Album Review: Guest Sessions Vol II from Countermeasure

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Album:  Guest Sessions Vol II
Artist:  Countermeasure
Label:  Self-Released
Release Date:  February 26, 2026
Website:  https://www.countermeasuremusic.com

Guest Sessions Vol II  is the fifth studio album from 12-piece Canadian-based vocal group Countermeasure.  A cache of original works composed by Aaron Jensen, the arrangements fuse soul, R&B, smooth jazz, coffeehouse folk, choral vocals, and sonic pop into a rich blend that attracts a broad range of listeners.  Each track features one solo instrumentalist, supporting Countermeasure’s vocals, clasped in catchy hooks, soaring vocal harmonies, and personalized messages.  Each piece is tailor-made to compliment the sound and aesthetic of the guest artist. 

"Half Way from Home" is spoked by Angela Schwarzkopf's floating harp strings paired with the ethereal timbres of vocalist Tara Park, drifting into the reflective musings of "My Way Back To You," featuring the soulful vocalese of Aaron Jensen and the somber echoes of Görkem Şen's resonating yaybahar.  The Celtic vibes of  Saskia Tomkins's nyckelharpa are silhouette by the chanting vocals of Countermeasure's 12-piece ensemble, producing a spiritual atmosphere through "Into the Air."

Changing to a funky groove along "Never Been Better," Leo P's saxophone toots infuse a playful jazz flavor into the mix, augmenting Hayley Preziosi's impassioned vocals, inducing a gospel tint into the track.  "One More Spin" showcases the caressing strokes of Qwyn Alexis's vocals, supported by Braylon Lacy's smooth bass lines, illuminating a neo-soul slant.  The folksy ruminations of Kaki King's guitar riffs cast a warm mist around Jeremy Voltz's comely vocals along "Annalea," making for a spiritual awakening.

Made possible with support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council, Guest Sessions Vol II  highlights the effectiveness Countermeasure's music has on listeners, awakening sensations and stirring reflections that have been deeply burrowed.  Personalized and melodically spellbinding, Countermeasure's music can be the soundtrack to the lives of their listeners.

Musicians:
Vocals:  Gianna Antonacci, Daniel Boyle, Nina Brown, Elora Burns, Icarus Devdas, J-M Erlendson, Aaron Jensen, Marla Kishimoto, Qwyn MacLachlan, Tara Park, Hayley Preziosi, and Jeremy Voltz
Braylon Lacy - bass
Dylan Hart - horn 
Larnell Lewis - drums
Kaki King - guitar 
Clyde Lawrence - keys 
Leo P - sax
Görkem Şen - yaybahar 
Angela Schwarzkopf - harp
Anh Phung - flute
Saskia Tomkins - violin, viola, and nyckelharpa

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