with Chantal Kreviazuk
Chantal is the guest artist at the Regina Symphony Orchestra’s Dec. 8 Pops concert. Picking songs for this column wasn’t easy, she says. “It’s not possible to truly commit to six songs that are my everything. There are too many. Most of the beauty I see in life is in music, so I’m pretty overwhelmed to pick just six to reflect my personal choices of songs with special meaning.” That said, here are six songs that are special to Chantal Kreviazuk. /Gregory Beatty
“Modern Love”
David Bowie | Let’s Dance (1983)
As much as the song grabs me from the “gunka-gunk g-g-g-g-g-g-g” stellar and bold electric guitar hook at the beginning, the drums are beyond sparkling, bright candy to the ears. It’s the time of life it reminds me of — my deceased cousin taught me to move to music. She, her two older sisters, and I all shared so much love through music. Bowie, and this song in particular, is a big one for me. It never doesn’t feel fabulous to listen to. Louder please!
“Both Sides Now”
Joni Mitchell | Clouds (1969)
Whether it is Folky Baby Joni with her angelic, clear-as-a-bell voice or Fine Aged Wine Joni set to strings (as arranged by American composer Vince Mendoza and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra in 2000), no description is needed. This will play on repeat at my funeral. Don’t argue with a dead woman.
“Apology”
Our Lady Peace
Healthy in Paranoid Times (2005)
Insanely beautiful and about me. Whaaaa? Need I say more?! Tears: EVERY SINGLE TIME. Repeat.
“Don’t Give Up”
Peter Gabriel feat. Kate Bush | So (1986)
Simply beautiful. I didn’t give up.
“Pretty Good Year”
Tori Amos | Under the Pink (1994)
Off of a sonically stunning, beautiful album produced by the genius Eric Rosse (has another piano/female artist ever been produced so well?). This song set me on my path to do what I do on a very direct level. It was the last step in the creation of me: the piano/singer recording artist and performer “lift off” if you will.
“Natural Woman”
Aretha Franklin | Lady Soul (1968)
I first heard this on The Big Chill soundtrack as a kid. Aretha can’t do any wrong! If there was only one voice allowed to sing, hers should probably be the one. That voice mixed with such thoughtful, beautiful lyrics/melodies by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and a killer arrangement by Jerry Wexler. I think it might be the perfect song.