If the world of harpists has an equivalent to the rock guitar gods of decades past, Janelle Nadeau would be at the top of the list. Her accolades and history are enough to turn this short article into a lengthy essay but here are some highlights.
Lending her distinct and refreshing harp superpowers to a variety of ensembles, orchestras and organizations, Janelle has taken stages with names ranging from Diana Krall to Kanye West. She performs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and has toured with the Manitoba Arts Network, Home Routes, Celebrity Cruises and the National Youth Symphony of Canada (and a lot more).
Maintaining a rigorous live show schedule, Janelle continues to perform in Vancouver’s smaller venues playing weekly gigs across the region. With a competitive spirit, she won first and second place in the Winnipeg Women’s Musical Club Competition and placed as a regional finalist in CBC’s annual Searchlight competition.
After graduating from the University of British Columbia, she spent a decade touring across Western Canada with the group Winter Harp whose performances have become a tradition for many during the Christmas season.
This leads me into Janelle’s new album, Star of Night, packed full of refreshing renditions of Christmas classics including a sweet twist on U2’s song Peace On Earth.
With all her experience, an amazing creative spirit, and some really bad ass harp skills, Janelle transforms songs such as Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel, Joy To The World, Silent Night, We Three Kings, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear and several more into delightful, engaging, charismatic, harp-focused versions that you can play on repeat throughout the entire season.
Janelle Nadeau’s Star of Night soothes, inspires, relaxes, invigorates and breathes new life into familiar classics with unexpected instrument combinations, a fresh perspective and an undeniable talent that can’t be easily achieved without dedicating your life and your passion into your craft.
Janelle is a master of her craft.
Star of Night is now on Bandcamp.
I highly encourage you to grab a copy. Friends and family will thank you!
Connect directly with Janelle on her official website, FB, IG, or Twitter.
You can find more music on Spotify, Soundcloud or Youtube.
