By Jay Scott Kanes

A resident of Hong Kong, Kanes grew up in Prince Edward Island, Canada. He’s the author of Island Toes A’Tapping about PEI music and musicians.

HONG KONG – My mailbox often gives fantastic surprises. Recently, it held a bulky envelope from Sandbar Music, a small, but talent-laden, record label in Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province. Inside, I found two treasures -- Changing Things, a six-song introductory EP (extended play) by Meaghan Blanchard, and Hours Before Dawn, a debut album by Colette Cheverie.

I’d never heard Meaghan before, and her youthful, delicate voice delighted me. A singer, songwriter and university student, she delivers an easy-on-the-ears sound unlikely to weary anyone. Even better, she pens thoughtful, mature lyrics. My favorite tracks are “You Know”, “Great Big City” and “Smiling”.

There’s a picture in my room.
It’s torn to pieces. It’s of me and you.
I’ve found a new way of breaking your heart.
I’ve found a better way of falling apart.
It’ll be alright if you go….
I will be alright, you know.
You know, you know, you know, you know, you know….
From “You Know”, Meaghan Blanchard, Changing Things, 2008

No doubt, Meaghan means business. On the disc, she relies on capable backup musicians like John Connolly, Ian Toms, Dave Wigmore, Serge Bernard and Jon Matthews.

Together, Meaghan’s voice, delivery and songwriting make a pleasing combination. Officially, she releases Changing Things on September 9. Anyone buying it may be dissatisfied, but only because they’ll crave a full-length album.

Colette sings well too. As the lead singer for a lively band, the Celtic Ladies, she regularly entertains large crowds. For her 10-track solo album, she chose mainly traditional songs from Ireland and Scotland that she and co-producer Jon Matthews rearranged. The highlights include “Follow the Heron”, “Sweet William’s Ghost”, “Tiny Fish For Japan” and “Farewell, Farewell”. The album emerged a few weeks ago from Big Grey Sound, a respected studio.

“It’d be hard to find a more compelling collection of songs,” said Lloyd Doyle, the boss at Sandbar Music. “There’s something for all music lovers, whether they like traditional and Celtic tunes, are fans of singer/songwriters or love the interpreter-songstress who puts new spins on old favorites.”

At times, Colette lacks complete clarity. As can happen with traditional lyrics, not every word rings clearly to first-time listeners. Colette used impressive backup musicians too. On various tracks, there’s Matthews, Tim Chaisson, Grady Poe, Emmanuelle LeBlanc, Pastelle LeBlanc, Rick Tersteeg, Jill Harris, Roy Johnstone, Dale DesRoches, Ellen MacPhee and others.

Ideally, these recording projects should become the first of many for such talented singers.

For more information: www.sandbarmusic.com.


Meaghan Blanchard: easy on anyone's ears.

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