Album Notes

Their first CD helmed by noted Vancouver, British Columbia producer Bill Buckingham reflects Mother of Pearl’s eclectic tastes and talents. Among the selections are the historic hit Jump Children originally recorded by one of the most acclaimed all-women’s big bands of the 40’s, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. Tracks include several original compositions such as Pizz off, Funk up, a high-spirited multi-metre frolic and Caruise, a slinky seduction by saxophone. Rounding out the CD are well-known standards such as Love Me or Leave Me and Fever to which Mother of Pearl adds its creative touch.

Mother of Pearl is Vancouver’s all female jazz and blues quartet. Each of its members is an accomplished artist in her own right, pursuing diverse musical careers including music therapist, opera percussionist, piano teacher and studio musician. Between them they have decades of performing experience in an encyclopedic array of ensembles and genres. In 1996 a Vancouver women’s arts festival brought them together to play what was intended to be a one-time concert of jazz performed by women. Like many one night stands, it was so much fun that a decade later they are still at it. Today pianist Brenda Baird; bassist Wendy Solloway; drummer Lauri Lyster and saxophonist/flutist and vocalist, Karen Graves are an integral and active part of Vancouver’s burgeoning jazz milieu.On this album, you hear them in their original formation with the addition of a fifth member, Colleen Savage, on lead vocals.

Having celebrated their tenth anniversary Mother of Pearl can look back at many accomplishments and forward to new creative challenges- “We continue to develop the concept which originally inspired us to form the ensemble- to build the visibility of women as creators and performers of jazz”.