Al Brant writes music that is soulful, reflective and life affirming. It simply comes from the heart, creating images and drawing feelings from his listeners. Combined with a voice that has depth and incredible range, this makes for an unforgettable listening journey.
Al has just finished his new recording, Songs for the Early Morning Sun. The album runs the gamut of roots music, from acoustic blues to a hillbilly stomp. Al went into the studio with some of Edmonton's top session players, Cliff Minchau on standup bass and Barrie Nighswander on guitar, as well as guest musicians Cam Neufeld (on fiddle and mandolin) and Terry Morrison (providing backing vocals on two tracks). The album is rich in lyrical images and songs about deep human connection.
Al's first foray into the Edmonton music scene was as one half of the duo Brant and Skelly. They performed at a local talent contest and caught the ear of award-winning producer George Blondheim. The result was a three-song demo and a desire to keep recording.
It was through George that Al met Eddie Patterson (Hometown Band, Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, Hans Stammer). Eddie was impressed with Al's vocal abilities and asked if he would perform with his jazz fusion project. This exposure to live improvisation of vocals and lyrics truly expanded Al's musical horizons.
Al released his first solo album, Let It Fly, in 1991, with Patterson and friends John Armstrong (bass) and Kelly Pikula (drums). In 1996, he released a Factor-supported recording produced by Jamie Kidd: Al Brant & The Waterbirds. This recording earned glowing reviews and regular airplay on CKUA and CBC radio. Brant's songwriting talents continue to garner accolades, and in 2003 he received an Honourable Mention in the international John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
Since the conception of The Christmas Carol Project a decade ago, Al has written songs for and performed annually in this musical version of the classic Dickens tale, along with other Edmonton-based musicians including Maria Dunn, Bill Bourne, Dale Ladoucer, Tom Roschkov, Terry Morrison, Ken Brown and Kevin Cook. Bellstruck Productions Inc. in association with CHUM Television has now produced a televised version of the show, which aired on City TV, Access, A-Channel and Bravo! across Canada in December 2006.
Al has also been involved for several years with Arts in Healthcare. As a contracted "Artist on the Wards," he writes and performs his songs for patients at one of Canada's largest hospitals.
