Canadian jazz-pop artist Kate Trajan releases personality-filled debut album, Ancient Fires.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Paul Fesko

Originally from Nanaimo and now resident on Salt Spring Island, British Colombia, Kate’s background is as much classical piano and voice as it is jazz, pop and folk. The result is an intoxicating mix with plenty of poise, and her debut album perfectly showcases what she has to offer.

The album opens with the funky No One To Dream About. The lightness of its instrumental masks the heaviness of its lyrics which speak of an empty heart and the need for human touch. It’s the perfect way to seduce the listener into Kate’s world, and the deal is sealed by the sultry Amazon’s Dilemma which captivates with its story of female-male dynamics.

Title track Ancient Fires speaks of love lost and goodbyes, inspired by the true story of Kate leaving her hometown. It crackles with a sense of longing but also a sense of optimism. Its storytelling lyrics makes it an early highlight.

This Is The Life livens things back up with a jaunty jazz pop number before Winding My Way brings with it some classic blues rock reminiscent of The Rolling Stones or Creedence Clearwater Revival. Am I A Fool is a gentle, introspective number with plenty of soul searching.

The album is rounded off by the trio of Come, Ode To The Moon and A Universe Apart. The first is a vibrant, piano-led call to adventure while the other two give us delicate poetry and rousing classical pop respectively.

I’ve heard few artists that can embrace and mix different genres the way Kate Trajan does. Her debut album is a varied wonder, underpinned by classic song writing and plenty of personality.

Ancient Fires was recorded at Eastcote Studios this side of the pond in London with producer Sarah Gillespie. It’s out now via Pastiche Records and you can give it a listen below.