LAILA BIALI PAYS HOMAGE TO JONI MITCHELL WITH ENCHANTING COVER OF BOTH SIDES NOW
WATCH LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO OF THE SONG HERE
Toronto, ON – November 6, 2020 – Following the release of her interpretation of the Leonard Cohen classic, Anthem, JUNO and SOCAN Music Award-winner, Laila Biali, returns to pay homage to another Canadian icon: Joni Mitchell. Today, Biali shares an enchanting cover of Mitchell’s, Both Sides Now – just ahead of the legendary singer-songwriter’s 77th birthday. Have a listen here, and watch Biali perform the song, straight from her own living room, here.
The intimate arrangement of Both Sides Now was born out of Biali’s Joni75 series, which she started in 2018 when Mitchell turned 75-years-old. Biali’s stripped down approach illuminates the song’s poignant lyrics that speak to the heart.
“We didn't realize at the time how this song and its message would take on new meaning in the midst of a global pandemic and a very uncertain US election week,” reflects Biali. “It was mostly meant to celebrate Joni's birthday this coming Saturday. But, as with much of her material, the lyrics remain as relevant to our lives as ever; and in these times, I hope they bring comfort and perspective.”
Biali's latest album, Out of Dust, was to include 3+ months of global tour dates, covering Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Due to the pandemic, most of her performances have shifted to online spaces. Baili’s livestreamed concerts over the past few months have amassed tens of thousands of viewers, enabling her to expand her fanbase significantly. On November 8th and 9th, she will perform as the featured artist at the Kensington Market Virtual Jazz Festival, followed by McMaster’s LiveLAB NeuroMusic Conference on November 14th. Stay tuned for more from Biali through the rest of 2020, including the next installment of her Quarantunes video series, coming soon!
DOWNLOAD – hi-res photo | DOWNLOAD – Both Sides Now artwork
About Laila Biali:
Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host Laila Biali has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City's Carnegie Hall to Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts, and supported international icon Sting. In 2019, Laila’s eponymous release won her a JUNO (Canada's GRAMMY) for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. The year before that, she was awarded top prize at the Canadian Songwriting Competition in the Jazz category. Laila was also the youngest-ever double winner at Canada’s National Jazz Awards when she was named SOCAN Composer of the Year and Keyboardist of the Year. She received her first JUNO nomination for Tracing Light (2011), and a spot on DownBeat Magazine's Best Albums of the Year for Live in Concert (2013). In September of 2017, Laila was brought on as the host for CBC Music's national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz, a weekly show broadcast to listeners across Canada. While Laila continues to earn high honours in the Jazz world, her signature sound transcends genre as she "masterfully mixes jazz and pop, bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are concise and catchy" (Washington Post). Laila's highly anticipated album, Out of Dust, which features multiple GRAMMY nominees and winners including Lisa Fisher, Alan Ferber, John Ellis, and Larnell Lewis, was released March 27, 2020.
About Chronograph Records:
Chronograph Records is a boutique record label that works closely with artists who are looking for an insightful and collaborative partnership. Representing some of the best jazz, urban acoustic, and blues artists in Western Canada, Chronograph Records strategically helps develop their roster, allowing the artists to evolve into exactly who they're supposed to be. Since the label's 2004 inception, Chronograph artists have garnered numerous award nominations, most recently culminating in a JUNO Award win, multiple Canadian Country Music Awards, a TD Grand Jazz Award, Global Music Awards, a CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award, and Canadian National Smooth Jazz Award winners.