“Living proof intelligence can sing.” - CBC
“Jeff Bien until this point has been regarded more as a poet than a musician. He’s well-known world wide and major poets like Ted Hughes and Irving Layton have sung his praise over the years….He’s now released a full-blown musical album ‘Songs of Forgiveness & Prayer’…If Neil Diamond were doing a Leonard Cohen record this would be the result…A star studded cast of supporting players."
- Mark Rheaume, CBC Radio
"The silent prince of words… In following his footsteps, his presence always makes it through the words and sound in purest form. This is exactly what makes this album so wonderfully rare. -Mercan Dede, Istanbul
“I can understand and feel the sublime poet in his voice and music ... it is a joy and honor to perform and record with him" – George Koller
"Jeff Bien brings magic to the spoken word. I have always been touched by his dedication to his art and the tapestry he creates through his music." – Rick Shadrach Lazar
"He is a great artist" Kris Caldwell, CKHA 100 FM
The much anticipated release of “Songs & Forgiveness & Prayer” is Jeff Bien’s first recording of song and features his own original music in collaboration with many of Canada’s finest musicians. With accolades from a host of international artists it is an auspicious debut. His work embodies diverse musical and cultural influences, engaging oral and formal traditions which include the migrancy of folk, jazz, classical, African and spiritual idioms.
An all-star ensemble of musicians gathered at Hugh’s Room in Toronto to celebrate the CD release. Performing with Bien were George Koller (bass), Rebecca Campbell (vocals), Rick Lazar (percussion) Ravi Naimpally (tabla), John Gzowski (oud/guitar), Anne Lindsay (violin), Richard Underhill (saxophone), Ray Montford (guitar); Kobena Aquaa-Harrison (African drum and vocal)
“This really was a testament to Jeff’s work, that so many outstanding musicians with different touring commitments put aside their busy schedules for the show,” noted Underhill, a Juno Award-winning jazz musician.
Since the launch of “Songs of Forgiveness & Prayer”, Bien’s music has been nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award (World Music), enjoyed repeat airplay across the country, selected by Fresh Air, CBC, as one of the releases of the year, and profiled nationally on Bravo Television. A live video recording of the concert will soon be released.
Bien, an internationally acclaimed poet, has been published and translated in more than twenty countries. His songs have been praised for their vision and lyrical quality, and for inspiring and awakening social and spiritual consciousness.
Besides appearances at such Canadian venues as Ontario Place and The Great Canadian Theatre Company, he has performed at Amadeo Roldan, Havana, and at an open-air concert at Shakespeare & Company in Paris, which drew one of the largest audiences in their landmark history.
In addition to the musical guests who joined him for the CD launch, he has worked with some of Canada’s most prominent musicians including: the late Oliver Schroer, David Travers-Smith, Mercan Dede, Mark Duggan, Jason Fowler, Andrew Downing, Thom Gossage, Ken Pearson, Michel Pepin, Danny Greenspoon, Yannik Rieu, Frédéric Alarie, Rob Frayne, John Geggie, Joel Zifkin, Kim Richardson, Derek Debeer, Julie Michels and members of Montreal’s Jubilation Gospel Choir.
Publicity: Lisa Weitz: LW Communications www.lwcommunicationc.ca