I am a quite modest person, often to a fault. But I’ve got to say that I am feeling pretty darn good that my music, and my album, "A Fine Time" is being embraced the way that it is. I feel proud that my unwillingness to give up on my music is finally beginning to pay off..because there were times....oh, there were times. I’m sure all of the indie artists out there can relate...the crappy jobs, the bill juggling, parents saying "get a real job...face the facts", the promoting the hell out of a show to have an audience that includes only your best friend and the bar staff, to getting a band to rehearse for free because you only have enough to pay them for the show. And on and on it goes...
There have been some people in my corner who have never wavered in their support and belief in me even when my belief in myself did waver and I thank them dearly.
I guess there is something to be said for patience and perseverance. Thank goodness! I think that there is also a peace that comes when you are able to be happy with where you are and with the journey. I am happy with the shape things are taking with my music but I am finally also happy with teaching and growing with my students. It doesn’t have to be either/or. It’s all good!
I was thrilled to read this review of my CD in Now Magazine this morning. I’ve been reading Now for half of my life and this feels like things have come full circle.
Much love,
Joni
. http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/discs.cfm?content=162547
Disc Review
Joni NehRita
A Fine Time () Rating: NNNN
Addi Stewart
About 30 seconds into A Fine Time, I was pretty damn confident that Joni NehRita is the real deal. The entire disc sprang to life with unwavering elegance and never ceased to impress. Occupying the space between airtight and lazily loose, torch song Star uses floating keys and organ flourishes to add brilliant colour.
Every subsequent song confirmed my conviction that NehRita should have gone much further on Canadian Idol in 2003, but what do they know? She’s Erykah Badu meets Joni Mitchell, with a dash of Divine Brown, but NehRita rules her own acoustic zone convincingly.
With the help of Adam Bowman’s pulpy percussion, the crisp keys of Ashley Wey and Chris Rouse’s pristine production prowess, the nine selections strike hard and soothe the spirit.
Joni NehRita plays Hugh’s room Tuesday (April 15).