Norine Braun: Press and Bio

Miles to Go by Norine Braun

CD REVIEW: Norine Braun - Evolution of the Blood Star
By Alex Jasperse - Muses Muse
Genre: Trip-Hop, Pop/Rock, New Wave, Soul
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9.5/10 Songwriting Skills: 9.8/10 Performance Skill: 10/10
What is ‘peaceful’ music? Well, certainly not rainbows and lollipops if you talk to some. ‘Peaceful’ music is generally considered to evoke ease, a feeling of close friendship, safety and security – but why does it tend to border on cliché most of the time? Enter Norine Braun, who shows that peaceful music can be at once powerful and calming, introspective and compelling, rather than being susceptible to any immediate dismissal.

Typically when an artist jumps repeatedly from one genre to another, mixed opinions and harsh criticism are the result. The sense of predictability, constancy and security we associate with that artist is thrown out the window, and we’re left standing there in a dark room of new sounds – sounds we didn’t know we had opened the doors to. But every now and then, someone comes along and welcomes us in, guides us through, and energizes our new musical experience with a sense of peace and security. And that is exactly what makes Norine Braun’s latest, Evolution of the Blood Star, one of the most radiant and emotionally engaging works of the past few years.

Nowhere is the act of falsity; instead it is a reflection of Braun’s ease with her roles as both an artist and a musician. It’s hard not to describe her words as peaceful, reflective and intelligent. There is no weight being placed upon the listener’s shoulders, because she’s transformed the grind of the everyday into poetic statements that encourage a long, deep look at the bigger picture. She has used her voice as her own very human and authentic instrument – unlike others who hide behind a false pretense of honesty. As result, Braun’s comfort with herself as an artist, and her comfort with exploring other genres is what makes Evolution of the Blood Star shine ever so bright.

From the get-go, the sly and lush mystique of “Be Brave (Do It Right Blaxcot Remix)” soothes with mid-tempo groove that’ll no doubt sweep fans of chill-out and downtempo off their feet with its relaxed and graceful intimacy. It’s not only pure bliss to the ears when it’s trading steps between sax lines and soft-spoken harmonies, but the sounds of electronic meets organic instrumentation, combines into a soothing textural soundscape.

But if you thought that was the direction the album would trace, it may come as a surprise that Braun is an artist with a rebellious spirit all her own. Willing to let everyone come along for the ride, things suddenly shift gear and speed up in “Stoned and Feathered.” Rocking out Blondie-style, combined with the indescribable allure of Grace Jones, Braun’s powerful vocals are complemented by growly electric guitars and pounding drum lines. This new wave and post-punk spirit takes a short breather before coming back in “Conformity 451”, which combines the lyrical quirkiness of The Ramones, with upbeat funk guitar lines that dip in and out of classic power trio riffage. If the title of this song seems like an indication of its musical direction – fast, short and a fight against authority – past the midway mark it breaks down into delectable vocal layers of classic ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ that are complemented by a sweet hint of guitar.

What’s so fascinating and enjoyable about Evolution of a Blood Star is how it literally makes the listener forget that the songwriting, structurally, is nothing new. But after the first thirty seconds of deeply introspective tracks like, “Alberta,” it slaps the hands of all possible criticisms that could be made. The sheer attractive force of the energy that is breathing within is simply surreal, spiritual even. Is it a stretch to say that? I’d say no, and I’d even dare you to try and do anything else while Braun is singing. Take “In Space” for example: you’d either forget what you where doing, or drift towards the sounds with a magnetic force that is indescribable. Might not want to get behind the wheel with this one on…

It is apparent that Braun has an understanding of how to keep a listener’s attention in place for over an hour. Slowing the pace down for a few minutes is not only a chance for the listener to take a momentary breather, but it sets the stage for Braun to show off the strength of her vocals with several melancholic pieces. Tracks like “Crystallize” and “If I Could be the One” are infused with descending synths lines, flutes and acoustic guitars that are only there to accent her talent while she croons soft and reflective melodies.

This album is simply a masterpiece: it has detached elements from jazz, pop, trip-hop and soul without ever losing a sense of ‘cool’. Everything is rich and varied, daring but soothing and beautifully poetic. And most importantly, nowhere, simply nowhere, does it feel uneven. If you need something to reinspire your musical palette, or to convince you that it ‘hasn’t all been done before,’ then Evolution of the Blood Star exudes an energy that’s not only peaceful, but is the work of a genius that cannot be understated. There’s pretty much nothing else you could ask for (well, a private concert, perhaps… but that might be a stretch).

[Evolution of the Blood Star]

The Verdict: 9.7/10

This is some really good music! "Be Brave" is a slinky slice of smokyfunkypop. The subdued horns are so sexy! Musically it reminds me of a cross between Sade and Flunk, which are two very good things. A great example of a song that does its own thing, without being contrived to be a hit. Keep it coming.

Norine Braun - Be Brave Do It Right
You will think of Sade the moment this track kicks off, but there is so much more to Norine Braun than that. From Vancouver, Canada, this singer-songwriter goes from the jazzy, to the funky and even out to the rocky. But Be Brave Do It Right shows of her soul roots, within the framework of a jazzy ambience that snags the ear from the first note, and holds it until the last has faded. Despite this disparity of styles in one song, it works well for a smooth and creamy result!

On first listening... WoW! Will be putting this in a playlist real soon!

This artist is truly that, an artist. She is not afraid to go out on a limb to work on a project. Best described Norine is trying to meld the 21st Century with many styles known to the music universe. Settling on a singular style of music to establish herself in one particular genre is not Norine's style.

Love, sex and spirituality
MUSIC / Norine Braun gives her muse a go

Denise Sheppard / Xtra West / Wednesday, July 18, 2007
In a lot of ways, musician Norine Braun is a non-conformist just by virtue of who she is. The East Vancouver-based singer/songwriter is working in an industry that likes its talent young, and prefers musicians who release records that tailor very specifically to one style of music.

Braun — by her own admission — is neither of those things.

"I was a late bloomer," the singer laughs good-naturedly. "I always wrote songs, but it was in my bedroom with my tape recorder, for myself. In terms of my going into a studio, putting money behind it and trying to grow, that wasn't until my early '30s.

"I had a lot of people saying to me 'Are you kidding? It's too late! Most people your age are hanging up your instrument.' I didn't listen. I have to do what I have to do."

Now — at the age of 45 — Braun has learned to be a music industry DIY-er, doing everything from making her website to independently releasing six of her own CDs and booking her own live shows.

Testament to her determination, she has just left a career of 17 years working in the field of mental health and addiction in order to concentrate even more on her career.

"It has been hard to focus on a job full-time and the music full-time," the singer admits. "It just feels right; this is the time to just go for it. I don't know if it is going to be viable, but I want to focus on my own muse 100 percent."

Throughout the years, Braun's music has varied stylistically about as much as one person can. Even on her new CD, Evolution of the Blood Star, the songs veer from bossa nova to trip-hop to straight ahead rock 'n' roll.

"I'm a songwriter first and I write what I'm feeling, rather than write a specific sound. I think people are sophisticated enough that they can listen to a whole bunch of different things," she says.

Braun's song topics have run the gamut of many different themes, inspired by everything from Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 novel ("Conformity 451") to watching a friend transition ("Rock and a Hard Place") to sadomasochism ("Jenny"). She says the songwriting process helps her to work through different ideas.

"When I was writing 'Jenny' and coming up with lyrics like 'I like Jenny when she's down on all fours/But does Jenny like Jenny when she's down on the floor' I was thinking out loud about what is pornography, what is erotica, what is sadomasochism? Is it a true expression or a popular one, is our body sacred, is it profane? It was more an expression of my uncertainty of this and of where it comes from."

As with most songwriters, the subject of love factors regularly in her music and, if her connection to her partner is any indication, she knows of which she sings. "Alice and I met 20 years ago; I was 25 and she was 28. We met through the classifieds; I never answered one and she had done it only once before. We've been living together 19 years. We're soul mates, best friends and all that. I couldn't imagine my life without her."

Another topic that regularly surfaces in her music is spirituality, most notably in both the latest CD's art and title song, Q (evolution of the blood star). Within the disc's graphics, there is a painting on one panel featuring a crucified hand reaching up to a second hand coming down from the heavens.

"The song is about my own evolution and that picture to me is my — and humanity's — reaching out for something greater than myself," she explains. "There is certainly a Christian undertone to it; reaching to the Creator, to the Higher Power, being connected so that through my suffering, there is redemption."

She admits that taking on such spiritual topics both in her music and her disc's artwork is a bit of a dividing line for some of her potential fan base. "In terms of the lesbian community, Christianity is not a real big draw," she half-laughs.

"As a whole, mainstream society is afraid to talk about spirituality," she continues. "It is almost a dangerous thing to do, because people have strong feelings about it, and when you say you are 'of' something, people have presuppositions that [they] put on you."

Still, she says she feels deeply embraced and supported by much of Vancouver's queer community.

"I've been really supported by Vancouver Pride. This will be the third Pride that I've played," she notes. "I'm playing East Side Pride, Picnic in the Park and Gay Day at Playland."

She is also very much looking forward to the second annual Vancouver two-spirit gathering Embracing our Spirits, Jul 27-29, and speaks with great joy and respect of the two-spirited side of her life.

"There is a certain acceptance in the aboriginal community to be who you are, more so than most other communities," she says. Her connection to her aboriginal roots has been a source of strength and support in exploring both her queer identity and her spirituality, she notes.

"Two-spirit to me is more of a spiritual path which encompasses sexuality, gender identity and roles. Certainly in the literature I've read, when a person became aware of that part of themselves, they were sent to the two-spirits in the community who would teach them and it was a celebrated and very sacred, powerful thing.

"It would be so nice if that was all so accepted," she says wistfully, "to be what and how you are."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Vancouver, BC Canada) The mere listen to Norine Braun’s “Evolution of the Blood Star” one will begin the expedition to self discovery, and as each song filters into the soul, your own fate is realized. Braun’s music and lyrics are uplifting, kind and soft-spoken, as if an authentic conversation between two people.
Experience fully Norine Braun’s latest CD, ‘Evolution of the Blood Star’, a reflection of her own very personal progression; what began as the natural walk towards achievement, the next step, it became something more. Braun too was transformed, a psychic inheritance so to speak. Each thoughtful stride and enriched moment is instilled into each note. And as you listen, you become part of the music.
The title track, ‘Evolution of the Blood Star’, whispers of childhood memories, and a healing that takes place when one discovers an inner strength to overcome. There is a sense that a life is nothing without the awakening, that precious moment, and copious moments joined collectively when one realizes what truth is. Forgiveness. And of the letting go.
Braun was having fun with this one, and that is mirrored in the bounce of ‘Conformity 451’. Her throaty voice is heightened, tantalizing, and one can’t help but succumb to the beat and begin chanting along! Winner in the Artists for Literacy International Songwriting Competition, this timely song was inspired by Ray Bradbury’s ‘Fahrenheit 451’.
This multi-genre album is already receiving high praise; Braun was chosen from a sea of artists to win the esteemed award Female Singer-Songwriter of The Year in the Jazz category at the LA Music Awards in November 2006. Her song ‘Crystallize’ boasted the honors; it is optimistic and heartfelt; you will be swept up in the dreamlike nature of Braun’s voice, pure to the ear. Sheila Hash, of High Four Records, reacts to the song and says, “From the minute Norine began singing I knew I would love this song. I literally got the urge to break out into song and dance, definitely a voice that could turn around even the worst mood.”
Braun is a sweet honest woman, a rarity in this world. Her empathy for humanity is felt in each composition, a joyful amalgamation of downtempo, jazz, pop and rock. Pop, as a genre, and music altogether would be incomplete without the magical artistry of this distinct singer songwriter. And for those who have never given this particular variety of music a chance, “Evolution of the Blood Star” is the perfect gateway!

Norine Braun creates an air of excitement in her music that reminds one of such artists as This Mortal Coil, Nico and Patti Smith. Like these performers Norine's work avoids cliches & ghettos.

On the iPod: Now and Zen, by Norine Braun

I mentioned in my last post the innovative distribution methods of Magnatune and hinted that I found the site offered some excellent music. Witness Norine Braun, whose album Now and Zen I sampled in its entirety.

Norine Braun is the Vancouver-based "Canadian Queen of Eclectic Pop," and receives airplay on independent stations around the world. Of this I'm not surprised; her music is very high quality with a certifiable offbeat indy cred. She is her own artist, and while she clearly has diverse influences, none of her work on this album feels derivative.

If you are fond of jazz, groovy trance music, or the female voice, hop over to Magnatune and give her a listen. I hope you like it.

Right from the first song, 'Jade', I felt comfortable listening to Norine. I just knew this would be a delightful journey.

Norine's fifth CD finds her in a place where she is very comfortable with herself and her many modes of expression. She morphs effortlessly from songstress to spoken word artist to rapper to rebel punk screamer (check out her pipes at the end of I'm the 1). The beauty of it is that it never sounds forced. That's the sign of an artist who has reached a mature level of self-awareness and acceptance to be confident enough to explore the many facets of expression available within.

Every song on the CD offers up something catchy, with words worth paying attention to. You can tell that Norine has something on her mind, or more specifically a state of mind, and that she wants to share her experience of life with us all, very openly. Ahh, artistic expression. When I am interested enough to listen to spoken-word and rap elements in a song, then there's something good going on. Even when speaking and rapping, her sense of melody and style truly help make it listenable.

The trick that Norine has accomplished here isn't an easy one. To blend various musical styles and esoteric lyrics into one accessible whole is a great accomplishment unto itself. I believe that says a lot for her state of mind - this work being a reflection of that.

While we may not have heard Norine's songs in the mainstream yet, that only tells me one thing. It isn't artists like Norine who need to adapt, it's the mainstream. I count on Norine being one of the pioneers to lead the way, with CD's like 'Now & Zen' being a prime mover.

Norine . . . I know why you love to sing.

*A note has to be made of the production and playing done on this CD - the work of James Bowers. He is one very talented, very gifted producer, capable of moving with Norine musically where she went with words, melodies and ideas. Highly recommended for any singer/songwriter in the Vancouver area is James Bowers Music.

Vancouver's Norine Braun's fifth release, Now & Zen, is the musical equivalent of the trilogy of needs in the Wizard of Oz. This is definitely a work with courage, heart and brains.

Although its content is often intense and challenging, Now & Zen is never a frustrating listen. Even when Braun plays lyrically with philosophical concepts, she does so in a way that is accessible. For example, in "Intimate Hour" she examines the role of the self in intimacy: "All these symbols falling out of my head/ Is archetypal Self like Jung said?/ What do you do when you're told God is Dead?/ Do I keep talking to you instead?"

Built on a solid foundation of soul, Now & Zen experiments with forms from ambient pop to jazz and rock. Happily, this eclectic collection succeeds largely, thanks to Braun's liquid vocals and intelligent songwriting. While following the jazzy "J'en Suis Desolee" with traditional threechord rocker "I'm The 1" seems jarring at first, the two songs really act as a study in contrasts and then demonstrate Braun's flexibility and range. However, Braun's stunning voice is used to its greatest effect on the opening track, "Jade," as well as on "Gently" and "Be Brave"-three of the CD's more simply produced songs.

Now & Zen is an extremely ambitious CD from an openly queer artist whose work demonstrates compositional maturity. The only question this work raises is, why isn't Braun's music in rotation on Canadian airwaves?

Nobody could ever say Norine Braun stays with one style or formula on her album Now & Zen. She is all over the musical map stretching out her vocals into pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, spoken word, blues…well you name it and she has it covered. Albums like this always interest me and keep me captivated. Eclectic is the operative word here and it is obviously Braun’s modus operandi to present variety with her projects.

The two tracks that I thought were the most engaging musically and lyrically were “Buffalo Nights” and “J’en Suis Desolee.” The catchy pop flavorings and rhythms are what hooked me with those tunes; I found them to be quite beguiling. I never enjoy rap or hip-hop and somehow Braun was able to change my mindset and my feet found a groove and my head was bopping. This caught me be surprise entirely. Just when I condemn a style of music for one reason or another it turns around and proves me wrong.

The best way to describe what Braun does beyond offering tremendous selection of styles is to say that her music is over the edge into the realm of avant-garde yet not overtly risqué. Each style presented will certainly be clear to your ears. To keep the listener focused on the message in every song, the artist brilliantly executes a cross-cultural mixture of sounds and emotion. This CD was different, original, and primarily fresh and inviting. I am a happy customer.

From start with "Jade" through track fourteen "Move The Clouds", Norine Braun gathers all her tools and more to the point uses them with expert delivery and style. Jazzy, hip-hop, and a little punk thrown in for spice. "Now & Zen" shows the broad spectrum of Norine's talent. Totally enjoyable and packed with turns in genre. Notably is Braun's ability to vocally master these genres with comfort and confidence. Spirituality is again an under riding theme to "Now & Zen" as with one of her previous CD's "Crow". Self acceptance, understanding, and exploration are all a part of her message. Eclectic and bold, "Now & Zen" is one of the most exciting CD's of the year. Another of Braun's strengths is in the artists with which she is surrounded. All bring together an unforgettable musical experience.

At times laid back, then swinging into danceable, the journey is filled with enticing hooks and strong lyrics. Norine Braun is not an artist who will or can be pigeonholed into a set type or genre. One of her charms is her ability to be a musical chameleon. Easily and seamlessly changing from one distinct style to another. The music is at times haunting as in "Jade", then a 'stick to the ribs' catchy as in "J'en Suis Desolee".

Picking a favorite would be extremely difficult for this reviewer. However, the aforementioned "Jade", and "J'en Suis Desolee" would be among the top to come to mind. "Be Brave" is a compassionate song of emotion. Truly one of the most beautiful I have heard. The closing song, "Move The Clouds" is a self explorative, musically retrospective and jazzy journey into self, control and self exploration. Dealing with desires, anger, and self acceptance. A closing which in traditional Norine Braun flair and style will leave you hungry for more. Lots more!!!!

Norine Braun is a Vancouver based artist who is not afraid to make music on her own terms. She has been called "jazzed up, funk tinged pop." That should tell you how her music defies conventional categorization.

"Jade" is a hard hitting number with a strong bass line and the listener expects they are about to hear a CD in the Alternative genre. Norine quickly shifts gears for the hip-hop/rap number "Intimate Hour." And Norine shows she has the chops to carry off the number. A remix of this could easily become a dance club standard.

Once you're expecting one thing Norine shifts gears again with "Buffalo Nights,"
a song that could easily receive playtime on Adult Alternative Radio. Sometimes when you have a CD like this with songs of such diverse style you wonder if you are listening to a musician who has not found her path yet, this never comes to mind listening to "Now & Zen." Norine places these songs perfectly to make the CD work as a whole.

"j'en Suis Desolee" is a pure rock and roll tune, with the addition of some spoken word parts. Norine shows her ability at spoken word. Each song amazes me in its bending of genres, professionalism musicianship, and artistic integrity. Usually I recommend CDs to listeners
who like a certain genre, I can recommend Norine Braun's "Now & Zen" to listeners of all genres. That is a rare find.

OK, just get past the somewhat disquieting disembodied head cover art and listen to this CD. People throw the word "eclectic" around a lot these days when describing CDs that fall outside the commercial mainstream, but pop vocalist Norine Braun's latest disc earns that label. Now & Zen is a pretty cool mix of styles – she calls it, "ambient soul pop with elements of hip hop, jazz and punk" -- that maintains a cohesive focus. It's also a lot of fun.

Like jazz-pop vocalist Martha Lipton, Norine Braun has a lovely, flexible voice that sounds natural covering a variety of styles. The insistent chant-like refrain on "Intimate Hour" -- "Intimate hour become surreal power hour" -- has an appealing hip-hop feel and an undeniable commercial hook. On the bluesy/funk rock "J'en Suis Desolee" -- mixing sung choruses with spoken verses -- her voice sounds a lot like Debbie Harry. Similarly, "I'm The 1" sounds like it could have come off a lost Blondie album from 1980. When Norine shifts gears to the laid-back, southwestern-style acoustic guitar and trumpet accompaniment on "Survival of the Richest," it doesn't sound at all out of place

Now & Zen most reminds me of the soundtrack to a favorite musical film or play, where you run to the record store immediately after leaving the theater in order to grab the album before the songs can fully leave your consciousness. That's a pretty big compliment. Search a little deeper into the pop music pile and dig out Norine Braun's Now & Zen . You'll thank yourself.

Norine Braun describes the songs on Now & Zen (Braun and Brains) as “ambient soul pop with elements of hip hop, jazz and punk,” and she’s right. The sheer variety sets Braun apart. She lures the listener in with the melodic pop of “Jade,” and shifts gears on the darkly laid out folk of the title track. “Intimate Hour” and “Buffalo Nights,” respectively, deliver the hip hop and jazz vocal touches referred to by Braun, while funk and punk, respectively, butt heads on “J’en Suis Desolee” and “I’m The 1.” And that’s just the first half of the disc.

Braun is eclectic. There are singer-writer songs, hip hop, hard rock and more. It makes for intriguing listening... A nice array of keyboards fleshes James Bowers’ production. They’re as varied as Braun’s ambitious LP.

Norine Braun's "Now & Zen" is a seasoned feast of soulful folk rock mixed liberally with jazzy chunks and flying vocals to lift your inner funk. A Canadian singer/songwriter, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist and producer James Bowers, Norine channels the purity of folkers and the depth, funkiness and edge of Laurie Anderson. My fave picks are "Gently", "Maya" (including the lovely acapella version) and "Lucky 13."

So much of how opinions are formed come from first impressions, but the mere fact that after many listens, Now & Zen still remains fresh is a testament to the individuality and creativity of Norine Braun as an artist and songwriter. This disc jumps all over the genre map, finding refuge in rock, classical, jazz, and avant-garde along its journey. Braun herself is an interesting mixture of equal parts Blondie, Bjork and Margo Timmins. Smooth one minute and rockin’ out the next. It’s a rare quality, and one that Braun capitalizes on to keep things interesting while exploring the many facets of her own personality. The production work on this disc is also something of note. Everything is very crisp, has taken great care in its attention to detail, and flows seamlessly from one song to the next. James Bowers provides playful and interactive backup on almost all instruments and really pulls out the best in Braun. Now & Zen has great depth, versatility and provides a fresh alternative to pretty much anything you could get your hands on in the mainstream progressive rock world. What a fantastic way to be introduced to a talented woman. Standout tracks: title track Now & Zen, “I’m the 1”, “Intimate Hour”