Album Review: Orchestral Sessions from Countermeasure

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Album:  Orchestral Sessions
Artist:  Countermeasure
Label:  Self-Released
Websites:
https://www.countermeasuremusic.com/
https://twitter.com/countermeasure
https://www.instagram.com/countermeasuremusic/
https://www.facebook.com/Countermeasureacappella/
https://www.youtube.com/user/CountermeasureMusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Fq6MmK05Q8Q34ogCdQtg5?si=7sDyY64WTyqrxAZHwYmgtg

The 12-member Toronto-based vocal group Countermeasure is presenting their fourth studio album Orchestral Sessions to the global market.  Led by the group's Artistic Director and vocalist Aaron Jensen, Countermeasure has come to fuse vocal harmonies with jazz, pop, soul, R&B/dance, and choral melodies.  Accompanied by the Burlington New Millennium Orchestra, conducted by Charles Cozens, and a rhythm section comprised of Larnell Lewis on drums, Jeremy Ledbetter on keyboards, and George Koller on bass, the music has a profoundly positive effect on listeners.

The recording opens with "Carry Away," inspired by the group's reception during their tours of Japan in 2018 and 2019.  The serene atmospheric, projected by the symphony of instruments, cushion the vocals in sheer warmth, creating an elevating listening experience.  Providing their audience with an elevating listenering experience is a recurring theme through the recording, climaxing with the R&B/dance track "Takin' It Home." as the vocal harmonies rise to heavenly levels. The group illustrates a deep affection for their audience that is penetrative.

The breezy ambience of "I Will" is catacombe in swirling strings, imbuing the track in an ethereal fare.  The lyrics chronicle the group's co-founder, J-M Erlendson's, battle with cancer as the vocal harmonies invite, "Will you sit with me? / You don’t have to say a word, just stay / Your eyes betray / All that you’ve been through / I’d wrap all the warring within you / and wish it away / If I could / but I Will / I’ll hold it in my hand / until you’re whole again."  The ethereal fare continues through the spiritual embers of "Sng Me The Songs I Love, Once More," as the vocal harmonies reach choral tabernacle heights.

Commencing in 2010, 2024 is Countermeasure's 14th season together, continually evoking sensations and emotions through their music.  The group has won multiple awards from The Contemporary A Cappella Society of America, including Best CAL Album, Best Video, and Best Original Song. They’ve contributed to the soundtracks of internationally-featured short films, and their music has been featured on the EMMY award-winning TV series, Schitt’s Creek.  Orchestral Sessions demonstrates that Countermeasure is still going strong.

Musicians:
Vocalists:
Aaron Jensen (Artistic Director, Arranger, and Composer), Gianna Antonacci, Daniel Boyle, Nina Brown, Elora Burns, Icarus Devdas, J-M Erlendson, Marla Kishimoto, Qwyn MacLachlan, Tara Park, Hayley Preziosi, and Jeremy Voltz
Larnell Lewis - drums
Jeremy Ledbetter - keyboards
George Koller - bass
Burlington New Millennium Orchestra conducted by Charles Cozens

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