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Saint John String Quartet launches new album: “Canadian Hits: Unplugged”

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Saint John String Quartet Releases New Album, Canadian Hits: Unplugged

The Saint John String Quartet continues to make their mark on the Canadian music scene with the release of their new album, Canadian Hits: Unplugged. This album represents a step outside of a string quartet’s norm with 16 pop hits from Canadian icons, including Leonard Cohen, the Arkells, Joni Mitchell and The Tragically Hip.

“Each arrangement is completely different with a number of elements that will surprise listeners. The recordings are fun, fresh and innovative takes on Canadian pop songs,” says Sonja Adams, cellist with the quartet.

The Saint John String Quartet brings a new dimension to the listening experience of old favorites like “If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot, Stan Rogers’ “Northwest Passage” or Corey Hart’s “Sunglasses at Night” as well as newer songs like the award-winning “Francis” by Quebec artist Coeur de pirate and the bluesy “Spring to Come” by First Nations duo Digging Roots.

The dazzling arrangements were created exclusively for the group by Toronto-based tunesmith Rebecca Pellett, who has orchestrated for the likes of David Myles, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and several IMAX and Hollywood film productions. Fredericton-born producer/engineer and owner of Halifax-based Leaf Music, Jeremy VanSlyke, recorded the album over four days, supported by the pristine acoustics of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Rothesay. The album cover art features “Laurel” by Saint John artist Deanna Musgrave along with graphic design by local singer-songwriter Jessica Rhaye.

This is the sixth recording release by the Quartet, and follows in the inventive direction of the group’s previous offerings. For more than 30 years, the Quartet has stood among Canada’s leading chamber music ensembles. The stylistic and energetic troupe is highly sought after for special collaborations within different musical genres – a reflection of their versatility and flexibility.

In July, Quartet violinists David Adams and Danielle Sametz, along with violist Christopher Buckley and cellist Sonja Adams will be promoting the new album on an Atlantic tour. Canadian Hits: Unplugged will be available in stores and on major streaming platforms starting July 5, 2019.

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About Saint John String Quartet

For more than 30 years, the Saint John String Quartet has stood among Canada’s leading chamber music ensembles. Renowned for its flexibility, the Quartet is equally comfortable collaborating with blues artists and rock superstars, and performing Classical masterworks on its own.

The Quartet performs more than 125 concerts annually and serves as musicians-in-residence for both Symphony New Brunswick and the University of New Brunswick. It has performed for numerous heads of state and at prestigious venues the world over, including many countries in the Far East, Europe, and South America.

With many recordings to its credit, it has earned a Juno nomination for Classical Composition of the Year, and won an East Coast Music Award for Best Classical Album of the Year and a Music NB award for Best Album of the Year. Its albums feature new and innovative works to underappreciated classical gems.

The Saint John String Quartet has been recognized for many groundbreaking achievements, including its leadership and contributions to musical development in New Brunswick.