Happenstance

About the Artist A dulcimer wizard and a pure-voiced poet are the heart and soul of Jubilant Bridge, a harmony-driven band with a sparkling sound that is fresh and innovative. Intricate arrangements, unique harmonies "so tight, they pulse" (Mary Cliff—WETA-FM), and a sense of fun are the hallmarks of every Jubilant Bridge performance, a surprising range of critically-acclaimed originals, contemporary songs, and instrumentals. Although they come from a rich aural tradition, they surprise audiences with counter melodies, changing time signatures, well-chosen dissonance, and their singing of what could be instrumental leads. The instruments go beyond simple accompaniment; the arrangements and the songs themselves are meshed. The band uses the vocabulary, but steps outside of the conventions, of folk, rock, and pop---not simply stitching together genres, but folding the seams under. Mountain dulcimer wizard and vocalist Willie Jaeger takes what is often thought of as a "simple" folk instrument and discovers its complexity. His unique style of playing, and his popularity as a teacher at the renowned Swallow Hill School of Music, inspired Westword, Denver’s alternative weekly, to vote him Denver’s "Best Local Folkie." He has also been a finalist in the national mountain dulcimer championship at Winfield, Kansas. An engaging singer, he also plays hammered dulcimer and guitar, and composes instrumentals and the occasional song. Vocalist and guitarist Carol Van Alstine provides Jubilant Bridge with most of its distinctive original songs. She comes to songwriting by way of poetry. Often inspired by dreams, her emotionally wise songs depict states of mind and heart and the conflicts between them. Her voice has been described as "striking," "ethereal," and "far purer than Michael Jackson’s fondness for gloves." "How did such a big voice come out of such a small person?" audiences frequently ask. Her musical experiences range from performing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon to singing soprano in Renaissance choirs. Jaeger and Van Alstine have three previous recordings, "Crazy Like The Wind," "Another Run At the Mountain," and "Under Shattered Skies," which Dirty Linen hailed for its "great harmony vocals," "compelling dulcimer playing," and "intelligent and thoughtful" lyrics. Victory Review proclaimed it "a rich aural feast." They have just released their new CD, "Happenstance," which was recorded at world-class studio Colorado Sound. Product Description Recorded at Colorado Sound and produced by Scott Bennett, with assistance from Carol Van Alstine and Willie Jaeger, "Happenstance" features the band's poetic originals as well as some surprising covers, such as "Hush" by Deep Purple and a British Invasion medley of three songs sung simultaneously. A new direction yet, with a more contemporary feel, with songs such as Soul Asylum's "Runaway Train," and Tom Petty's "Refugee." Plus, more of Scott Bennett's fearless guitar-playing, on many different types of guitars, and harmony vocals.
ASIN: B0001M2AXW
VSKU: DBV.B0001M2AXW.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Jubilant Bridge
Binding: Audio cd
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!