James Bay's talented young featured on CD

Page 15

REVIEW

James Bay Cree Youth

Compilation Album

1996

Cree Nation Youth Council

If this compact disc is any indication, then the James Bay area is a hotbed of musical talent. The 10 artists featured on this 15-track disc are the David Cox Memorial Singers, Charles J. Hester, Miigwin, Blue Thunder, Thunder Nation, Francine Weistche, Chiistin, Miiyobin and Joshua Iserhoff. A nice surprise about this project is that some of the material recorded are original compositions.

The music styles range from powwow singing, to rock 'n roll, to gospel and jazz. The production values are a little uneven, but that's no fault of the artists involved. Even so, the talent, energy and creativity of the artists shines through on each track.

The gospel-jazz vocals of Francine Weistche are so incredible that she simply burns the brightest on this disc. This is not meant as a slight to the other artists, who are all talented and deserving of recognition. It's just a plain fact that this singer has an incredible future ahead of her if she wants it.

She's fearless, yet respectful, in her rendition of Amazing Grace. It starts out much like you'd expect it, her voice ringing clear and soulful as she sings out the first verse. If she had left it there, you would be satisfied. But then she starts into this swinging-hopping-bringin'-down-the-roof blues and the song takes on an exciting new life.

But back to the production values, the sound is tinny and hissy and that is unacceptable for a compact disc. It harms the artists more than people think because the blame, unfortunately and incorrectly, will fall on them.

This CD probably isn't available in your local music store so if you want to buy it you'll have to call them directly.

For more information you can call the Cree Nation Youth Council at (819) 673-2600, or fax them at (81(0 673-2606. Their address is 2 Lakeshore Road, General Delivery, Nemaska, PQ, J0Y 3B0.