In the summer months, 28-year-old Janelle Nadeau operates large machinery at her family's grain farm in Fannystelle, Manitoba. Working the fields in a combine or swather is an interesting juxtaposition compared to the remainder of the year. Janelle who is based in Vancouver tours around the Lower Mainland and Western Canada as a professional harpist. She is now branching out even further with the release of her debut CD. These Roads is a 12-song showcase of Janelle's passion for song-writing , harp-playing and singing. Most of the songs are Janelle's own original compositions with a few others co-written with help of other talented musicians. As well, a few traditional instrumental tunes are included.
The album has soul, contains heart-felt stories and features multiple instruments to make an album that will reshape the way you think about the classical instrument. Throughout the CD, instruments such as guitar, drums, cello and flute complement Janelle on various tracks. These different sounds really help to shape and develop the songs.
These Roads is an album that embodies the paths Janelle has traveled in her life thus far; it is a representation of her experiences collected along the roads navigated both at home and around the world. Most notably, Janelle's time in Rwanda and her encounter with the power of forgiveness inspired this muscial journey. “I am so excited that this album represents the unveiling of all my musical and life experiences.”
All of Janelle's songs have been inspired by experiences in her life and "Dirt on Your Hands" is no exception. When Janelle returns to the prairies to help with harvest, she is reminded of her roots and where she comes from. There seems to be something about working the land and being untouched by the madness of the city that is calming and inspiring. Growing up, Janelle spent a lot of time with her family as everyone was on the farm and pitched in to get things done. There is a satisfaction in accomplishing tasks on the farm and a "salt of the earth" feeling one gets when working with soil. A distinct work ethic that is instilled in everything Janelle does because of her upbringing.
While this is Janelle's first CD, she is already an accomplished musician. In 2008, Janelle graduated from the Harp Performance Program at the University of British Columbia. She has been touring western Canada and the Yukon for the last eight years with the acclaimed music group Winter Harp, which performs Celtic, medieval, and classical music. In addition she has toured with the Canada National Youth Orchestra, Home Routes, Manitoba Arts Council and has played with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. She has even backed up Kanye West during a Vancouver concert and regularly performs with the Vancouver Opera.
Janelle is also especially proud of her work with the Health Arts Society, and has done about 200 concerts at care homes, hospitals, and palliative centres. “The elderly and sick of our community are the ones who cannot get out to hear live music and who may need it most. This is why it is so important to bring music to them.”
Janelle's interesting musical history has earned the respect and notice in the media. Winnipeg radio host Ace Burpee (Virgin Radio 103) named Janelle one of 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans of 2013 (Janelle was #51 to be precise). Being selected as one of five finalists in the On the Coast region of CBC Radio’s Searchlight contest with her song Leavin’ was another recent accomplishment of which Janelle is proud.
The talent and work ethic Janelle employs is reflected throughout much that she does- whether it be music or related to her work in the fields. Janelle’s small town family farming roots, coupled with her humorous and charismatic persona, guarantee engaging music that captures the hearts of any audience.
To learn and hear more please visit: http://www.janellenadeau.com/
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