, Josée renewed the musical ties she'd left behind. She started writing some of the material for Man Zou. Life's struggles are but fuel for the creative fire... perseverance and determination lead this woman forward on her mission. Together with producer Luc Beaulac, the two managed to capture a live and natural sound with Man Zou. This artist is on an infinite quest for truth, beauty and peace-of-mind. Carpe diem!
2004 - 2005 / Once a performer, always a performer
The Demers-Lajoie-Monette Trio, becomes the official embassador for the
30th Anniversary of the Festival Franco-Ontarien. The group played over 25 shows across Ontario including the Corel Centre Mega Event, "Le Trente ça m'tente". Josée is nominated as Performer of the year at the Gala des prix Trille Or 2005, in Ottawa. The Lajoie-Demers-Monette Trio is nominated in the Best Group category.
2007 / Renewal
There is no stopping this girl! The spirited musical traveler is living up to her name.
A trip to China, to France, local performances at the Museum of Civilisation, the Casino, Maison de la Culture, Winterlude Snowbowl..and back in the studio for another album.
In the meantime a live album is out, "KNUTSON/LAJOIE, 9 Pièces au Dépanneur"
Josée teams up with longtime friend/guitarist/arranger/mentor Jay Knutson.
|
