Album Review: ‘Songs from the Canyon: The Psalms Project Vol. III’ by Mike Janzen

As I slipped into the sonic canyons of Mike Janzen’s latest creation, “Songs from the Canyon”, I couldn’t help but feel like a musical spelunker exploring the depths of emotion, spirituality, and the vast landscapes of life. Janzen, a virtuoso jazz pianist with a penchant for bending genres like a musical contortionist, has crafted an album that serves as a poignant journey through the Psalms. It’s not just an album; it’s a musical pilgrimage.

The album opens with “Echoes (Psalm 8),” a track that immediately transports the listener to ancestral lands with the soulful contributions of Indigenous Canadian artists Ray “Coco” Stevenson and Jonathan Maracle. The rich infusion of dulcimer and Snarky Puppy-like brass takes us on a sonic exploration, echoing the beauty and fingerprints of the divine in creation.

“Hallelujah (Psalm 104)” showcases Janzen’s versatility as he recently performed it on 100 Huntley Street. The performance on this track is nothing short of a spiritual journey, capturing the essence of praise in a way that transcends the boundaries of traditional worship music.

“Took Hold (Psalm 18)” features guest vocals by Stellar and GRAMMY Award-winner Dee Wilson, adding another layer of depth to Janzen’s already rich compositions. The track grips the listener, much like the hands of divine intervention reaching into the struggles of life.

As I descended deeper into the canyon of the album, “Steady (Psalms)” emerged as a beacon of hope, an anthem for those navigating the lonely valleys of loss, family breakup, and injury. The Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir adds an ethereal dimension, lifting the listener towards the steadfast love of God, a sentiment Janzen beautifully encapsulates.

The diversity of the album is palpable, from the cinematic textures of “Canyons (Psalm 46)” to the soul-stirring resonance of “Great is the Lord (Psalm 96).” Each track is a brushstroke on a musical canvas, painting vivid portraits of the human experience intertwined with the divine.

One cannot ignore Janzen’s skillful arrangements and the sonic diversity that Timothy Abraham brings to the production. The album seamlessly weaves through jazz, pop, and classical elements, creating a tapestry that mirrors the multifaceted nature of the Psalms.

As a whole, *Songs from the Canyon* is not just an album but an immersive experience—an exploration of faith, resilience, and the boundless beauty found within the canyons of existence. Mike Janzen, with his imaginative and fresh voice, doesn’t just create music; he crafts soundscapes that beckon the listener to contemplate and connect with the divine. In a world saturated with musical noise, *Songs from the Canyon* is a welcome whisper of transcendence.

Mike Janzen’s latest release proves, once again, that he is not just a musician; he is a storyteller, a sonic theologian, and a guide through the canyons of the soul.

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