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Sunday Slow Jam Vol.107 – A Child is Born

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:29:54-08:00December 20, 2015|News, Sunday Slow Jams|

The holidays are upon us and it always seems a little bit crazy this time of year. The eternal “to do” list is always way too long and it often feels like the madness will never end. Perhaps this is why yen for the simple things and feel a pull to go a little slower and do less. I crave coziness, quietness and reflection, and time with family and friends. This year many dear friends have kids and new babies. It is such a treasure to have them in my life! I am so thankful for them because they teach […]

Sunday Slow Jam Vol.104 – Visions

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:29:55-08:00November 29, 2015|News, Sunday Slow Jams|

“…Have I lived to see the milk and honey land where hate’s a dream and love forever stands or is this a vision in my mind?” I like to believe that Stevie Wonder has written a song for every moment. His songs seem to always beautifully describe every point on the vast spectrum of human emotions and experiences. Not only does he inspire with his talent and skill, he also stirs the heart with his ability to understand and decipher the world around him. Recent world events have cast a heaviness and are testing our humanity, our compassion and our […]

Sunday Slow Jam Vol.99 – Time Remembered

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:29:56-08:00October 25, 2015|News, Sunday Slow Jams|

This week Vancouver’s music community lost its sparkle as we heard about the passing of the wonderful, Bob Murphy. He was a generous, kind hearted, inspiring and thrilling musician, one of Canada’s best. A fantastic “piano giant” who was deeply embedded in the city’s musical landscape. He played with everyone and was loved and admired by everyone. Bob was a passionate and patient teacher and mentor. I’ve spoken to so many musicians who all said that they have studied with him at some point and time. They all spoke of his gifts as a teacher, many say that he was […]

Sunday Slow Jam Vol.98 – Speak Softly Love

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:29:56-08:00October 11, 2015|News, Sunday Slow Jams|

“Speak softly love and hold me warm against your heart.” Sounds like a perfect way to start a Sunday to me. “Speak Softly Love” was written by Larry Kusic and Nick Rota and is best known as the theme from The Godfather movies. Check out this thumpin’ version by Joey DeFrancesco and his trio, I bet it never sounded as greasy before! There is something about the Hammond organ that, when played well, can transform any tune into a hip joint. There is no question that DeFrancesco is serious player and he consistently proves that he is a master of […]

Sunday Slow Jam Vol.91 – In Your Own Sweet Way

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:29:58-08:00August 23, 2015|News, Sunday Slow Jams|

There is something I find incredibly beautiful about the standard, “In Your Own Sweet Way”. I can’t decided if it’s the quirky and lovely melody or if it’s the crafty tonal shifts that happen throughout the piece or the dear sentiment that the title suggests…? I just find it heartwarming and interesting. For some reason this seems to be the tune of the week for me, it popped up as an ear worm, then I heard it while on hold, then I went to a show and to my surprise, they played it! I don’t think that I will ever […]

Sunday Slow Jam Vol.89 – Sweet Home

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:29:58-08:00August 9, 2015|News, Sunday Slow Jams|

This summer I’ve had the privilege to tour across Canada and make music with some mighty fine people. There is something about being on the road that is fantastic and invigorating, especially during the summer. However, there is always a point when you long for home and simpler things like your own bed, fresh fruit, the comfort of friends and family, or your favourite mug. Home is a powerful place.

I picked up this album, “Don’t Lose This” a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love with its intimacy, presence and vibe, as well as, the stellar performances by Pops […]

Sunday Slow Jam Vol.88 – I Loves You Porgy

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:29:59-08:00July 26, 2015|News, Sunday Slow Jams|

I recently watched a documentary about Nina Simone called “What Happened Miss Simone?”. It highlighted Nina’s beautifully complicated, brilliant mind and fiery presence. Simone’s personality is as deep, multi-faceted and moving as her music. In a way it seems music is the one thing that saved her and unraveled her at the same time. Nina was a fierce performer and passionate communicator, even now her power and presence still carry her unique sound. She carved her own wild path. There will never be anyone like her again.

Listen to her hauting and precious version of “I Loves You Porgy”. It will […]

Sunday Slow Jam Vol.87 – Blue in Green

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:29:59-08:00July 12, 2015|News, Sunday Slow Jams|

Today’s offering makes me think of raindrops, warm sunshine and rainbows reflected on walls. There is something special about this ballad “Blue in Green” that makes me feel warm and fuzzy. For me, hearing Kenny Werner play it takes it to the next level. His playing is always so crystal clear and full of shimmering light. He never abandons melody for sake of chops and all of his lines land in beautiful and unexpected places. Many years ago he came to my music school to perform and do a workshop for faculty and students. He was such a kind, funny […]

Sunday Slow Jam Vol.86 – People Like You

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:29:59-08:00July 5, 2015|News, Sunday Slow Jams|

Wow, we made it. The 2015 Vancouver International Jazz Festival is officially over and what an inspiring, creative and jam-packed time that was. I find myself savouring the shows that I was lucky enough to see and pining over the ones that there just wasn’t enough time to get to. There was a lot of buzz about The Bad Plus and Joshua Redman show at The Vogue Theatre. If you were like me and missed this night of music check out this beautiful ballad called “People Like You”. Redman takes a fantastic solo on this particular version and the band […]

Artist at Home

Dawn Pemberton2018-11-23T21:30:00-08:00June 3, 2015|Inspiring Folks, News|

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of hanging out with the fantastic photographer, traveller and human, Christopher Edmonstone! He is doing this amazing series called ‘Artist at Home’ and has been connecting with all sorts of interesting creators, makers, movers and shakers in Vancouver. It’s a beautiful idea and the results are stunning and inspiring. We had a fun time chatting, listening to vinyl and being goofy. Christopher is gem and a treasure. Want to know more about him and his work…? Check out: www.edmonstonephotography.com