Melanie Hart

Media Release
CANADIAN SINGER/SONGWRITER COLLABORATES WITH POST-SOVIET MUSICIANS IN GEORGIA TO PRODUCE DEBUT ALBUM a new thing
www.melaniehart.com

August 8, 2006 - Summerland, BC – Ottawa-born singer/songwriter Melanie Hart has announced the release of her debut Contemporary/Gospel Album, A New Thing. This album marks many firsts for a Canadian artist as it was fully produced in the post-soviet world where no one on the project spoke English. It has a fully orchestrated sound, with each of the 12 original songs featuring a variety of arrangements and meaningful lyrics, woven together with a passion for its message.

Melanie is the first Canadian to produce a CD in Georgia, the first to collaborate with Georgian musicians and perform on stage in Georgia (The Batumi Opera House on the Black sea) and the first to test a market where Contemporary Christian/Gospel music had never been heard or played. Georgians have overwhelmingly welcomed Melanie’s music in their country and several cuts from her album are playing on Georgian airwaves - another Canadian first.

When commenting about Melanie’s songwriting, listeners have described her has as a “modern-day Psalmist” leaving listeners from all walks of life inspired. Her live performances have been described as “world-class, of a caliber that could be performed anywhere in the world.” (See web site for more listener feedback).

Melanie said, “The miracle of this CD is where and how it was recorded. The production and process of the CD itself is a great story.” Melanie spent the last year in a recording studio in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Black Sea country is where her husband works as an advisor to the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament. Melanie continued, “No one working on this project spoke English; the musicians, arranger and recording engineer only spoke Georgian and/or Russian. Melanie continued, “It had its moments of great frustration but everyone who worked on this project believed it was a great accomplishment as a great unofficial Georgian/Canadian collaboration. Hopefully, it will be the first of many as people around the world discover the talents of the Georgian people.”

Melanie returned to Canada recently for a taping of the Miracle Channel’s .wavefile show seen around the world and scheduled to air this fall as well as will be a guest on the program 100 Huntley Street in September.

Melanie is currently promoting A New Thing in Canada. Her concerts are free to attend and a free-will offering is taken, 100% goes into a fund that enables Melanie to bring this music of hope and inspiration to nations in the post-soviet union.

Melanie’s story, bio, music demos and more are available to view at www.melaniehart.org .

For Interviews and Concert Information: Jim or Melanie Hart (250) 801-4566
- Hart International Music Ministries

A cold day; a crackling fire; curling up in your favorite chair; and Melanie Hart’s strong, rich soprano surrounding you and soothing your heart. Yeah, it's just that easy. “I Can Fall” deftly takes the listener on the journey to seek and find God. The laughter of the little girl in “The Beauty of a Girl” delights you as Melanie prays for her daughter’s faith and future. The title song from her debut CD made me feel that God was singing His promises along with Melanie Hart as she declared her faith.“What You Desire,” “Abide,” “Praising My King,” and “To Live” all speak of what God requires of us and of our struggle and desire to remain connected. They’re more than that, though — the lavish music and vibrant vocals pour Melanie Hart's passion into the listener.The praise song “One More for Him” is an excellent lead-in to “Lullaby for a King.” This isn’t your standard Christmas carol. It blends the happiness of Christmas with the awe of Good Friday and the joy of Easter morning. The final cut, “I Know a River (For the Nations)” brings us out of ourselves and into the larger Body of Christ — His Bride praying for His world. It is an uplifting song that appropriately caps a powerful CD. - Alice Loweecey

feedback... Melanie's Even More (Than I Did Before) - "Nice lyrics and melody. Smooth vocals. Good arrangement. Very nicely done!" November 29, 2006
- Judge

“Melanie Hart’s project A New Thing has been a blessing to the Spiritco1.com family since being added to our play list, every song complements our vision of broadcasting ministry of excellence to the world.” Henry Harris, Owner, www.Spiritco1.com
- Henry Harris

Great album and what a wonderful voice. We have added I Can Fall, A New Thing, What You Desire, To Live, and I Know A River into our heavy rotation. Lullaby For A King is added into our Christmas selection. God Bless!"
Jon Bowlus, Program Diretor at WXML 90.1FM OHIO, USA
- WXML 90.1 FM OHIO

Beautiful voice. Has an Evie Tornquist sound. If you love Evie - you'll definitely love this wonderful presentation of songs of faith."
J Jolley, 3BBR FM, Drouin, AUSTRALIA
- 3BBR FM - Australia

Great Albulm. Full of inspiring songs and well written lyrics."
William Wilhelm Bedzrah, Sky Broadcasting Co. Ltd., GHANA
- GHANA Sky Broadcasting

Q: What was your impression when you first arrived in Georgia? Could you describe your emotions and the reality seen through your eyes at a first glance?

When I arrived in Georgia, I was looking forward to the adventure of living in a foreign country. I didn't know what to expect, but the first thing I noticed was the interesting driving habits and it continues to be entertaining for me. In Canada, people have the right of way when they cross the road, here you just need to stay out of the way! I found the architecture and the people to be very beautiful and I love the abundance of organic foods. I also love the way woman take pride in their appearance and watching people walk along the streets arm in arm. I arrived here during watermelon season where millions of watermelons lined the road ways and loaded down old trucks and Ladas. I have never gotten tired of driving around Tbilisi as there is always something interesting to see. Lately, I've been excited to see all the new businesses coming to Tbilisi, a positive step for the Georgian economy.

Q: Was the country the way you expected? What information did you have before arriving

Since my husband Jim arrived in Tbilisi before my daughter Madison and I did, we knew a little about the house we were coming to and the school that she was going to attend, but that is about it. The only other information I had was the morning my husband received his job opportunity, we searched the internet and found a website describing Georgia. We were delighted to see that it had a similar climate to the part of Canada we are from called the Okanagan Valley situated in the middle southern part of the most western province of Canada, beautiful British Columbia, where it is hot and dry, and has a fruit and wine industry.

Q: You are a composer and singer, how big is the inspiration for artist living in Georgia?

The inspiration behind my songs is the Bible, which I believe is God's Word to me, a resource that is relevant to every aspect of my daily life. Having said that, I believe God paved a way for I and my family to move here where Georgians would inspire me through culture and relationships. God has blessed this nation with a special gift of music. It all very naturally unfolded for me as I didn't come here to record or even pursue music in a professional way. When I arrived in Georgia 19 months ago, I could hardly remember how to play the piano and the 30 songs that I have written since coming here didn't exist. As I lived here, the story started to unfold. For example, I met a man who is now a friend and fellow musician and composer, Levan Shengelia, whom I deeply respect as he has had extensive experience and training (Hartford University, US). He was one of the key encouragers to me and when my recording started to take shape. I also met a wonderful musician and talented sound engineer, Temur Nikolaishvili (Rustaveli Theatre Studio), who challenged me to raise my standards on my recording project. He then introduced me to arranger Gia Matarashvili, who is one of the nicest Georgians I know. He has done an exceptional job in arranging my songs.

I think this recording is a miracle. The whole process of a foreigner coming to a country without even knowing why and then making a CD of this caliber is nothing short of a miracle. I don't speak Georgian and my musical style is different from traditional Georgian music, yet in spite of so-called culture and language barriers, the warmth and talent of the Georgian people enabled us to produce A New Thing! I believe modern day miracles are what God uses to prove Himself to those seeking Him. For me, the changes in my heart, my life, and the songs we've done are one of those miracles. Georgia has changed the course of my life.

Q: Could you speak of your career as a singer and composer in Georgia, what are your plans? How successful was your debut in Batumi while concert of composer Levan Shengelia?

Georgians have a beautiful tradition of giving flowers during a performance as a sign of respect and approval. The Batumi audience was warm and receptive. At the end of the first song, a man came up on stage and gave me beautiful flowers. I felt welcomed and honored to be there. Then, after my second song someone called out from the audience "We love you!" One can't get a better audience than that! Georgians are so hospitable; it is a beautiful Georgian trait. Batumi was a great experience.

As I go to Canada in the coming months and wherever else I end up singing and promoting my made-in-Georgia CD, I will be proud to talk about Georgia at every opportunity. The CD is a testimony to what Georgians can offer other musicians throughout the world. Georgia will always have a special place in my heart as it was the place God got a hold of me and showed me my purpose in life!

Q: what can you say about Georgian folk and modern music?

Anytime I have had the opportunity of experiencing Georgian culture, it amazed me. Whether you're at a "supra" (Georgian traditional meal) or a concert, the harmonies and strength with which Georgians sing moves the soul. I think I am a passionate person and I identify with the way Georgians deliver music in that way - from the heart! One of my other first impressions about moving here, was opening up the doors and windows on a warm summer night and hearing the families and friends having their parties and singing - it reminded me of when I was little and our family would get together with the guitars and sing in harmony. It seems to be a lost part of the culture in North America, just getting together and singing - people are too busy. May Georgians keep their tradition!

Q: Do you find any similarities between Canada and Georgia and Canadian people and Georgian people themselves?

When we remove the labels from people, whether it is the country you're from, your culture, or skin color, the similarity in our human condition is that we all have a deep desire to be loved, and to have purpose for our life. That's a philosophical answer, but it's true. So, in that respect, there is no difference that money or culture can make when it comes to the heart.

Q: Have you already visited other regions of Georgia beside Tbilisi? What was your impression?

Yes. Batumi (only when it rained, so far). Bakuriani - breathtakingly beautiful. Borjomi - loved the walk on the mountain path with my husband and daughter in the fresh air! Great spot. Guadauri - love it there! Just a couple of weeks ago my daughter and I went there and hiked up a little of the mountain with our dog, played tennis and just enjoyed being together. It was good for the soul! Before the Batumi concert, I spent some time in Kutaisi. The people were incredibly hospitable and the food was really good. I was treated like a princess (and I liked it!).

I haven't ventured outside of Tbilisi as much as would like, but that will change when I start doing more music and traveling this coming fall. Whenever I have gone, I always find it intriguing and beautiful. The mountains, the old churches and monasteries, the green hills dotted with sheep, winding (and bumpy) roads, the animals, the simple life in the villages...driving anywhere in Georgia is so fascinating.

Q: What do you think of political situation here? Do you feel safe and not agree with the perception abroad that Georgia is not a safe country?

As a wife of a former Member of Parliament (Canada), and as a woman who spent 10 years working for politicians as an assistant and advisor, I know enough not to comment about politics! What I will say is a word of encouragement. Georgia is blessed to have countries like the US and EU that are willing to come in and work alongside this government to make life better here for this generation and future generations. When I think of Georgians and politics, I am in awe - Georgians are resilient - they are survivors. Georgians should keep fighting for democracy and freedom by keeping your decision makers and leaders accountable and don't ever stop dreaming about a better life for Georgian families. Most of all, I would say that Georgians should not just talk about all that is wrong, but be proactive and prepared to be a part of a process of change.

As far as safety, that's a tricky question. Because of my love of Georgian people and my desire to see only the good in them, it is my experience that we can easily let our guard down. No matter how long I live here, I will always be a foreigner. I don't go anywhere without a driver (that I know). I used to be very independent in Canada. I owned a business, a car, and I love driving, so it has been an adjustment. Many of my friends freely go from taxi to taxi, but we have made the decision as a family that our safety is not worth a cheaper taxi ride in any old taxi.

There are times I feel quite limited compared to the freedom I enjoy in Canada. Two years in a row, I remember opening my kitchen door and smelling the fresh spring air early one morning and almost losing my breath as I realized that I couldn't just throw on my running shoes and take a run down the road like I used to do in my small community of Summerland! That has been difficult, but it's not the end of the world. In Georgia, I learned Tae Kwon Do and that I might have never done in Canada.

Q: What is your opinion about The Georgian Times?

I think The Georgian Times is an informative resource for the English speaking community to stay up to date about news, culture and events of interest in Georgia. Thanks for being there for us English readers!








- Georgia Times

Last week’s journey, though, started in Kutaisi, a city 3 hours west of Tbilisi. This ancient city of Georgia is where Levan and his band live and rehearse. I can see why; fresh air, beautiful mountainous surroundings and a slower pace from Tbilisi. Sonny, my young black American cocker spaniel, was my travel companion. He needed a break from the house, lack of fresh air and freedom. He was a hit and a great ice breaker for meeting new people around the city.

Georgians are truly gifted in the area of hospitality, but perhaps some of the most hospitable Georgians live in Kutaisi. I was treated like a “princess”, thanks to my new friend, Tamaz, Director of the office of the Speaker of Georgia, Nino Burjanadze. He made sure I got around “safely” and kept me well fed on Georgian dishes. Eating at a Georgian table filled with food is part of the way they show hospitality. Tamaz took me on a small tour of the area, including the 900 year old Gelati Monastery, founded, designed and built by King David the builder.

There are three dominant monasteries in Kutaisi, in a triangle formation on the mountain tops. Gelati Monastery, Bagrati, more than 1000 years old and another monastery I hope to walk to the next time I’m in the area, who’s name translates to “Believers” monastery.

Our night practice sessions were held in an old room that I don’t think my pictures even do justice to. We drew some crowds from local artists, curious police patrol and ambulance personnel who stood outside the door ways while we tested our songs out on our live audience. The room was small and filthy, with old and even smelly equipment (especially the mic). I mention that only because it never ceases to amaze me that in all the dirt and poverty and what we North Americans would call sub-standard and even unhealthy conditions, Georgians are not only resilient, but the music they make in spite of it all. What a lesson in itself. That’s what God does with us; He takes us in our filthy, wretched state, and makes something beautiful out of us. We just have to start playing!

Saturday morning it was off to Batumi. When we entered the city, there were several navy and cargo ships lining the road and many of the streets and buildings were being fixed up, reconstructed and you could see life – even industry – exists there. Batumi is sandwiched between the Turkish border and the Black Sea. It is a tourist destination, a place of interest for many investors around the world and a place of play and rest for many Georgians who venture here in the hot summer months.

As the last minute preparations were taking place just minutes before the concert started, it was delayed as we awaited the Georgian navy officers who were invited to fill up any empty seats in the Batumi Opera House/Dramatic Theatre and the show began.

To say Levan Shengelia and his band are talented would be a grave understatement. They thrilled the audience with the unique sounds and compositions of Levan’ compositions and musical style and he played and conducted very animatedly at the white grand piano on centre stage. His fingers just fly over the ivories.

Then, it was my turn. Out I came to applause from the audience. The music started, I let out the first line and the applause started again. How kind and hospitable of the audience to encourage me like that. Perhaps they were relieved! At the end of my title song, A New Thing, a Georgian man came up out of the audience, quite unexpectedly, with an armful of flowers for me. He kissed me and handed me my gift as the audience applauded even louder. I learned afterwards that this is a Georgian tradition if they like you, they will show you publicly with flowers during a concert. (I wonder what the tradition is if they didn’t like me! There would be plenty of fruit to choose from in this part of Georgia – oranges or lemons, perhaps?)

My second song was I Can Fall and I felt the audience’s silence and attention as I sang to the beautiful arrangement Levan and his band played for me. This time, my husband Jim and daughter Madison took up the Georgian tradition and came up on stage and kissed me and handed me a bouquet of flowers. I hesitated for a moment and then took a deep breath and said, in Georgian, this is my girl Madison and my husband Jim. They loved that! It is all apart of their culture to honor family, each other and the fact I spoke in Georgian sealed it. Phew!

The last song was the sassy, slightly dark, jazzy, blues song Abide. As I entered the stage, I put a crazy Canadian hat on Vato the cellist (who switched to the lead guitar for this song). I knew he’d wear it and I wanted to make a fun Canadian statement. This was also to the delight of the gracious audience. So far this song has proven to be an audience favourite and I was hoping for the same from this one. The band nailed it and it was great fun to sing. As I left the stage, a man yelled out “we love you!” as the audience applauded and cheered.

I don’t think it gets better than that! Thanks Georgia for accepting me and thanks to my family and friends for supporting this new thing in my life. God continues to bless and it’s a great place to be.


- Georgian Times

Melanie Hart, a wife of the former Canadian MP Jim Hart, will participate in the concert planned on April 15, 2006 in Batumi. She’ll have the debut of three songs arranged by a well-known Georgian musician, Levan Shengelia. Melanie plans to release her first CD in Georgia. Only after the Harts moved to Georgia, Melanie, having occupied in politics and public relations before, discovered her music talent.
“God is my PR guy! It’s true because I’ve not looked for anything. I didn’t look for Levan Shengelia, I didn’t look for the studio. This is all unfolding very naturally and I think that’s what beautiful about it because I used to be in politics and I used to be in public relations and I used to make phone calls and beg media to come out and listen to some person. I know that it’s something bigger than me which is God leading it. I want to keep it that way,” Melanie believed.
When she first came to Georgia she thought her purpose was just to support her husband. He was came here with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to work in Parliament because he was a Canadian member of Parliament and to share his experience and expertise and work with parliamentarians here.
With three and a half year old daughter she didn’t know what to do in a foreign country. Melanie knew she probably wouldn’t work here. But it was very important for her husband.
Melanie took piano lessons as a child and did songwriting when she was a teenager. But the older Melanie got, the less time she really had, she had her own business in government and public relations and marketing in Canada, and a young child. For almost two years Melanie just walked by her piano and didn’t touch it.
“I had to figure out how to live here first. One day I said good bye to my husband, he went to work and I said good bye to my daughter and she went to school and I turned around and there was a piano and I really had nothing to do but to play. So, my journey began in Georgia,” Melanie recollects.
The Harts Moved to Georgia in August 2004. Melanie wrote the first song on September 21. The first song she wrote was out of a painful experience and family problem she had left behind and she found she had more time to read the bible and to pray.
“As I did that, the songs started to come and so now, eighteen months later I’ve written almost thirty songs. None of the songs I sat down to tried to write, they were ideas from the experience of living in Georgia and having time to be away from all of the past stuff, running a business - all that was half a world away,” Mrs. Hart explained.
Melanie knew that her husband was going to come here to work in Georgia but what she didn’t know was that God had plans for her here. That’s how it started through the process of meeting people. Melanie started doing music in church.
“I lead music every Sunday at an English speaking interdenominational church where people like me, foreigners, can go and have church in English the way we understand it. So, because they needed somebody to do music every week, that made me sit down at the piano and it made read my bible and it made me develop my personal relationship with God. All of those experiences started to work together,” Melanie said.
The style of her music is contemporary Christian gospel style. In North America, this style of music is the most popular selling music.
“There are many Christian singers who sing everything from church gospel music to garage band. It’s not so much the music that makes it different, it’s the text of the music. There is a lot of music in this world I wouldn’t want my little girl to listen to. It seems to be getting worse, the bad language, it’s all about sex, I would like to offer A New Thing,” Mrs. Hart says.
That’s actually the title of her CD: A New Thing. The new thing is music that is positive, that families can all listen to, that talks about love and forgiveness, relationships and God and good things. So people can choose if they want to listen to one or the other.
As Melanie stated, her music experience so far has been wonderful because of Georgians. It has actually been that because of the Georgian people that she’s doing the CD. It started with two Georgian boys who play bass and drums at her church. Even though Melanie couldn’t communicate with them very well, she became friends with them. Even though they were a little younger than her and they had a completely different style of music, there was something that they liked about Melanie’s music.
“So, they said, let’s play together. It was them that led me to the studio. I was aiming for a recording that was going to be good for my family and friends but Temuri Nikolaishvili at the studio has pushed me to think of something that would be the very best. He has a very good ear for music and quality. I was very embarrassed to call myself a musician around Georgians because Georgians are all about music and anybody can sit down and play the piano. So, what’s the big deal about my piano playing?" Melanie tells the story to GBW.
As she later added, there’s something about the songs and the music that make people connect which is a really very interesting thing for anybody who loves music around the world to think that it’s not about only understanding the words and even the meaning of the song is projected in how you sing it.
Mrs. Hart told a story about her housekeeper wanting her husband to hear her music, “My housekeeper’s husband who speaks zero English, by the end of my song was crying and he didn’t know what the words were. I love Georgians, they are very warm people. That’s why I believe that there’s power in the music and how you deliver music and it message,” Mrs. Hart says.
Now Melanie’s finishing the CD. She has approximately eight songs getting finished and is going to put thirteen songs on the CD. Right now she’s finishing the website. There will be English, Russian and Georgian translations of the texts. People will be able to buy the songs and download them. Also the CD will be available to buy for anybody in the world.
“I want the CD to be available for Georgians no matter they have money or not. One thing that’s important for me for people is to understand that I’m not a musician making a CD to make a pile of money, I’m a musician making a CD because I believe in what I’m singing. The CD will be released in about two months. I’m going to take it to Canada and everywhere where there’s a door open for me to sing,” Mrs. Hart says.








- Georgian Times