Album Notes

Joanna Chapman-Smith grew up with her New Zealand-born father, Italian-American mother, in a family of six on a quiet street on the edge of Toronto. Her father fell in love with the folk music of Eastern Canada when he came to Canada in 1983, singing his four children to sleep with these and the songs from his home every night. With the Toronto traffic rushing on in the distance, this is how Joanna learned music.

When Joanna moved out west to Vancouver, British Columbia - her music met a vast new array of cultural traditions. She acquired her BFA in Music, which has exposed her to Gamelan, Acoustic and Electroacoustic composition, and Dance Accompaniment. Joanna's music is a satisfying blend of these disparate sounds - ranging from contemplative ballads to upbeat pop to belting blues - sounds she ties together with a sensitive and powerful vocal style.

In 2006 Joanna completed her first full-length album, Eyre Corvidae. Eyre Corvidae demonstrates Joanna's many talents as a multi-instrumentalist and her ear for tasteful harmonies and arrangements. Joanna's passion and her joy of life come across in her music and insightful lyrics. Even when serious, this music remains uplifting.

Joanna is currently recording a 6-song EP ("Contraries" 2008) at Rear Window Sound & Song with Co-Producer Adam Popowitz (Mariam Matossian, T. Nile). This EP represents the high energy of Joanna's new style. Joining her on this recording is a boistrous ensemble including Wayne Adams on bgs & percussion, Dawn Zoe on bgs & accordion and Justine Fischer on bgs & stand-up bass.