“The CD consists of a 37 minute Jazz Mass and a 5 minute piece called ‘Beatus’ (Beatitudes). The Mass includes 55 performers (a jazz ensemble, woodwinds, strings, SATB choir, and soloists). The personnel for the project were drawn from members of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble, and other notable musicians in the community. The two primary instrumental soloists are John Nugent and Patrick Boyle. Beatus includes vocal soloists Jane Leibel and Jonathan Reed, the choir, rhythm section, and instrumental soloist Bill Brennan.”

“Mopaya is an eight-piece ensemble band made up of four Africans and four Newfoundlanders. If multiculturalism had a sound, this might be it. Mopaya blends Congolese soukous dance music with a reggae undertone. Their debut album is not for wallflowers as the music goes right into the body. Lead singer/songwriter Jeik Kalunga Loksa clearly knows what he’s doing as he had a previously successful career in a Kenyan pop group, but hard times led him to a Tanzanian refugee camp. Four years ago, he came to St. John’s with his family and met local musician Curtis Andrews, and Mopaya was formed. With lyrics in English, French, Lingala, Vundu and Swahili, you get lots of fresh cadence. “Mosembo” features some speedy keyboard work and “Basala” offers a touch of house as it shakes a drum beat to pure transcendence. The groove is so good that the vocals are almost distracting at times. Almost.”

–http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/SoulFunkAndWorld/mopaya-sango_yango

“High-energy, ten piece Reggae/Ska from St. John’s, Newfoundland, with a unique sound combining the styles of Reggae, Ska and Dancehall with seasonings of African and Celtic grooves.”

– www.cdbaby.com

“Lovemotor was born in a shed in the fall of 2008. Guided by their love for rock music and multitude of influences the band found themselves putting aside cover tunes for the creative satisfaction of writing original material. After some months the band pieced together 4 or 5 tunes and invited family and friends to a small show to debut their musical efforts. The band,very impressed by the reception of their music decided to push on writing and preparing to play local venues. Lovemotor never began with any dellusions or grandiose dreams but merely a love of music. To this day the band’s songs have been recognized by local radio with some of tunes placing high in songwriting competitions.”

– http://www.reverbnation.com/lovemotorfreebie

“In the fall of 1999, twenty women came together to form the female vocal ensemble ‘Les Ms’.  Established under the direction of Dr. Valerie Long, these women were united by a common passion and enthusiasm for performing quality choral music and the camaraderie associated with sharing this challenge with other women.  Now, almost a decade later, this twenty-eight voice ensemble continues to be recognized for its high quality choral music and spirited performances.”

– Liner Notes

“The Green and Salty Days is a celebration of everything important to Newman Sound Men’s Choir: singing, community and the musical traditions of our home, Newfoundland and Labrador.  For our debut CD, we decided to record a collection of songs to represent our traditions.  All this music — newly-commissioned works and arrangements, as well as old well-known folk tunes — is uniquely linked in some way to the culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

– Liner Notes

“Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir was founded in 1995 by its current conductor, Chad Stride.  Cantus Vocum translates as “the musical sound of voices”.  This twenty voice chamber choir has quickly been recognized and praised for its musical artistry.  Members of the CVCC are auditioned on an annual basis and currently represent professions of law, dentistry, education, engineering and information technology.  Repertoire spans from Renaissance to the Twenty-First Century.  While the choir performs mainly classical repertoire, they also include folk, spirituals, and light popular culture slections in their programming.  To the end, Cantus Vocum is continually producing innovative programming to cover a broad spectrum or musical tastes.  Cantus Vocum is also vigilant in their programming of works by Canadian Composers.”

– Liner Notes (2009)

“Cantus Vocum Chamber Choir was founded in 1995 by its current conductor, Chad Stride.  Cantus Vocum translates as “the musical sound of voices”.  This twenty voice chamber choir has quickly been recognized and praised for its musical artistry.  Members of the CVCC are auditioned on an annual basis and currently represent professions of law, dentistry, education, engineering and information technology.  Repertoire spans from Renaissance to the Twenty-First Century.  While the choir performs mainly classical repertoire, they also include folk, spirituals, and light popular culture slections in their programming.  To the end, Cantus Vocum is continually producing innovative programming to cover a broad spectrum or musical tastes.  Cantus Vocum is also vigilant in their programming of works by Canadian Composers.”

– Liner Notes (2009)