Debra-Jean Creelman Releases Optimistic "Heavy Blow," the Focus Track from Jazz and Blues Inflected Horn Laden 'Ego Death' LP
Vancouver experimental pop singer-songwriter Debra-Jean Creelman is releasing Ego Death, her brand new LP which is a musical odyssey of soul and jazz that transcends both time and space. Listen to Ego Death HERE.
Penned and recorded amidst the final days of the COVID-19 lockdown period, this album emerged from a place of true collaborative spirit.
After coming up with the concept of horns to provide the main harmonic foundation in lieu of typical band instrumentation, Creelman sent a few song ideas to renowned experimental trumpeter JP Carter (Destroyer, Dan Mangan). Together with producers Jo Hirabayashi (Jo Passed) and Sean Cronin (Very Good), they created the foundational demos.
Ego Death features the focus track, “Heavy Blow,” an optimistic and buoyant song which includes R&B infused vocal arrangements. Watch the official video for “Heavy Blow” HERE.
I was obsessed with the Al Green song “So Glad You’re Mine,” the drum groove in particular. So I sent it to Ian Browne (Matthew Good / The Pierce Kingans), and asked him to make a loop that emulated it, for me to write over. I came up with the melody for the verse and chorus. Jo Hirabayashi came up with the rest of the parts. The bridge melody and chorus were all him too. Before I had finished writing all of the lyrics I asked Jasmin Parkin to sing co-lead. I had her in mind when I was finishing the lyrics, and I’m so happy she was able to bring her singular magic to this track. – Debra-Jean Creelman
Inevitably you’re gonna hurt me
I know you won’t mean to but you’re going to
It’s not your fault that I bruise easily
The blows ain’t heavy but they cut through
DEBRA-JEAN CREELMAN PRESS PHOTO BY TÉA MEI – DOWNLOAD
Debra-Jean Creelman’s fourth solo album, Ego Death is a fusion of jazz, soul and blues that lives up to its name by showcasing a supergroup-like ensemble of producers and musicians.
Former Mother Mother cohorts, Molly and Ryan Guldemond, as well as Jasmin Parkin make appearances. The deep backbone of groove comes compliments of John Raham (Frazey Ford, Be Good Tanyas) on drums and James Meger (Sumner Brothers) on bass. Luminary producer Dave Genn worked closely with Creelman on vocal production.
While Creelman and co. have a watchmaker’s attention to detail, Ego Death never comes across as too technical. Creelman’s songwriting evokes a sense of depth, a fitting reflection of its thematic core: the profound loss of her mother and the delicate terrain of mental health crises.
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