Album Notes

“Life Happens”, the newly released sophomore album by Saskatoon’s Kim Fontaine, strings together a series of relatable day-to-day life stories supported by a colourful cast of characters.

It’s a very personal album that not only showcases Fontaine’s smoky voice, percussive guitar chops and polished songwriting, but also her deeply empathic and reflective nature. Each cut is a story on life, whether her own or that of some other intriguing individual. With expert song-writing, enticing melodies and delicious musicianship, her songs hook you into musical stories that bring you back for more - over and over again.

There’s a reclusive neighbor in “Fred’s Island”, the broken-down war bride in “The Story of Mona”, and the nameless street junkie in “Home”. And of course, every good story has a cast of supporting characters - like the happy-go-lucky harmonica player in “This Old Train” an apathetic immortal in “Hello Mr.” or an intriguing stranger in “Coincidentally.” “Life Happens”, the title cut, is an autobiographical piece where Kim looks back at the crossroads of her own life.

The album features a talented cast and crew. “Life Happens” reunites Kim with longtime friends David J Taylor (producer/guitarist), Neil Meckelborg (engineer), Lou Fontaine (drums/percussion) and Blair Finley (guitarist). Renowned musical veterans including Jay Semko (bass), Ross Nykiforuk (hammond/accordion) and Steve Dodd (guitars) have been introduced to the fold, rounding out an eclectic mix of some Saskatchewan’s finest musicians.

Album highlights include the timeless sounding “Sad Love Song” - a story about a pair of dysfunctional lovers where Fontaine teams up with duet partner Jay Semko (The Northern Pikes). The opening cut “This Old Train,” ponders life in the fast lane, flaunts one melodic hook after another and entices the listener to hit rewind and ride the rails again. In “Hello Mr.”, Kim wonders if leadership is absent, expertly conveying feelings of fear and anger over a world that seems adrift. In “All Been Done”, the bonus track, Kim steps out of her comfort zone to deliver something completely unexpected.

Described as being edgier than her well-received debut “Morning Pages”, Fontaine has rediscovered the rocker within while maintaining the rootsy vibe she is known for. “Life Happens” is masterfully balanced – a work of art that also lends itself well to mainstream radio.

“Life Happens” was recorded from August–September, 2006 in Saskatoon at Audio Art Recording and Cosmic Pad Studios. It was produced by David J Taylor, engineered and mixed by David J Taylor and Neil Meckelborg, and mastered by Dave Horrocks at Infinite Wave in Calgary. Additional engineering was done by Ross Nykiforuk.

For more information, visit www.kimfontaine.ca