Caritas General Director Between the Notes Music is constantly evolving, but it should follow their own seems jazz is always at the root of path. There is a place for gospel and blues. How do you see everyone and one shouldn't your contribution to the genre? give up by fearing Indeed, music evolves from roots to anything. And in the end, branches. Every new version of it is talent—genuine talent— an attempt to take it to a new place. always pays off. No matter In jazz, musicians take standards and what. Oriental spice them with their own signature during each performance. I do the Career and albums same, blending it with my own colors, Her career as a singer especially the oriental ones. It goes took off in 2002 when elsewhere with phrasing and tones. she recorded her first jazz album "Pillow Talk". In Flavor and How does your Lebanese heritage 2006, she launched her seep into your music? second album "I Belong", World Music My Lebanese heritage leaves traces in offering a mix between jazz the writing of lyrics, of course. It appears and world music. She has as well when I challenge myself to sing since toured many places in Arabic with jazz instrumentation. around the world.

Who is the first musical artist that In September 2011, she really sparked your interest in music, released "Moon Breeze" with the and why? collaboration of world-acclaimed jazz It is undoubtedly Billie Holiday that pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist Michel dragged me into the world of jazz. The Donato and drummer Jim Hillman. specific song was "Don’t Explain". I Finally, her latest album, "Subtle with found myself in this poignant, painful Thrills", was released in 2015. Randa Ghossoub ballad with lyrics coming out of an achy heart.

The famous French writer Victor Hugo the country. , the eldest takes the oriental-inspired melodies, How do you live your musical verbally illustrated the magic of music: son of and Assi Rahbani, would blended with modern jazz, to a different duality and how are your values and “La musique exprime ce qui ne peut later come to be known for his distinct level. Randa subtly evolves from the philosophies transmitted into that être dit et sur quoi il est impossible and influential jazz contribution to the blue notes of an etherical world filled world? de rester silencieux.” In other words, world. with sensual romance. She mixes I live my duality very well in the sense music expresses that which cannot be oriental lyricism and jazz in her own that once the best of each world is spoken, and on which it is impossible In the musical landscape of , way to offer a bouquet of multilingual extracted, a perfect harmony is created. to be silent. Decoding what transcends many musicians have tapped into the creations. An enchanted enchantress, After having lived in and experienced between the notes is undeniably always evolving jazz scene and can be heard she leaps effortlessly between Orient many different places, I incorporate the a challenge. across the globe. They contribute to an and Occident. feeling of belonging in multiple ways in impressive tradition of blending Middle both my writing and composing. Jazz music, which so very often is Eastern tunes with the rhythmic genre. Randa’s performances of "Bint El associated with the African-American Montreal-based Lebanese jazz singer Chalabiah" and "Fragile" are quite the What was your biggest challenge in communities of New Orleans, has and songwriter Randa Ghossoub is creation. She creates a melting pot with the pursuit of your career? historical roots in the olive trees of making her mark in international jazz. each song. The Lebanese jazz woman The biggest challenge was to remain the Middle East. This form of music With four albums and many concerts is known for being as “soothing and disciplined at all times. I guess this is Photo by Milad Ayoub has been swinging in the Arab world in New York, and Montreal, she smooth as a caress! Randa has the the secret of success for every project, for more than 100 years. In fact, the operates smoothly and surely. Her music voice of an angel whilst being sensuous whether in music or any form of art, Greater Arab Maghreb region greatly is strongly bred by her Arabic culture, and alluring.” Randa sings fluently in like dancing, writing or painting. influenced Spain with its unmistakable yet enriched by every place she has lived English, French, Arabic and Spanish. oriental rhythm heard in flamenco. or loved, such as Africa, Europe and Interviewed for HOME Magazine in What is your best advice for The eastern Mashriq, too, gave birth to Canada. Montreal, she shared with us a special someone who dreams of many renowned musicians. The Beirut- moment between the notes. pursuing a singing career? born nurtured and There is always a contemplative and Oh! Giving advice isn't really my promoted the jazz trend throughout mystical dimension in her songs, which expertise. I believe each individual

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