Countermeasure is thrilled to release their fifth studio album, Guest Sessions Vol II. This new record features original music influenced by jazz, pop, folk, soul, and contemporary choral, showcasing a lineup of powerhouse solo instrumentalists. It offers catchy hooks, soaring harmonies, and raw emotion.
Guest Sessions Vol II is a concept album made up of original works composed by Aaron Jensen. Each track features one solo instrumentalist, supporting Countermeasure’s vocals. The album highlights collaborations with three multi-GRAMMY award-winning guests: bassist Braylon Lacy (Erykah Badu, Kirk Franklin), Dylan Hart on horn (John Legend, John Williams, Barbara Streisand), and drummer, Larnell Lewis (Snarky Puppy, Yebba, Mark Ronson); with international heavyweights, such as guitarist, Kaki King (Timbaland, The Roots, Dave Grohl), Clyde Lawrence on keys (co-front person of the celebrated band, LAWRENCE), Leo P on sax (Beyoncé, Too Many Zoos, BBC Proms), and Görkem Sen on yaybahar (Turkish
composer/performer featured in Hans Zimmer and Max Richter film scores); and Canadian treasures: Angela Schwarzkopf on harp (2020 JUNO Award for Classical Album of the Year), Anh Phung on flute (Twisted Pine, Lydia Persaud, The Bombadils), and Saskia Tomkins (“All-Britain Champion Irish Fiddler", and the Celtic consultant on 'Come From Away') on nyckelharpa - a 14th-century Swedish instrument. Each new piece is tailor-made to compliment the sound and aesthetic of the guest artist. The album follows up on the success of Countermeasure’s last two albums: Guest Sessions (2020) which featured world-renowned musicians such as Randy Brecker, Evelyn Glennie, and Natalie MacMaster; and Orchestral Sessions (2024), recorded with the Burlington New Millennium Orchestra.
“This project is a love letter to my bandmates,” says Countermeasure Artistic Director, Aaron Jensen. “We’ve shared a lot over the past sixteen years of touring, performing, and recording together. Our music has acted as the soundtrack to our lives. We’ve performed at each other’s weddings, baby announcements, and family funerals. Our kids grew up being dragged around the world on tour with us. I composed these songs, inspired by our shared experiences. It’s a role I’ve been honoured to hold. Even in choosing our guest artists, I’ve been led by the passions of the group members. Kaki King inspired Daniel to pick up the guitar when he was a teen. Mama’s Gun by Erykah Badu (featuring Braylon Lacy on bass) was a formative CD for Qwyn. J-M brought Leo P and Clyde Lawrence to the table as two of his all-time favourite players. This album represents a snapshot of our lives. It’s a celebration of this great musical and social experiment that has been Countermeasure.”
Countermeasure is a 12-member Toronto-based vocal group who have performed to sold-out theatres across Canada, the U.S., Italy, Scotland, Japan, and the U.K. The group has recorded with award-winning artists including Ron Sexsmith, Alan Doyle, The Barenaked Ladies, and the Burlington New Millennium Orchestra; and has performed alongside the likes of Corey Hart, Alan Frew, The Swingle Singers, and Naturally 7. Countermeasure’s albums have been recognized with awards and nominations by the international CARA Awards (Best Album, Best Song), the John Lennon Songwriting Competition (Best Jazz Song), and the Independent Music Awards (Best A Cappella Song). Countermeasure’s original song “Takin’ it Home” was covered by the Jazzagals on the EMMY award-winning television series, Schitt’s Creek.
Countermeasure also provided the soundtrack for the short film “Long Road to Freedom” which has been featured at festivals across Canada.
Guest Sessions Vol II was made possible with support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council.