PureVolume

Members: Kenton Wiens, Lincoln Tatem, Will Cheung, Vania Levans

NEW SINGLE DANCE REMIX RELEASED APRIL 2010!


While growing up in her hometown of Ottawa, Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Vania Levans discovered her father's jazz records and was introduced to the world of Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. "It was like finding a hidden treasure," Levans says. "The opening notes of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" could summon me from anywhere in the house regardless of what I was doing. I just couldn't stay still."

Levans' love for jazz blossomed throughout her teenage years while she played in various ensembles all over town. While studying flute at the University of Ottawa, her jazz digressions for the most part slipped under the radar. It was only while completing her graduate studies in Vancouver that Levans experienced a musical re-awakening that birthed becomings: an album of ten original tunes and a beautiful synthesis of jazz and soul, with a touch of funk.

Produced by ace arranger and multi-instrumentalist Lincoln Tatem, becomings features Levans' diverse and finely crafted tunes and highly literate lyrics. Her songs are refreshingly original yet wonderfully reminiscent of the jazz greats of old demanding repeated listens. From the haunting melody of "Light Breaks," which was nominated for a 2009 Covenant Award for Gospel Song of the Year, the infectious disco-tinged get up and groove of "Go Slowly Now" to the cool jazz of "Charcoal Drawings," each arrangement is executed with confidence and finesse with Levans' smoky and effortlessly flowing voice at the centre.

Already into its second pressing and receiving West Coast radio-play, becomings is a bold statement of rising up against injustice and hope in dark times.


Click on album covers below to buy these CD's!