Jan Randall considers himself to be an “old school songwriter,” and in this age of insipid lyrical navel-gazing, Randall’s approach is welcome.
Set to release his debut album, Good Fair World, tonight at The Haven Social Club, the tunesmith, singer and pianist has been one of the cornerstones of our local music scene for a very long time. Randall was an emerging artist when musicians could work in a rock bar for six consecutive nights, play two nights in a folk club, then pick up a couple of studio sessions to round out a month’s worth of paycheques
I can heartily vouch for Jan Randall as a musical performer and improvisor.
I recently performed with him at the Matchbox theatre in Red Deer, where he readily engaged the audience with his abundant wit and talent.
His work with the local comedy community is legendary, and I am amazed by his versatility and experience. He has this ability to be able to play anything he has ever heard, transform it, and combine it in ways that have to be experienced to be appreciated.
I also know Jan as a colleague at CKUA where he has been hosting the Weekend Breakfast Show for the past 3 years. He is both respected and loved by the Alberta Community for his massive musical contributions over the years.
“These songs are INCREDIBLE!!!!
The first song, ‘Bend With the Times’ and it’s wicked bass saxophone arrangements (seriously worthy of ‘Van The Man Morrison‘) only goes to compliment your prescient lyrics whose metaphoric intention is not lost on me… and those jazz hands on that organ brother. Fucking remarkable!! Honest to God! “Smell the smoke/Feel the Earth begin to shake/Hard to say which way to go/Don’t know which road to take.” Perfectly sums up these anxiety addled days were living on!!
THEN you one-up yourself, by pulling a 180 turn with that rhumba Bossa-Nova beat in the second song!!! Very enjoyable!!
Third tune was great fun too. Made me wanna bolt for the tropics with a fun loving honey on my arm who loves to laugh and screw!!! Lol!
Stay well my friend and keep the Muse tuned! Outstanding work!!”
“Thank you for all of your work on the music. …a great success. I heard it again on CBC this morning and I am always thrilled and excited by it.” Jim Wheatley- Board of Directors
Warmly embracing athletes from every corner of the globe, the dramatic, glamorous, exciting Opening Ceremony of the 8th IAAF World Championships distilled the essence of the terms Edmontonian, Albertan and Canadian.-Nick Davies- IAAF
“A life of dreams in an ideal mood where everything had a happy end” Lamine Diack- President of the IAAF
“I’ve loved everything about these championships, it’s been fantastic” Ian Hancock, Edmonton Teacher
“Thanks for your music, energy, sense of humor, and generous creative input. You will always be a part of the Second City family and tradition.” Aug. 30, 1989
“Jan is a skilled and inspiring music composer, arranger, producer and director. I thoroughly enjoyed our collaboration.” Krista choreographed several of the feature numbers for the IAFF 2001 World’s Championships Ceremonies for which Jan was Music Director and Composer.”
“My deep respect for Jan and his music goes way back. He is one of most well rounded, and talented composers, musicians, arrangers and producers I’ve worked with. Always easy going, and a ton of fun. We started doing projects together years ago and I look forward to many more.”
“Jan exudes confidence and modesty at the same time and is always encouraging others whether they are bandmates or students. His breadth of experience is exemplary and he is therefore a great asset to our community as a musician and teacher in a variety of contexts and with students of all ages and abilities.”
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Jan Randall
MUSIC
Original Songs – Vocals – Piano – Guitar – Bass – Organ – Synthesizers – Arranging – Recording
JAN RANDALL 