Home sweet home

Home sweet home from our beautiful little island tour, Alice Fraser andHuggybear Leonard rocked it, the trio is really flowing now, the music stellar , great sounding venues, made lovely new friends and fans and sold those cds  Definitely still recovering from the bug but thankful my energy and vox held out and we managed to even take in a few sites. Heartbreakingly though I got word on the road that a dear old friend lost her battle with cancer Friday. On Sat. night we played for our angel Linda, who I know was there in that beautiful old church listening in. 

Norine Braun schedules May 14, 15 and 17 Vancouver Island appearances

Norine Braun schedules May 14, 15 and 17Vancouver Island appearances   
      Award-winning bluesy artist with a siren’s voice, Norine Braun has scheduled three May appearances with her trio on Vancouver Island to introduce Braun’s newly acclaimed album “Conventus the Eye of the Heart”.
  

 On Wednesday May 14 at the Copper Owl, $10 @ 9 pm a historic bar located in downtown Victoria, sharing the double bill with blues rocker and 2014 Vancouver Island Music Award winner, Dave Cormier.
   

On Thursday May 15 the Norine Braun Trio plays the well loved and newly resurrected Duncan Showroom, in Duncan 133 Station Street Doors 7 Show 8pm  $12 advance $15 at the door
   

On Saturday, May 17, Norine will appear at Char’s Landing, Port Alberni, 8 p.m., $12 cover, this 100-year old church has been converted into a popular showcase for the arts. Touring as a trio, with the dark and silky vocals of Norine who also plays guitar, joined by Queen of the Trills Alice Fraser on keys, and the electrifying Huggybear Leonard on ukulele, penny whistle and blues harp.
     

Norine Braun’s awards include the Los Angeles Music Awards and Artists for Literacy. She has appeared at many clubs and festivals and the new full-length CD “Conventus the Eye of the Heart” is her ninth album. It follows Norine’s songwriting journey through life-threatening illness, a death in the family, new beginnings and the celebration of life. The songs are as honest and lyrically strong as roots and blues-rock gets. “Norine Braun’s signature funky folk-blues sound simply cannot be matched. “ Abort Magazine
    Information on Norine Braun and her work is available at www.norinebraun.com with more about her music  on www.reverbnation.com/norinebraun.
      

Her May 14 appearance is at the Copper Owl, 1900 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC, 778-265-1774, 9:00 p.m.  $10 at door and May 15 Duncan Showroom 133 Station Street, Showtime  8 pm advance tickets $12 and $15 at the door. See Norine Braun on May 17 at Char’s Landing, 4815 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC, phone 250-730-1636, 8 p.m. $12 door

Voices To Hear: Spotlight: Norine Braun, Jim Byrnes Music

Webpage: http://www.norinebraun.com Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Description: Roots Rock meets Blues Pop Her voice has the viscosity of a jazz crooner, the elegance of a gospel singer, and the heart of a folk or blues artist. Biography: Vancouver based singer-songwriter Norine Braun’s eclectic music experiments with forms from roots rock to ambient pop to jazz, folk and blues in 8 independent albums of original music. Tuneful and savvy her music zings to the heart of any listener. Winner of the Songs Inspired By Literature Artists For Literacy International Songwriting Competition and Winner Female Singer-Songwriter of the Year - Jazz at Los Angeles International Independent Music Awards. Norine’s Album Evolution of the Blood Star was voted #1 on Outvoice for 2008. Performances of note include: Triad Theatre in NYC, Shibuya Home in Tokyo and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. No.8 released in 2011 brings Juno nominated producer, Adam Popowitz onboard and is garnering rave reviews including: "Over the course of her eight albums local songwriter Braun has developed exceptionally sharp lyricism, fluid vocals and a way with a driving melody. Case in point, the single "Drift Away" from her new CD." - Stuart Derdeyn The Province "No. 8" receives my highest rating of 5*****. Highly Recommended and Thoroughly Enjoyed. Another Treasure of an Album from a Truly Canadian Treasure..." - John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) "Very eclectic sound! Powerful vocals set the tone for a blend of genres in this album." - Matt Nightingale CHSR Music Director "Overall, Norine is a singer/songwriter with a sense of humour... There is enough tongue-in-cheek and embracing of silliness to bring a smile to a hardened reviewer’s face. You can just tell that Norine Braun had a ball recording this album." -Ana Bedard Beatroute Magazine Past summer shows 2011 included: Vancouver Pride, Richmond Maritime Festival, Out in the Woods Festival Greenwich NY, Edgewater Casino WAVS Benefit Vancouver, Jlounge and SHE BOOM CFRO benefit concert. Press Release: Norine Braun's No. 8 Waits For The World To Catch Up Norine Braun Adds Roots Rock, Blues And Americana On Her New No.8 Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release)
Vancouver BC 2011 According to reviewer Vinny Bond Marini, “Norine Braun is an enigma. Is she a jazz chanteuse? A blues singer? A pop singer? A rocker? On No. 8, she almost dares you to decide for yourself. “ Braun recruited a killer collection of roots rock, soul and blues session players including renowned producer and Juno nominated, Adam Popowitz (Pacifika, Mollies Revenge, Leela Gilday) who produced and performed on all 10 of the songs with bass and lead guitar. Drummer Elliot Polsky, (Jim Byrnes, Zubot and Dawson, Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir) gives the groove and heartbeat to No. 8. Blues meister Andrew "HuggyBear" Huggard (Ollie Bollen Trio, Leonard and the Lab Rats) shakes things up with his soulful blues harmonica. International touring freelance keyboard/pianist Mary Ancheta (Bjork,John Mayer, Nickleback) shines with her astounding keys on feature tracks too. The album is a mix of new originals by Norine Braun with blues, roots rock and soul at the centre. Norine Braun is an adult alternative/folk-rock/roots rock/blues type of artist. “Whether playing with the Mood Swings or alone, Norine Braun is never dull. With sensibilities grounded in the slam and performance art genres, some of her songs make it seem that Braun has been waiting for the world to catch up with her sound.” - Cindy Filipenko For interview or for review www..norinebraun.com  
FROM http://jim-byrnes.musicnewshq.com/news/voices-to-hear-spotlight-norine-braun

Lillies of the Field

"Consider the lilies of the field. They toil not, neither do they spin"

Hi there

Happy Easter to you! Lillies of the field reminds me of the song, Don't Worry Be Happy. 

Thankful for the many plays and support of Conventus The Eye of the Heart on iTunes, and happy to announce some upcoming dates with more to come.
Norine Braun TrioTOUR DATES FOR MAY

SAT.April 19 7pm to 1 am  We play at 8pm with 5 bands and cocktails making it a night to remember!

BBB Charity Benefit for the Autistic  Self-Advocacy Network

Eaglequest Golfcourse Surrey TICKETS $30

Wed. May 7 Billy Miner Pub 6-10 pm NO COVER

22355 River Road Maple Ridge BC We so loved playing at the wharf concert last summer across the street from Billy Miner, and look forward to playing all night long! Maple Ridge folks know how to have fun!
 

Wed. May 14 Copper Owl Victoria BC 9pm  $10 cover

with blues rock artist Dave Cormier who just won 2 Vancouver Island Music Awards can't wait to hear Dave live! Our first time ever to play Victoria!
Thurs. May 15 Duncan TBA still a possibility the gig we had hoped to play has changed venues and is renovating.

SAT. May 17 Char's Landing Port Alberni 6:45 pm $12 cover

Char is the official host of the arts district, we play 2 sets in her converted 100 year old church. Can't wait to play our first time ever in Port Alberni, its gonna be a spiritual experience :)!

  

Thanks so much for your support in the CBC Searchlight competition, it was OH so Close but no cigar. As gratitude for your help you can download a free mp3 of No More Reprise to download go to http://www.reverbnation.com/norinebraun where we are currently #2 on the Blues charts for Vancouver and #17 for Canada!

This month a terrific review in Indie-Music Magazine for Conventus The Eye of the Heart by Jamie Anderson.

Hoping any worries hop away for you at Easter and always. 

Love,

Norine

www.norinebraun.com 

 "Her signature funky folk-blues sound simply cannot be matched Best

listened to as loud as your neighbours will tolerate." 

Scott Alexander Abort Magazine

 “Conventus The Eye of the Heart” is certainly a treat for the ears and soul.

 A combination of raunchy, electric blues with some acoustic numbers and Norine’s clear 

and articulate vocals that generate soul and passion into her heartfelt lyrics." 

Martys Blues Music Blog 

"Robust, fresh, and chill all at once. A mellow musical companion to an evening of

 drinking whiskey, moving your feet, and laughing insanely loudly with old friends. 

From bluesy tunes suitable for wading at the shore, to gruff guitar riffs that’d make 

the perfect backpacking soundtrack, her writing is clearly inspired by life on the best coast." 

AJ Dent The Drainage Magazine

STREAMING LINKS

http://norinebraun.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/norinebraun

Indie Music Review!

A stellar review just out on Indie-Music.com by Jamie Anderson

“Some artists find that one thing they’re good at and put it in every song. Braun is good at a lot of things and fortunately for us, includes them only when it serves the song - Americana without the gingham dress, alt rock without the torn t-shirt and cool retro without the bouffant hair.”

Artist: Norine Braun

Album: Conventus The Eye of the Heart

Genre: Folk / Blues

RIYL: Patti Smith, kd lang

Some artists find that one thing they’re good at and put it in every song. Braun is good at a lot of things and fortunately for us, includes them only when it serves the song - Americana without the gingham dress, alt rock without the torn t-shirt and cool retro without the bouffant hair. She’s got a unique approach to songwriting, sometimes using familiar structures where we can rest and other times, rocketing into space with a sense of adventure. She sings well and plays guitar, aided by a crack shot band of drums, keys, bass and more guitar.

“Lightning Strikes Twice” is fueled by a bad ass bass riff and vocals reminiscent of Patti Smith, including that howling upper register that adds emotion. With “How Would We Know,” she uses a softer voice and a reggae/ska groove. It’s a love song, with sweet lyrics like “Send me a rose scented and red / One that will grow and knows no death.”

There’s lots of great dynamics in “Boy,” starting with her rhythm acoustic guitar, building with the rest of the band, then breaking down to just her vocal and guitar towards the middle and coming back up again. That’s what I love about most of her arrangements – she can offer subtle and full-blown, all in the same song. In the blues-driven “99%” she’s pissed off: “Do we pay the groceries? Or do we pay the rent? Scrounging in the garbage, we’re the 99 percent.”

“Dizzy” is old school jazz/rock with a great rhythm section and “No More Reprise” has some hot retro funk/soul things happening. It’s a great get-lost-loser song, too. She even packs his or her clothes at the end. “Take the Sleek Train” has a dreamy feel, like landscape slipping past train windows. There’s a sinister atmosphere in “The Fire Flames,” aided by a distorted electric guitar that snakes in and out. She’s looking for love in “The Perfect Love Affair.” It sounds like a classic sixties pop/rock song, like the Doors with a female vocal.

She gives us yet another style in “I Found You,” with a cut-down arrangement in waltz time featuring only her acoustic guitar, vocals and a slide guitar. With a pedal steel or fiddle it could be alt country, but here it reads more like folk. She wraps it all up with “Conventus,” a cut with more of those great dynamics – she starts with an acoustic guitar and whispery vocals, then for the next verse, joyful lyrics over a polyrhythmic groove that continues through the song. This one would be especially great at a live show. I can just see a writhing mass of sweaty, happy dancers.

On this well-recorded album she’s got variety, solid tunes and a band that’s so good they breathe together. Why are you still reading this? Go download Conventus The Eye of the Heart.

AND OH so Close but no cigar thanks so much for your support of No More Reprise on #searchlight, contest  and to show my gratitude you can download your free copy of the song go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Norine-Braun/64362551866 CLICK ON BAND PROFILE and then click on free download.

Love Norine

CBC Searchlight

Happy Spring to you! Blossoms, crocuses and daffodils are blooming here and I thought you'd like that quote. To just be and let your own unique blossoms shine! 

This month the fabulous RightOutTV featured a must read interview for Conventus at http://rightouttv.com/Norine-Braun-Conventus-Interview.html and there is a super review in The Drainage Magazine as well .

Thankful for the many plays and support of Conventus The Eye of the Heart now on iTunes, including: St. John's Infirmary CHMR in NFLD, The Big Groove CJLY here on the sunshine coast and also on CJMP,CFIS,Blues and Roots radio, KCOR,CILU, CVUE and then across the water at TLC New Zealand, online at Clays Country, Couch By Couchwest, Rock the Blues Radio and 99% featured on Monday mixtape by LA's I Hate Michael Shirley the life and times of a Hollywood Socialite :) to name a few.

CHOOSE CANADA'S NEXT GREAT MUSICAL ACT Don’t miss your chance to weigh in on who should be declared winner of CBC's Searchlight competition and help me out with a vote for No More Reprise!  Vote at  http://music.cbc.ca/#/artists/Norine-Braun and you can vote once a day. Free hugs for every vote. :) Thanks for your help!

Next month comes an announcement with some of the upcoming dates that I have been working on for the tour.

Here's to planting great things this spring! 

Love,

Norine

BIg Groove Radio Show and Maya

On this week's podcast is 99% on the Big Groove Radio show
listen at
http://chly.dailysplice.com/thebiggroove/11330/

and flash back to my Now and Zen album the song Maya. I did this video for my personal extended statement that I did for an open thinking course this winter. Enjoy :)

Couch By Couch West

I am playing for the cats at CXCW online now.
CXCW is an annual online music festival that is for everyone. No badges, lanyards, bracelets, parking fees, ticket lines, exclusive parties, VIP tents, porta-potties, babysitters, dogsitters, expensive beer prices, or crappy hotel rooms…just the sweet comfort of your own couch. Here’s how it works, artists and bands from all over the globe record a video performance for us from their living rooms, kitchens, porches, bathrooms, you name it…pretty much anywhere but a stage…and we post them during the week of the festival (March 9 – 15, 2014).

Listen, you’re not the only person out there stuck in an office or a classroom or at home while all the supposed “cool cats” are trudging through the crowds of Austin. CXCW is here for you, friends! So crack open a beer and a laptop, crank up the volume, and enjoy the couch!

Where the beer is cheaper and the only hipster is you.

My submission:
http://couchbycouchwest.com/norine-braun-i-found-you

WhackStars: #MIXTAPEMONDAYS: Norine Braun - Conventus The Eye ...

WhackStars: #MIXTAPEMONDAYS: Norine Braun - Conventus The Eye ...: Conventus The Eye of the Heart by Norine Braun

ROCKIN' THE BLUES FROM CANADA

ROCKIN' THE BLUES FROM CANADA